Chapter 6 - 6: Deep grudge
Witch's POV
The witch clan was known for their talent in self-manipulation. They could wield their own power and even fly with it. However, there was one thing they could never master — they had grown too comfortable relying on magic, and because of that, their physical strength had weakened over generations.
"Forgive me, Your Majesty. The Elf, Werewolf, Vampire, and Human clans are now forming an alliance — three of them have joined forces to fight against us."
Crash!
"What do you mean?" the king asked through gritted teeth, slamming his cup onto the table.
"They are currently training to prepare for battle against us," the messenger said, bowing his head low.
"They dare to do this to us… and now they plan to attack as well?" The king clenched both fists, struggling to contain his rage.
"Prepare our best warriors. We will stop them."
After issuing the order, his subordinate quickly withdrew.
"Am I so wrong to keep remembering you?"
The tall, broad-shouldered man lowered his head, fighting back tears.
"They were the ones who did this to you… so why can't they accept it?" he whispered softly. Then, he ordered his daughter to be summoned to his study.
"Call Luvina," he commanded. The servant bowed and hurried out to summon the princess.
"Your Majesty, Father!" the princess greeted, bowing her head.
"Sit down," the king said.
"You already know, don't you?"
The princess lifted her head, giving a crooked smile.
"Do you think I already know, Father?" she asked, clasping her hands together. Her eyes glowed a deep crimson. There was vengeance buried in her heart — and a loneliness so heavy it drove her to act.
"You've broken the promise of your ancestors."
"War is at our doorstep. Are you sure you can avenge your mother?"
Those words ignited her fury. Flames burst from her hands, sweeping through her father's study in an instant.
"Do you doubt me now, Father?"
"Can't you see who's behind my mother's death?" she shouted, her anger erupting. Yet deep down, the king could feel her pain as if it were his own.
"I will avenge those who did this to her."
"Forgive me, Father. I'll take my leave."
With that, the princess turned and walked away.
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Luvina's POV
I am the only daughter of King Xavier and Lady Aurora.
My father, a ruler of the witches. My mother, a noblewoman of power and grace. I inherited both their magic.
When I was young, I used my magic wisely and practiced every day to strengthen it.
But one day, my father, King Xavier, did something unworthy of a ruler. My mother took my hand, and together we fled from Genlu Palace.
I didn't understand why we had to leave — only that her voice trembled when she said we must go.
We wandered into a forest that felt alive with dread.
I didn't know where we were, and when I tried to cast my spells — none of them worked. Throughout the journey, I clung to my mother's waist, though I could feel her trembling too.
I was only four years old then, but my mind was sharper than most children.
No birds sang. No wind stirred. My instincts whispered that this was a forbidden forest — a place where we could not see them, yet they could see us.
The hoot of an owl echoed through the darkness. I swallowed hard. The deeper we went, the more lost we became. It felt as though the forest was twisting around us, warping time and thought.
"Mother, Luvi is scared," I whimpered.
"Be brave, my dear. We'll be out of here soon," she said gently.
I didn't understand why she insisted on entering a place like this. The witch archives spoke of a forest that no clan was ever allowed to step into — its reason never written, only warned against.
"Mother… isn't this the forest from that book?" I asked in a whisper.
She smiled faintly and stroked my hair.
"Don't worry. We're here to find the Black Rose."
Then, with a soft motion, she lifted me into her arms.
"If anything happens… follow the owl," she said.
I nodded slowly, and we continued our cautious steps through the fog.
The mist thickened. The sky darkened. A chill crept down my spine.
"Mother… I'm scared…" I murmured.
She set me down gently and pointed to a massive tree.
"Hide here. Eat this — it will mask your scent from anyone."
She slipped a small pill into my mouth, and I swallowed it despite my hesitation.
"If something happens to me, follow the owl. If you don't see it yet, stay hidden here."
I nodded again, watching as she disappeared deeper into the forest.
From behind the tree, I saw shadows moving — not just my mother's.
My eyes narrowed.
"Those look like… Humans? Elves? Vampires? Werewolves?"
I tried to be sure, but before I could focus, a loud howl pierced the silence. My tears spilled over instantly.
"Mother… Mother…" I cried softly, trying not to make a sound.
"What's happening?"
I didn't understand, but what I saw tore my heart apart.
I heard my mother chanting something, but I couldn't make out the words.
"Let's end this mess," one of them said coldly.
I stayed silent, trembling, as they cleared the area — and with it, my mother's lifeless body.
The owl never came.
Her last words echoed in my mind: If you don't see the owl, don't move.
So I stayed, frozen in the dark, afraid to breathe.
The light faded. The forest grew colder. My skin prickled with dread.
"Did Mother lie… about the owl?" I whispered.
Her body was gone.
Who had taken her?
I never saw anyone come close.
That memory has haunted me ever since.
Hatred grows from what we see and hear — from truths we wish we didn't know.
I still don't understand why my mother did what she did… but my father — he was worse.
Since childhood, I've refused to obey him. His rules were chains forged from his will alone.
"Why did you take a concubine, Father?" I once asked, glaring at him as the dark magic consumed his throne.
"She's not a witch!" he shouted.
I didn't understand.
"You've been blinded by her. Don't blame me if one day I turn cruel toward you."
With rage, I slammed the door and left his chamber.
I wanted to cry, but no tears came.
The maids looked at me with pity, but I pretended to be strong.
Mother was gone.
And I… had no one left to turn to.
I miss her so much.
End of Luvina's POV
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