The Devil's Cursed Witch

Outside the cottage, Evanthe approached Ember. "You shall return to the palace, Ember."

"What's wrong with him? Is it really because I harmed him?" Ember asked, her voice trembling with concern.

Evanthe shook her head. "No. He has his reasons. Do not worry."

"What reasons?" Ember pressed.

"He has just lost his mind after that incident. That's the reason," Evanthe answered, then turned to Erlos. "Take her back to the palace."

"Ember, please," Erlos requested gently.

With no other choice, Ember left with Erlos.

Aureus and Cornelia stepped out of the cottage as well.

Evanthe turned to Aureus. "You should stay by his side. Just keep in mind, do not accept any of his unreasonable requests."

"I won't," Aureus assured her and returned inside.

Evanthe looked at Cornelia. "You should go and rest as well. He will be fine with Aureus around."

"He understands everything, and he might try to do something he shouldn't," Cornelia said, her worry evident.

"I will take care of it. Sierra and I are already trying to find a way out."

Just then, Silvia arrived. "Your Eminence, there is an urgent council meeting. You have been asked to be present."

Evanthe was taken aback. "These elders, they can't wait anymore."

"Lord Aureus has also been asked to be present," Silvia added.

Evanthe looked at Sierra. "You have to stay by Morpheus' side while we attend the meeting."

"I will."

"I do not have to tell you to ignore any of his reckless demands."

"Rest assured," Sierra replied confidently.

-----

Ember returned to the palace. Draven was in his study, where he had agreed to Elders' demand for an immediate council meeting.

He was leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed, seemingly conflicted about the upcoming Council meeting, knowing what challenges lay ahead.

"Draven," Ember said as she entered the study.

Draven, who would usually sense her presence even before she appeared, was so distracted that he hadn't noticed her arrival. He opened his eyes and looked at her, wondering if she knew what was going to happen in the council meeting.

With teary eyes, she walked to the other side of the desk to reach him. Worried, he held her hand and made her sit on his lap. "What happened?"

"Morpheus is awake."

"Shouldn't you be happy then?"

She shook her head, "I am happy but…when he woke up, he asked me to leave. He didn't want to see me," tears continued to roll down her eyes, "Does he hate me for hurting him? Or is he disgusted to see the see my scary side?"

He wiped her tears away with his fingers, "His mind and body have gone through a great ordeal. He is like a newborn person now. It will take time for his mind to think properly."

"Has he forgotten about me then?"

"No. I am sure that's not the case. Just give him some time to get better, alright?"

She nodded and buried herself in Draven's embrace, mumbling against the crook of his neck, "I felt hurt when he acted as if he didn't know me and wanted me gone."

"It's alright," Draven tried to console her, guessing the reason behind Morpheus's behavior.

"Ember, there is a council meeting today about Morpheus," Draven informed her after a brief silence.

"What about it? Are you going to declare a punishment for him as well, just like you did for Thala, Zelda, Isa, and me?"

Draven shook his head. "I'm not sure yet. Let's first see why the elders have demanded this council meeting."

"Let me know what happens then."

"You are coming to the council meeting as well."

"Am I allowed? I'm not a Queen or even a council member and it's about Morph."

"You are involved in that incident, and you are allowed to attend because you are my mate."

"Alright, I will come with you."

Draven caressed her long hair softly. "At today's meeting, I want you to stay calm despite whatever the elders talk about."

She raised her head and looked at him. "Is anything unpleasant going to happen?"

He looked into her beautiful eyes. "Just know that you are free to make decisions for yourself, and no one can ever pressure you. You are my mate, and I will stand by your decision. Understood?"

"Yes," she nodded.

----

Ember went to her chamber to get ready for the council meeting. Her eyes were swollen from crying. Draven had just stepped out of his study when Evanthe arrived.

"Ready to face the harsh truth now?" Evanthe asked.

Draven ignored her question. "Weren't you going to find a different solution?"

"Do you think I'm some sort of creator of the universe and everything runs according to my will? Things take time while the elders are being impatient."

Draven couldn't deny it and asked, "What's wrong with Morpheus?"

"Just like you, he knows what's going to happen. Though he woke up now, he knows the rules better," Evanthe answered. "He took his stance by sending Ember away. What are you going to do?"

"Whatever Ember decides."

"What if her decision means leaving Morpheus to suffer? Will you let your friend sacrifice?" she asked.

"Just as you said, he took his stance, which means he knows what he's doing. I will leave it to both of them."

Evanthe chuckled as they headed to the council hall. "On one side you have your mate, and on the other side, your dear friend. You're in a pickle, Draven Aramis."

Draven frowned, seeing her taking jabs at his situation to which he had no answer. "On one side there is your husband, and on the other side, there is your soulmate and the father of your child. When the time comes, I will see what kind of a pickle you fall into."

"Even during stressful times, you don't forget to be bitter."

"And you don't forget to mock others."

"We're even."

Ember arrived in the hallway, waiting for Draven. He walked toward her while Evanthe sighed inwardly. 'Poor thing. I hope there is another way to solve everything.'