Chapter 3
Alexa Ragnarrson pulled the thick hood of her red cloak over her shimmering white hair and lowered her gaze to the dusty ground, hoping to hide herself. But it was no use. Just one brief glance from the townsfolk was enough to reveal her identity.
Alexa bit her lower lip, trying to ignore the sting she felt when she saw an older Fae mother. The woman motioned to her three young children, two boys and a girl, who were playing at the side of the street, to quickly hide inside their quaint home.
Alexa heard the mother say, staring at her with disgust, "The witch has arrived." Their voices trembled as they whispered the word 'witch,' as if even saying the name of her kind was a bad omen.
"Now!" the mother ordered, closing the door behind her with a loud thud.
It was a sunny summer day, nearing noon. Hiding under the thick fabric of her cloak was a hassle as she was sweating profusely, primarily due to anxiety.
But Alexa had to proceed. This was the only way she could walk freely in the town without frightening everyone, both old and young.
The crowded road, filled with numerous creatures, parted as she passed through cautiously. The noise dropped, turning into sharp, ringing murmurs.
"The witch," one of them mumbled to another. "The wicked one is here again."
Soon, the whispers spread like wildfire in every corner of the street. But Alexa tried her best to ignore them. She had already heard everything they had to say. She had already heard all the curses and names a million times. She was numb to it all. Or was she?
One onlooker wondered, "Why does the King let her stay here with us? And how can she roam so freely?"
"She should've been expelled a long time ago before she kills us with Dark Sorcery," another added.
"I wonder what the King is thinking, bringing a threat into our Kingdom."
"We must save the children. The witch is nearby. The Cursed One is here!"
As if being a Witch in the continent of Etherealis, the Land of Faes, wasn't bad enough, Alexa also had to live as peacefully as she could with the fact that everyone was afraid of her. It wasn't just because she was a wielder of magic but also because she was cursed.
"They say the Monster is hiding on her back."
"Not really. According to the servants in Lancaster Castle, it's inside her stomach."
"So does that explain why she's always hungry? Is she really feeding that Monster? Or is it just because she's a witch, greedy for everything—food, power, glory, you name it."
"But then, I heard from Waymar's wife that she saw it on the witch's legs. She said it looked like grotesque ghouls, and who knows what else. I would never want to see it, much less be near her."
"Shh. She might hear us."
"As she should."
Alexa was desperate to halt her walk and tell all the countless pairs of cautious eyes that her Sinister was not a monster. And most of all, it was not attached to any part of her body. It was not even a parasite.
But she sighed to calm herself, stopping herself. What would she say? That Sinister was more of a spirit inhabiting inside her? All it actually did was make her hungry and nothing more?
Alexa did not think anyone would bother to understand. She did not think anyone would believe her anyway. They had already decided on their own, and she respected herself too much to be hated for all the wrong reasons.
"It's okay, Alexa, you're at Fortunalia. You're safe within your cousin's Kingdom. No one would dare hurt you here. All they can do is look from afar and nothing else. No one wants to face Ludwig's destructive wrath."
Alexa tried to comfort and assure herself. One would probably think that by now, after living in the Fire Fae Kingdom for almost thirteen years, she would finally feel at home and belong.
But that wasn't really the case. As the years passed, the whispers turned to murmurs and became almost audible even from a distance. Whenever Alexa went out of Lancaster Castle to run errands or attend to important matters, they would gawk at her like she was a jigsaw puzzle that did not fit together.
There was truth in that. She never belonged here. If only she could finally leave and live in Kaleidos, the land of the Witches, she would finally fit.
Alexa would no longer be the odd one. She could roam anytime and anywhere, her white hair blinding everyone in sight. But as much as she wanted to, she could not. Now that the war was fast approaching.
Amelia was coming soon, and this time, she desired to end their family. So Alexa needed to aid her cousins in every way she could. It was the least she could do for them after they took her in and embraced her without judgment, but with pure love and respect.
It was honestly tiring, but Alexa knew she didn't have any other options. That was just how everyone thought of her, and she could no longer change it no matter how lonely it felt to be isolated and despised.
This heavy feeling was actually the reason she went out of her way in the middle of the day to travel to the nearby town.
Alexa soon rounded a corner, avoiding the chaotic crowd. After a few more turns, she glimpsed the large orphanage standing at the edge of town.
The ancient stone walls greeted her. With both weary hands, she pushed the rusty gate open, and the children who were playing in the expansive field stopped in their tracks.
It was Alexa’s first time there, and she froze when she saw the children's unblinking stares. She knew how to handle those who criticized her because of her race, but these were just rude beings. This was different. She didn't know how to face the children's curious and innocent gazes.
She whispered, closing her eyes firmly, “Relax, Alexa. You're just overreacting. These kids know better. They won't…”
“Witch!”
Alexa's eyes flickered open when a chorus of shrieks pierced her ears. It happened so quickly that by the time she realized the brewing chaos, most of the children were already aiming small fires at her.
One of the fires caught the hem of her cloak. The raging flame crawled up her garments eagerly, and she issued screeching shouts. Surprised, she immediately undressed the burning cloak, revealing an elegant dress underneath.
The children soon gathered around her sweating figure, trapping her inside a circle of fire on the ground.
“You can't fool us. We'll fight!” A small freckled boy poked her stomach rudely with a wooden stick.
“You won't cook us in that big cauldron of yours,” added a toothless girl who didn't dare to go near her but just shouted with all her lungs.
Alexa's forest-green eyes widened. These kids looked like they were around five or six, but the way they threw fireballs at her with the intent to harm without hesitation made her think they weren't ordinary children.
“Cauldron?” Alexa managed to say to no one in particular. “Wait. What are you saying? I am not…”
An older boy shouted, “Don't listen to her. Cover your ears. She might use her spells and turn us into wild boars!” He was covered in mud, and his yell made Alexa wince.
Soon, an authoritative voice erupted from behind. “What's happening here? How many times have I told you, especially you, Yohan, that no one must use their powers against anyone?” Yohan's throat clearing was audible nearby. “Do you remember last week when the restroom was burned? We're all doomed if Elder Sol learns you kids are playing with fire again. May I remind you all that we're just staying here, so you must at least be considerate and grateful not to burn down our home…”
A petite woman wearing an oversized flowery dress waved a long broomstick over the kids. Her blazing orange hair elegantly framed her small face. She grimaced as she surveyed the area—the swings’ chains had melted, and the nearby wooden seesaw was blackened.
Once she glanced toward Alexa, the kids immediately ran back to their respective quarters, and the little fires scattered around were snuffed out by a sudden gust of wind.
Alexa breathed a sigh of relief.
“Oh, Alexa, you're here! I thought you were visiting next week. What brings you here early?”
Riley embraced Alexa as she approached. It was so swift and lovely that Alexa almost stumbled.
“I didn't have much to do in the castle, so I decided to come and visit,” Alexa said as they withdrew.
Riley narrowed her eyes and glanced at the broken slide. “I heard from the town that the Ministers were at Lancaster Castle this morning. I thought all the Royals would be busy entertaining them. I mean, you are a Lady of the Court. I thought you were also present at the meeting.”
Alexa tried to conceal her disappointment, but she was never good at it, and her low voice revealed it. “Honestly, Riley, my position as a Lady of the Court is more of a heritage title than a true responsibility. The Ministers of Etherealis don't trust me to make or decide any plans regarding the Kingdom's policies.”
Riley heaved a breath and scratched her forehead. “Is it because you're a witch?” she whispered, but Alexa heard the implication.
Alexa wanted to say no. She wanted to believe that wasn't the main reason the Ministers hated her. But no matter how much she tried to argue, she couldn't think of any other reason.
Alexa murmured in response, “For years, I've tried to voice my detailed opinions about different matters concerning the Kingdom. But every time, they ignored me. Until one day, I just got tired and stopped attending the meetings, letting my cousins handle what was necessary.”
Riley laughed. “Well, I don't think you have to worry about it that much. Besides, ditching royal meetings sounds so badass.”
Alexa’s lips curved into a wide smile. That was what she loved most about Riley—she made sad things funny, but not in a rude way.
Riley suddenly furrowed her brow. “What happened to your cloak?” She pointed at the burned red cloak lying helplessly on the ground, examining it with narrowed eyes.
“It…” Alexa hesitated, unsure if she should tell Riley about how the kids almost roasted her alive. “Just caught on fire,” she continued dismissively.
“Augustus!” Riley’s throaty voice seemed to shake the whole orphanage with that call. Soon, the youngest boy, who had poked Alexa with a wooden stick earlier, emerged with his eyes lowered.
Alexa realized she didn’t need to explain. Riley already knew all too well about the kids’ behavior. Soon, the children swarmed the clearing, and Riley scolded each of them. Alexa stood watching in a corner, trying not to laugh.
“But we were just playing. You said we must be creative. You said our powers come from here.” Augustus pointed an index finger to his temple. “So we must expand our thoughts. That’s what we were doing.” He nodded, full of himself, and the others soon followed suit.
“But I never told you to frighten visitors,” Riley said, her voice ringing in everyone’s ears. “You’re already on your third strike this week. If this happens again, none of you will ever get a chance to leave here and find parents who will love you unconditionally. Do you want that? Do you want to be alone forever? Answer me.”
The kids, with tears streaking their innocent faces, shook their heads almost in unison.
“There, it’s settled then,” Riley said. “Never do such a thing again, understood?”
They nodded quickly, wiping tears from their eyes. Still, Alexa could see insincerity in some of their eyes. Those were the troublemakers.
Riley put her hands on her hips. “Now, apologize to Lady Alexa. And promise.”
The kids faced her, their little heads hung low. They mumbled, “We’re sorry, Lady Alexa. We promise we won’t do it again.”
“Louder!” Riley pressed from behind them. “It seems your farts are louder than your mouths.”
The kids clasped their small hands. “Sorry, Lady Alexa…”
It was clear the kids were afraid of their Head Guardian, Riley. Even though she was small, she was feisty. They respected her too, it seemed.
Alexa wished she could be like her. Brave. The truth was, as her hair suggested, Riley was a witch too, just like Alexa. But unlike Alexa, Riley didn’t hide her roots. She wore her distinct orange hair like a badge of honor.
After the kids apologized and promised, Alexa asked Riley to let them play. If not, they might end up listening to Riley’s relentless scolding all night.
Riley guided Alexa toward the lush backyard behind the orphanage.
“I’m really sorry, Alexa. The kids are just like that. It might be because of what happened to them and their parents, you know. Yesterday, they scared an old woman, and it was actually Elder Sol’s sister. So we were all scolded and warned. By the way, did they hurt you?”
Alexa shook her head firmly. It was a relief she wasn’t the only one the kids had attacked. Somehow, it comforted her a little. Besides, fire never bothered her anyway. Whether she wanted it or not, Fire Fae blood ran through her veins. Although she didn’t inherit the skill to wield it at will.
“Have you read the book?” Alexa asked out of nowhere as they sat on a carved stone.
Riley nodded. “I’m actually done with it,” she said. “Though I couldn’t understand it much.”
“What part confuses you?”
“That Hand Sphere.” Riley made vague hand gestures to illustrate.
“And what don’t you understand about it?”
“Well,” said Riley. “According to the book’s first edition of Witchcraft, the Magical Sphere will emerge from the wrist. It will glow, and the Mark will appear. But… why can’t I see it?”
“Like this?”
Alexa closed her eyes and sealed her lips, focusing her mind to communicate with her pets left at Lancaster Castle.
She commanded her black cat, Void, to stop scratching her brown bedsheets with her sharp claws, shredding them like paper as she always did when Alexa wasn’t looking.
By using her innate magic, Alexa released a dusting of Magic Essence, causing the Magic Sphere to glow on her wrist like a tattooed bracelet.
Riley gasped as her eyes caught the white throbbing energy encircling Alexa’s wrist. It formed a circle with random lines, resembling the constellations. It was very translucent, like sunrays, barely visible from afar.
Alexa opened her eyes. “You see the color? It changes according to how difficult the spell you’re performing is. It intensifies as the spell requires more Essence. The brighter the color, the more visible it becomes. If the spell is easy, the Magical Sphere won’t appear at all. There are also a few difficult spells where the Magical Sphere still won’t appear.”
“And what are those?” asked Riley, still enchanted. “They weren't written in the book.”
Alexa smiled shyly. “I honestly don’t know, Riley. No one has taught me. I only know what the books state. But as far as I recall, there are five types of magic that will evoke the Magical Sphere. I don't know the other four, but I do know the last one is Dark Sorcery.”
Alexa’s final words were almost inaudible. It was bad enough that they were witches. It would be trouble if someone heard them uttering such a frightening term.
“Anything else you don’t understand?” Alexa quickly changed the subject when she saw Riley was about to ask more about Dark Sorcery. There would never be a right time to talk about it further.
Thankfully, Riley had a lot of questions. “The process,” she said. “The book is well written, but whenever I try a spell, I can’t do it well or at all.”
This was the primary reason Alexa came all the way from her sanctuary. Riley was the only witch in town, and she was barely fifteen. She had no one else to ask how to use her abilities well.
Alexa felt the same—alone and clueless. She remembered how hard it was to learn the intricacies of magic on her own. The bruises, explosions, and other sinister events.
It was a good thing her cousins were supportive. They never scolded her, no matter how many rooms she destroyed while perfecting her teleportation spell.
She didn’t want Riley to feel that way, so she volunteered to help, even though her own knowledge was limited.
“So what type are you?” Alexa began, conjuring a magical carpet underneath them. It seemed the talk would take a long time.
Riley blinked at the sudden comfort. “Type of what?”
“What type of witch are you?” Alexa asked patiently.
Riley just stared into Alexa’s forest-green eyes as if they held the secrets of the universe.
Alexa looked away and sighed. “I see, you know nothing.”
Riley nodded, her cheeks blushing.
“It will be difficult for us to train if you don’t know what type of witch you are…”
“What should I do then?” Riley asked, both anxious and thrilled.
“Do you know the Golden Rule of Witchcraft?”
Riley thought for a moment. “You must pay with the equivalent proportion of what is owed.” She smiled, proud of her answer.
“That’s correct,” said Alexa. “When we borrow the Essence, we…”
“Pay.”
Alexa raised an eyebrow. “With?”
Riley pouted and scratched her head. “Time?”
Alexa’s laughter echoed around the nearby wilderness. “When we borrow Essence, which is the cost of creating spells, we pay. But every witch pays differently, Riley. That’s why there are different types of witches: the Spell Casters, the Blood Witches, the Blood Warlocks, the Wizards, and the Enchanted.”
Riley took out a small notebook from her pocket and scribbled down each of Alexa’s words earnestly.
“The Spell Casters pay using their own Life Energy. The more they use magic, the weaker they get, until they recharge by eating and resting. The Blood Witches pay using sacrifices, such as blood. Ordinary spells require ordinary sacrifices, while huge and complicated ones require rare payments. The Wizards pay using the energy of living things around them. They are a rare type of witch, and I don’t have much knowledge about them.”
Riley was struck with a realization. “Wait,” she blurted out excitedly. “Does that mean I’m a Spell Caster? Because every time I make illusions, I get weak and hungry as a wyvern!”
“You what?” Alexa was baffled. No one had told her that Riley was capable of making illusions.
Riley then stared at her, parting her lips. “Did… Did I say something wrong?”
Alexa inched closer to her so the whisper could be heard. “You can make illusions?” she breathed out, looking cautiously around.
“Yes,” Riley said with a firm nod.
“Have you talked to anyone else about this?”
Riley thought for a moment. “The children know, even Louise is aware, as well as the Royal Knights. I used it so we could escape from them…”
Alexa’s tone was firm. “Don’t tell anyone else, okay?”
“But why?”
Alexa sighed. “Be honest. Do you know how magic works in this world, Riley?”
The orange-haired girl shook her head. The enthusiasm she had earlier seemed to fade, replaced by dread.
Alexa hated making her feel that way, but it was necessary. Riley needed to know more than anyone else.
So, Alexa spent the rest of the day teaching Riley everything she knew. Sadly, it wasn’t sufficient. She hoped, though, that Riley wouldn’t end up like her—an outcast, judged for her hair and the curse living inside her.