The Cursed

Chapter Eleven

Lilura

Our footsteps snap the delicate twigs lying on the forest floor as we make our way through the woods. The trees' branches warp and seem to bow to us as we pass. With every step, a flurry of birds rush into the air startling me. The stars shine down, lighting out both. They paint stories of lovers and warriors in the inky sky. Our feet carry us to a clearing where a small pool lays. The water laps at shore gently, the sound clams me, reminding me of the sea. The inky sky bleeds onto the clear water, and the pale moon reflection rises and fall with the gentle laps of the water. I leave Everette behind me and sit at the shore, my toes dipping into the water. Every lap cools my feet and soon my breathes match the ebbing water. I begin to hum to the sound of the wind.

"Lilura, we must see the witch. She lives past the pond," Everette says to me, placing his hand on my shoulder. I start and look up into his eyes. They've been green for the past days, but clouds seem to cover his eyes.

"But I wish to stay by the water. The star's stories can be read from here."

"Yes dearest they can," and sweet voice says on the wind. It carries to me and wraps around me. I look around a catch a women walking towards us. Ram horns extend into the sky above her feather adorned hair. Beads hang from her ears and wrists, dripping like rainwater. Her dress is long, but slits revealing more leg than I could ever be comfortable with. She's younger than I had thought, I imagined an old lady hobbling to and from a cauldron bubbling over a fire.

"Madam Chaska, I require your assistance," Everette says, bowing his head. Chaska waves an airy hand, her beads drum together, echoing longer than they should.

"I know why you're here Everette. Follow me." Her voice fades as she walks into the trees. They bend towards her and the leaves begin to cover he from view. I quickly stand and follow her, like a moth drawn to a flame. Magic seems to seep out of her, it crawls like vines, wrapping around me and pulling me to follow her. My dress swishes begins me, the delicate fabric catches on branches. I hear Everette following me. Alan seems to have faded into the shadows at Chaska's appearance.

We walk along the stars for several minutes, the bushes grabbing at our clothes. My feet have been pricked by many rocks and twigs, and my bloody footprints mark our path.

"We are here," Chaska murmurs. I rush out from the trees to see a cottage. The windows are lit and smoke rolls out of the fireplace, looking like clouds that bring rain. Everette walks behind me and places a protective hand on my shoulder.

"My Captain—"

"Shh, Lilura. Don't call me Captain," nerves bubble in his voice. Is he nervous of the witch that will help him? Or my willingness to go with her?

"Stop muttering and follow me," Chaska barks. I jump then skip into her cottage after her. I glance over my shoulder into Everette's eyes. They grow dark trepidation. I giggle at him and turn to walk into the witch's cottage.

A fire crackles with a large cauldron hanging over it. A small table fills most of the room. The walls are lined with shelves cradling potions, elixirs, and ingredients.

"Please sit," Chaska purrs. I obey her and adjust my torn dress. She gathers a blue teacup and fills it to the brim. She places the cup in front of me. The steam swirl sinto the air, clearing my thoughts. I breathe in deeply, inhaling the scent of flowers and peppermint that rides on the steams. I close my eyes and hum before giggling and opening my eyes. Chaska looks into my eyes, hers are filled with curiosity, but are so dark. The iris is nearly black as her lips curl into a wicked smile. Unease settles in my stomach and I understand Everette's reaction.

"Tell me dearest what brings you here?"

"Everette needs help with something ," I murmur into my lap. My fingernails begin to dig into my palms.

"Really? Not a cursed-"

"Correct, I require your aid." Everette's sharp voices cuts that of Chaska's amused one. My head snaps up at his words. His eyes have grown darker almost matching Chaska's. But his hold the promise of better times, where as hers only promise what you want. Nothing more or less and at great cost. I gulp and quickly sip the tea. It's bitter and burns my throat as I swallow. The feeling of fire erupts over my skin, burning away all feeling. My chest feels as if a rock was placed upon it. I gasp, clutching my chest. I plead to Everette, but I am unable to speak. The words catch in my throat causing me to splutter. The world begins to spin, faster and faster. My head grows painful and dizziness fills me to the brim like the tea filled the teacup. I gasp as my vision fades to black.

"Everette," I croak before falling against my chair. My body stills as I fall into a peaceful sleep. My mind awakens, more aware of my surroundings. I float out of my body and watch Everette leap to his feet. He clutches my head and listens to my mouth for a breath. He must of found it because he turns to Chaska, fire in his eyes.

"What did you do?"

"I cured her," Chaska states. She turns and her dress billows. She grabs an old book from one of the shelves and opens it. Flicking through the worn pages, she finds the one she needs. She turns it so Everette can read the cursive words splattered onto the page. I lean over his shoulder attempting to see the words, but they disappear as soon as I am able to fully look at them. I huff and examine myself. My skin has gone paler, and the color in my lips is draining. My breath grows more shallow.

"How did you know?" Everette's voice comes out in a hoarse croak.

"Witches can tell many things. I knew she was cursed when she first came to me in my crystal ball. I healed her. That's what you needed wasn't it? For her to be cured, the curse lifted. I did just that. Her memories will return and she'll be quite ill for several days to come. Do not let her out of your sight in that time," Chaska commands Everette, snappibgvteh book shut. "Now leave me. I will expect payment my next full moon." She spins and stalks out of the room through a red door. Everette gawks at teh closed door. He stands as if carved in stone before shaking his head and running a hand through his hair. He turns to my body, scooping me up. I tilt my head watching us leave. I follow him, floating behind as if a ghost. Alan creeps from teh shadows, his eyes glowing in teh night.

"What did she do?" He growls. Everette glares.

"Chaska says she cured her. She drank down tea, and fainted. And she'll be ill for several days," Everette snaps. Alan looks down at me, concern etched in his eyes. They continue the walk back to teh pond and to the ship in silence. Only teh night breeze stirring teh leaves makes any sound.

We return to teh ship, and as the crew catches sight of me, whispers roll of their tongues liek honey dripping between them as they share theories. I see Everette scowl at every word and whisper. He quickly makes his way to my cabin, where he sets me down in my bed still fully clothed. He removes my headpiece and sets in on my vanity. Alan hovers bear teh door, growling at any mine who tries to peer in through the open door. Everette goes into the bathroom and returns with a wet cloth. He rubs it over my bloodied feet, cleaning the wounds. He finished and tucks the blankets around me before placing his lips on my forehead. I wish I could fill his kiss rather than just watch. He leaves and shuts the door behind him.

I hum and walk around my room once, twice, and a third time before I strip the clothes of my body and place a silk night gown on. I watch the steady rise and fall of my chest as I begin to dream. I feel myself begin to fade at my finger tips. They drag through the air returning to my body. My hair swirls around my face before it too returns. I slowly dissolve as my mind and body reconnect in my sleep.