The seer Chronicles

Chapter eighteen Secrets of Shadow glass fortress Opal's Pov

A few days had passed since Opal left Celestial City. She was staying in the inn, heading north, cutting through Wolfvain forest. She hadn't said a word to her friends; her link beeped with personal massages. She read through them, noticing one from Christos. "Hey Opal, hope you're okay. There have been sightings of your mother, Amanda. She has been making enquiries about magical essence," He warned.
"Thanks mate, be careful with the darkstone," Opal replied. She scrolled down the holographic screen. Seeing a massage from Esmeralda, Opal rolled her eyes. The girls had a history of bickering and ever since Esmeralda gained the earth's stone, her confidence soared. She even spent time with Ash, something she had never considered before. Opal opened the message, expecting a lecture.
"Opal, where did you go? Taylor is worried sick. Please call or message him, Where ever you are, I hope you're safe." Esmeralda messaged. Guilt stabbed at her heart like a sharp dagger. She sighed, "I can't Esme, please let him know I'm safe, but for reasons I cannot explain, I'm heading back to Shadow Glass Fortress, Opal replied, she paced hearing a downpour hit the roof of the inn,

Will 'o' wisps dance in the rain in coulors of green, orange and golden, lights guiding people from the Strom. Lightning flashed, illuminated the room, and Opal's pale hollow face. She hardly slept during the days she travelled.
The mare was safely inside the warm stables, something Opal was thankful for. "Why return to the dark witches Opal? What can they possibly offer you?" Esmeralda asked, Opal sighed. She wanted Esmeralda to understand. Her fingers began shaking, needing to be totally honest. I had no choice, Esme. You are my friend, but the dark witches are the only family I have. Opal grits her teeth. While waiting for Esmeraldas' reply, they always had opposing views. Being loyal to your family is important, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't think for yourself. Selena has manipulated people. Never let your guard down, my friend. Esmeralda sent.

Opal clenched her fists, feeling boiling passionate anger. They never saw the other side of Selina. "I'm sorry Esme, you do not understand. I cannot disobey the leaders of the dark witches, and I will not disobey the person I admire." Opal threw her link. The device clattered on the nightstand; Opal entered the bathroom. Washing her face under cold running water, her cheeks heated, turning bright pink.
She sighed, running her fingers through her tangled raven hair. She grabbed her link, typing on the holographic screen in a frenzy. "I made vows to Selina the night the dark witches took me in me, an eight-year-old homeless girl, they found on the streets stealing food from unsuspecting people."
She sighed, slumping down on the bed. Despite the burning coals warming the room, she clenched the folds of her black cloak with shaking hands underneath the blankets. She wet her dry lips, helping herself to water.

She watched in awe as the strong winds mercilessly whipped around, causing the tree branches to creak and groan in protest against the relentless force. The sound of their collision against the windows echoed through the room, filling it with a haunting melody. Through the rain-soaked glass, Opal's eyes fixated on the downpour, its intensity mirroring the storm within her heart. A gentle smile formed on her lips as she read Esmeralda's recent reply, finding solace in their connection amidst the chaos.
"So, you feel you owe them something? Not out of gratitude, but the need to replay the witches for basic human kindness? Opal, that's crazy. Esmeralda typed.
This is where our cultures differ. While the dark witches expect you to help them with the life they provided you, my pack takes care of the wolves who lose their parents without expecting something in return. Esmeralda explained.
Opal smiled, wishing she could change the situation. The dark witches expect others to meet their expectations, and they cast out those who fail, while rewarding those who succeed. They prioritize family and their end goal over things like friends or close relationships. But thank you my friend, goodnight.

Opal, her tear-filled blue eyes shimmering like the depths of the ocean, sat on the edge of her bed. The sound of rain pattering against the windowpane mingled with her quiet sobs. The celestial city's majestic towers, illuminated by intermittent flashes of lightning, cast eerie shadows in her room. As she buried her face in the soft pillow, she could smell the faint scent of petrichor, the earthy fragrance that filled the air after a storm. In her trembling hand, she clutched the topaz rune, its smooth surface providing a comforting touch. Amidst her confusion, Opal yearned to understand the inexplicable emotions she harboured for Selina, finding her ethereal beauty reminiscent of a dark mythical deity.