The Devil's Cursed Witch

475  Find Happiness With Your Mates

Ember was waiting for Evanthe to return, eager to receive updates about Morpheus. She stood by the window, anxiously scanning the sky as if expecting to spot Morpheus flying above. Soon, Evanthe entered the chamber.

"He's alright. You can relax," Evanthe said.

Ember turned to her, worry etched on her face. "What happened to him?" she asked, concerned. "Did something go wrong with the bonding process?"

Evanthe sighed inwardly. She can't feel anything, so she'll never fully understand what he's going through. Telling her would only make her feel guilty, especially now that things have finally settled for the three of them.

"His powers have increased significantly because of the bond. He's now as powerful as the Divine Golden Eagle—perhaps even more. But his body is too weak to handle that kind of power, so he can't use his abilities at the moment," Evanthe explained, truthfully.

"Oh, I was so worried something had gone wrong, that he might be harmed again," Ember said, still uneasy. "There's no threat to his life now, right?"

"He's safe now."

"And the torment from hell?" Ember asked.

"We'll know soon whether the bond with you has cured him or if he still suffers from it," Evanthe replied.

"And if he's not cured?" Ember pressed.

"Then we'll have to find another solution."

Ember nodded. "Can you take me to him if he's alright?"

"Not now."

"Why not?"

"He's your mate, and he wouldn't want you to see him in this weakened state. Males often want their mates to see them at their best. I hope you understand."

Ember hummed in response. "But how long will it take?"

"Once he is well, he'll come to you on his own," Evanthe assured her. "Now that your core is stable, why not use this time to see if you can control your powers?"

Ember agreed. Soon after, her teacher—the Fire Fae—arrived at the training grounds, a secluded place away from the palace, meant specifically for Ember's training. Evanthe personally escorted her there and decided to stay by her side.

Following the Fire Fae's instructions, Ember attempted to control her powers and found she could do so with ease. She created small flames that floated in the air effortlessly. When asked to burn something, she hesitated.

"Is it alright to burn the greenery here?" Ember asked. "It doesn't feel right to me."

Evanthe, who had been observing from the side, spoke up. "The nature of fire is to burn. That's its purpose. Whenever you wield fire, something must burn or the fire wouldn't exist. Fire survives by consuming something. Even these small flames you've created in the air—though harmless—are surviving by burning the air around them. No air, no fire. Do you understand?"

Ember nodded, though she still felt reluctant to use her fire on the surrounding greenery.

"Ember, you are fire itself," Evanthe said gently. "Tell me honestly, do you feel guilty when you wield it?"

Ember shook her head. "I... I feel good when I use it. I feel powerful."

"That's your nature, and you can't go against it. Don't hesitate—follow your teacher's instructions," Evanthe encouraged her. "The wood elves will come and regrow everything you burn."

Relieved by this, Ember finally used her fire as instructed. Her teacher reminded her, "It must not go beyond the marked area. Only burn what you are told. This is to test if you truly control your powers."

Ember nodded and succeeded, making her feel incredibly happy. She could sense the complete control she now had over the fire, and she knew it was thanks to the bond she had with Draven and Morpheus, which had stabilized her core. They had become her strength.

"Good job, Ember," Evanthe praised, and they continued the training.

After a while, the Fire Fae spoke. "Lady Ember, there's no need for further training. I can assure you that you have full control now."

Ember smiled, overwhelmed with happiness. All this time, she had feared she might harm someone, but now she could live without that fear—she wouldn't lose control.

Draven appeared, having watched her from afar. When Ember noticed him, she hurried over to him.

"Draven, did you see? Now I'm no longer a threat to anyone. Everyone can live safely around me," she said excitedly.

Draven was happy for Ember, but a part of him felt sad knowing that she had been seeing herself as a threat to others. He hugged her gently and said, "You were never a threat to anyone. Those were just some unfortunate moments. Everything will be alright now."

He let go of her, his gaze reassuring her that he meant every word.

"Ember, did you feel anything else while using the fire?" Evanthe asked.

Ember looked at her, surprised by the question. She hesitated before answering.

"You can tell us. There's no need to hide anything," Evanthe encouraged.

Ember sighed inwardly. "Though I could control the fire, I feel incomplete, and it makes me sad. I tried not to dwell on it, but the feeling of something missing is overwhelming. I don't know how to explain it fully, but it's like a sadness that won't go away, as if I'll never be truly happy until it's gone. It's... depressing."

Evanthe hummed thoughtfully. "It's because you still lack the hellfire. Without it, your soul—your core—will always feel incomplete. We'll work on getting it back to you soon. But until then, you must hold on and manage your emotions. You have two mates—find your happiness with them."

Ember nodded, though her heart still felt heavy.

Draven took Ember back to the palace, and they shared their afternoon meal together, but Ember remained quiet. Sensing her mood, Draven decided to spend more time with her and suggested a walk by the riverside behind the palace.

"What's on your mind?" he asked as they walked, holding her hand in his.

"Morph. He wasn't well this morning, and Evanthe took him away. Even though she said he's fine now, I can't help but worry," Ember replied softly.

Draven wasn't surprised to hear this and hummed in response.

"I want to see him, but Evanthe said he needs time," Ember added, her tone tinged with sadness. "We're mates now, so why wouldn't he want me near him when he's unwell? Evanthe can be with him, so why can't I? Shouldn't I be the one taking care of him?"

Draven glanced at her thoughtfully. "Are you jealous that another woman is closer to your mate than you are?"

Ember was taken aback. "I... I didn't mean it that way."

He chuckled. "It's alright to feel jealous and possessive toward your mate."

"Even though the bond between Morph and me isn't quite like ours, he's still my mate. Shouldn't I treat him like family now?" Ember asked earnestly.

"He is family," Draven confirmed.

"Then shouldn't I take care of him? Treat him well so he doesn't feel ignored or lonely? We could bring him into our family. He could stay with us," Ember suggested.

Draven smiled. "That's a wise thought."

Ember hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Are you sure you don't mind? Maybe... just a little jealous?"

Draven shook his head. "He's bonded with you, and since you're my mate, that means he's connected to me too, in a way. My instincts are starting to accept him. It'll take time, but I will eventually accept him by your side."

"That's good to hear," Ember said, sounding relieved. "He has no one but Aureus. We can be his family."

Draven hummed in agreement.