The Devil's Cursed Witch

By sundown, Morpheus stirred in his sleep. Aureus, still by his side, hurried from the small window where he had been standing, lost in his won thoughts.

"Uncle."

Morpheus opened his eyes and looked at the young eagle. "Aureus."

Aureus sat at the edge of the bed. "How are you feeling?"

"I am fine," Morpheus looked around the chamber. Not finding anyone else there, he simply looked at his hand. "Was she here again?"

Knowing who Morpheus was asking about, Aureus nodded.

"Did she see me like that?" Morpheus asked.

"Yes, but it was her presence that brought you relief from that torture," Aureus added.

Morpheus let out a weak and helpless sigh, closing his eyes for a moment.

Aureus wanted to say something. "Uncle…."

"Aureus, will you do something for me?"

Aureus didn't have a good feeling about it but still agreed, "Yes…Uncle…"

Morpheus opened his eyes, the helplessness and pleading evident in his voice. "Can you take me away from here?"

Tears threatened to spill from Aureus' eyes, barely held back by sheer willpower. He had never felt so weak and helpless before, not since that one night when he lost his mother and was left alone in the forest. Was he about to lose his only family once more?

"You can't leave from here, Uncle. It would weaken your body even more if you stay out of the spiritual confinement of the healing chamber."

"It doesn't matter as long as you can take me away from here," Morpheus insisted, his voice pleading. "It's my request."

Aureus gave in to his uncle's pleading. "Where do you want me to take you?"

"First, take me to the mountain cave. I can't stay here," Morpheus replied. "Once I feel a little better, take me out of this kingdom."

"You will…."

"I know. I don't mind dying, but I don't want her to see me dying again. She would be hurt again and blame herself for it."

Tears welled up in Aureus' eyes, his voice heavy with emotion. "I…don't want you to die…"

"Didn't I die before and you had already accepted it?" Morpheus asked gently. "Think of it as a little more time you get to spend with me before I finally die. Isn't this better as well?"

"You will die, but your soul… You will be dragged to the underworld…"

"I knew the consequences of changing destiny, and I still did it. That means I was ready for it," Morpheus added, his voice calm. "Trust me, as bad as it looks on the surface when I am in pain, it doesn't hurt that much. It's bearable."

Aureus could see how his uncle was putting on a brave front, but he knew it wasn't bearable at all. His strong uncle wouldn't be screaming in pain for no reason. Morpheus loved Ember so much that he preferred to die instead of being a burden to her.

"There was a council meeting today," Aureus informed, giving one last attempt to stop his uncle.

"Already?" Morpheus asked in surprise, a crease forming between his brows. "Those old hags couldn't wait even a day more?"

"I do not think they did anything out of line," Aureus replied, showing his stance.

"It's not about you or them; it's about her," Morpheus replied. "Did they tell her to do something?"

"Yes. They did, and now everyone knows the only way to protect you," Aureus said.

It only angered Morpheus. "Did they ask me if I even want to be protected? I have a right to decide what I want to do with my life." Morpheus's anger rose even in his weak state. "These damn council meetings and those members. I never liked them." He inhaled deeply to calm himself, needing to save his energy. "Did they pressurised and guilt trap her?"

"They just stated the facts…."

"Facts," Morpheus scoffed. "I know how their brains work. In the end, they will make her do what they want."

"You love her. Don't you want her to be your mate?" Aureus asked. "You will be saved and can live with her."

There was silence in the chamber for a while before Morpheus responded, "What would you do if it were you and Seren, instead of me and Ember?"

Aureus fell silent, unable to find the words.

"You got your answer now?" Morpheus commented. "Help me get up."

Without any further questions, Aureus helped Morpheus sit up.

"Tomorrow, Ember has to declare her decision," Aureus added.

"I know what her decision will be after everyone did their best to guilt trap her. That's why we need to leave," Morpheus said, putting his hand around Aureus' shoulder for support as he struggled to stand.

"I don't think running away is right," Aureus replied. "She would be even more worried, and once you're gone, everyone would only blame her for not making the decision earlier."

"First, take me out of here. We'll think about the rest later," Morpheus spoke with great difficulty. Simply standing on his own feet was taxing, but he gathered his strength and walked out of the door with Aureus's help.

Before they could take another step, they were confronted by Cornelia, who stood there with a displeased glare.

Morpheus cursed under his breath for his bad luck while Aureus looked at her, feeling as if he had committed a grave crime.

Cornelia fixed her gaze on the golden eagle. "Lord Aureus, the Commander might have lost his mind, but I suppose you are still sane enough to understand what you should not do."

"Do not blame him. He denied my requests, but I was persistent," Morpheus spoke, standing with the support of Aureus. "Whether you like it or not, I am leaving."

"Commander, this is the Witch Clan's territory, and I am not obligated to follow your orders. It's quite the opposite. You have to follow the orders of the Witch Clan," Cornelia said, her tone anything but calm. She was ready to do anything to stop this stubborn eagle.

He sneered, "And who is going to order me, a young witch like you?"

"Yes, and you have to follow it," Cornelia replied firmly.

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