The Devil's Cursed Witch

As Draven said, as soon as she reached the end of the hallway, she spotted the elegant elderly elf talking to Erlos.

The two elves were already expecting her approach after sensing the movements in the hallway.

"Elder! I thought I will miss seeing you today as well," Ember said while catching her breath.

Leeora offered her a smile. "My dear, relax. You found me so you can breathe calmly and then talk after. Shall we sit there?" She pointed towards the stone-carved sitting arrangement just a little away from the hallway.

Ember nodded while Erlos excused himself away. "You two go ahead first. I will get water for Miss."

After he left, the two sat down side by side on the stone couch. "Yesterday, when I came here, I was pleased to hear you went to attend the festival at Nimer. How was it for you?"

"It's a...nice experience." Ember merely laughed. "The White Tiger Clan invited me and His Majesty."

"Did you enjoy the festival?"

"I did. It was the first time I had attended a festival," she said and then asked, "How have you been, Elder?"

Leeora placed her hand on hers. "I should be the one to ask you about how you are doing."

"I am fine, Elder. I wish I could come to Ronan and visit you."

"I wish you could but..." Leeora sighed. "I will make sure to come visit you often."

"Thank you, Elder."

After a short pause, Leeora asked, "How is everything between you and His Majesty?"

Ember didn't know what exactly to say.

"Umm...everything is fine, I think."

Leeora noticed the confusion on her face. "Is there anything you want to tell me?"

Ember hesitated for a moment and then said, "Elder, I know that His Majesty marked me to just test if I can survive. Now I did pass the test, he has to take me as his mate. Am I being forced on him and he doesn't really want me? And again, tonight is the night of the full moon and if we complete the bond, it is just because he is forced by the effect of the bond, isn't it?"

Leeora felt puzzled for a moment as she didn't expect Ember to draw such a conclusion. "Why do you say so?"

"Umm..Someone said it and then I..."

"Instead of what someone said, what matters is what you feel about it."

"Well, that person doesn't seem to be wrong either. If he had not marked me and I had not survived and become his mate, he would not have even looked at me and even treated me this well. You know how he treated me before he marked me. It was as if he was disgusted by me. Now I wonder what he even thinks about me."

Leeora gave her an appreciating nod at what she said. "Why don't you ask him? He is your mate so I am sure he will answer."

"He doesn't even stay in front of me for long because my scent affects him. We can't even talk for long." Sadness was evident in her eyes.

"Hmm, that seems difficult."

"If he is just forced to accept me...."

Leeora shook her head, "I don't think that's the case. He is a straightforward person. If he wants to do something, no one can stop him and if he doesn't want to, no one can force him. He would never do anything against his will even if the heavens had to force him."

"Then....but he doesn't love me and...."

"Do you love him?" Leeora asked.

Ember had been asking the same question herself the past few days and she could not get the answer. "It's been hardly a month since I knew him and how can I...." she stopped.

"It's the same for him," Leeora commented.

Ember understood what Leeora meant and heard the older woman ask her. "What do you feel about him?"

Ember thought about it carefully, "I am thankful to him for everything he did for me. I am glad that he cares for me and takes care of everything I need."

"So you are grateful for what he did for you. Feeling of Gratitude! So you don't love him yet."

Ember blinked a few times, "How would I know if I love him? I don't know what exactly I should feel to think I love him."

"Not everyone falls for someone immediately. It takes time. Not every pair of mates is made just because they love each other. There are so many couples who first became mates and then had feelings for each other. You and Sire must be among such couples. Give him and yourself some time."

Ember nodded, "I understand."

"Ember, it's been hardly more than a month since you are here. I am proud to see you change into such a strong and thoughtful person. you, who had never seen the outside world and knew nothing, it's a great thing. I believe in you that you will make the right decision for him and yourself."

"I will try to. Thank you for praising me, Elder."

Leeora offered her gentle smile. After talking for a while, Leeora left while Ember walked in the hallway to go to Draven's study where she had come across him a while ago.

"I will answer His Majesty that I am ready to complete our bond."

When she reached in front of the study, Draven was not outside. She saw Erlos, "Can I meet His Majesty?"

"Miss, you can but Sire is not in the study."

"Then?"

"He has gone out with Mellion to inspect the border of human territory. It's the night of the full moon tonight and there are changes made at the border so His Majesty has gone there. I heard humans have created some trouble knowing beast men are not there to guard the border."

"When will he return?"

"Not sure, but I think it won't take time."

She nodded and left to return to her chamber.

In the evening, when her servants prepared her like the night before, Ember was conflicted over what to do. She couldn't meet Draven and so could not tell him her answer.

"Is His Majesty back in the palace?" Ember asked her servants.

"I heard there was an issue at the human border so His Majesty didn't return yet."

"Don't worry Miss. This night is special and no male can not stay away from his female. I am sure His majesty would be back soon and will come to you right away."

Preparing her, the two servants left while Ember stood by the window side where the sky would soon turn dark and those few rays of the sun brightening the sky would disappear soon. She sighed again and again.

'I could not answer him. He might think I am not ready so he won't come to me. It's best if I check once if he is back.'

With the thought, she stood up to leave.