"Oh, I noticed her too. I don't know her, honestly, and I didn't feel like going near, she's been staying... out of reach."
I'm pretty sure Ravena knows more than she lets on about the other witch, but this is the least of the things I'm curious about right now. I step closer and to my surprise, she retreats, her smile fading a little. So I was right, she is cautious of me, more than before. She knows I'm no longer a child she can play around with. I haven't shown my flames yet, but she can probably tell... That's a good thing for me. She probably won't risk attacking, especially when I have a werewolf with me, but I could very likely handle her by myself. Even last time, she wasn't too keen on the idea of fighting directly... She's wary of me.
The one thing I'm worried about, though, is that the other witch is coming closer. Maybe that's also why Ravena is getting more tense, but the Fire Witch is in the area and, from the way I can feel her, getting closer.
"I still have some questions for you," I explain, hoping it won't be too long before I get my answers.
"Oh? Let me hear them."
"What do you know about the curse?"
Her smile falters for a second. She definitely knows... She knows something about it. She clears her throat, and regains her composure quickly.
"I wonder. What curse are you talking about?"
"You know exactly which one," I growl. "The curse that affects witches and their descendants. You even mentioned it, actually, didn't you? You said witches and wolves used to work together, but witches were now used to getting betrayed by werewolves."
Her eyes quickly go to Liam, who's begun growling softly behind me.
"I also mentioned I hate wolves. Did you have to bring that one? No... Oh, so my former hunch was actually right on the spot, was it? You're not just a witch..."
"I'm also a werewolf," I nod.
"Oh... You're even more interesting than I thought. Do I take it that you will not be claiming Silver City, then?"
"I am."
"You can't own a city dominated by werewolves, young lady."
"Why not? I am a werewolf too."
"Until they only remember you're a witch, and turn their backs on you. Trust me, this isn't just some old hag's saying. Do you have any idea how many times witches have been betrayed by werewolves?"
"Enough to make that curse stronger and stronger over the years," I growl. "I know. However, things are different for me. I am a werewolf and his fated mate. He cannot betray me now."
Ravena rolls her eyes.
"Lucky you, darling. However, what of our sisters and mothers? You're one exception, for sure. Still, it doesn't mean we should all be jumping and cheering for werewolves. Do you know why girls like you grow up without a mother to guide them? You should know Silver City's story by now, surely?"
"So you knew about Nephera..."
"Of course I knew. You have to do your homework before you take on a city like this. However, Nephera–"
"She was my mother."
She leaves her mouth open, staring at me, dumbfounded.
"I'm surprised you didn't know," I chuckle. "The other witch is the one who had done her homework the best then. Mara was the name Nephera's stillborn child was given. I have her soul in me."
"You're... a Cursed One?"
"Yes. I am a Cursed One. An unborn girl's soul in a Cursed One's body. Mara wasn't born, but her soul wandered until it found a cursed girl and together, they fought off the curse, and I was born. So now, I want to know about this curse I was born upon, which attacked me no more than two days ago."
This time, Ravena is done smiling. She just stares at me, looking upset. I guess witches really can't stand Cursed Ones... even when they know the tragedy behind their birth. A patchwork of souls, and moreover, I am part werewolf too. I guess there is nothing a regular witch should like about this.
"I wondered why you were so powerful already... You foolish girl," she growls. "That curse is just going to wait until it consumes you slowly, like all the others!"
"No," I growl back. "I fought it once. It took over my body, but thanks to my werewolf side, I managed to fight it off! I–"
