The Devil's Cursed Witch novel Chapter 193

Draven found himself momentarily closing his eyes, as if remembering those days from the past.

“I cannot forget that hellish day. Many lives were lost, and I had to make a decision–do I run after the escaping enemies at the risk of losing more of my people, or do I stay to protect the survivors and make sure to preserve at least one more life?

“She made the decision for me–to protect. The leaders of the races, the most senior elders of the clans and the strongest warriors, they all sacrificed their lives to protect their people. She told me to honour their sacrifices, that I could not let them die for nothing.

“How could I refuse when she too made a sacrifice of her own? She chose to commit a sin to protect our people. There was no one else but me left to lead the broken alliance of races when even the strongest warriors were mourning over the loss. I had no choice but to agree.

“In exchange for her sacrifice, she made me promise her that I would stay here and protect our people. So stay I did. I led those lucky enough to survive to rebuild our kingdom. It’s impossible to bring everything back to the way it was before, but for the sake of those who survived and those generations yet to come, the people had to continue living.

“I did not forget. No, no one forgot. The hatred we had is impossible to forget. The physical wounds healed but the scars are still left…but for the sake of those who sacrificed, I and those of the council, we who needed to shoulder the future of the survivors, we have to bide our time until those we protected are strong enough to protect themselves.”

Erlos was at a loss for words. The King he served was a man feared by many for being heartless and cold, and he was someone who barely spoke about his real thoughts and feelings.

Just as Draven knew Erlos, Erlos also knew Draven. The elf never expected that today of all days, his master would open up the scars of his past to him.

“Sire,” he spoke tentatively, “the woman you speak of, I believe it’s the Monarch of the White Witches?”

“It is indeed her. When she left, she assured me that she would try to find them. I wish she was still with us to lead our people, then I would have the confidence to leave and go after our enemies. If not for my promise with her, I would not have bound myself to this kingdom.”

Erlos understood Draven’s reasoning. Somehow, hearing about the sacrifices of others strengthened his determination. “Sire, I know I am still weak now…but I want to do something that’s within my current abilities. I might not have the ability to kill them yet, but at least allow me to search for their whereabouts. Then when I’m stronger–“

“Not yet,” Draven said. “When the time comes, I will be the one to send them all to hell. Be patient till then.”

“But…”

“Do you not trust me?” Draven asked.

Erlos could not argue. “I do, Sire.”

“Then wait and you will get what you want,” Draven assured him.

Erlos tightened his grasp over his bow, but in the end, he had no choice but to nod.

“Instead of spending your day off venting over things you cannot control, you can do something else,” Draven suggested. “Roam the kingdom. See the current strength of our people. After all, this grudge is not for you alone to bear. You will have companions to fight along with you when the time comes.”

Erlos let out a shaky breath and stood up. Just as he witnessed his master using his powers to vanish out of thin air, he heard Draven’s parting words, “I will leave you to it then.”

——

Draven reappeared inside the open palace grounds. When he left the palace earlier, Fire Fae Helia had just arrived for Ember’s magic lessons and checking the time, hours had passed since their lesson ended so there was no need for him to head to the rear of the palace.

Once he arrived at his study, he called for Yula to get an update about his mate.

“Greetings, Your Majesty.” Yula bowed to the King.

He accepted it with a nod and asked, “Where is she?”

“Miss Ember should be in her study, Your Majesty.”

“How did the lesson go? Any improvement?”

The blue-haired elf smiled. “Indeed, Lady Helia asked me to inform you of good news. Miss Ember was able to sense the core of her energy, and they can now proceed to the next part of her education.”

Draven replied with a nod. “Is she still in her study?”