CHAPTER TWO
That night of that day, I sneaked out from bed to find my mother’s book. It was an old book with all the spells, potions and enchantments written and organized by page.
I couldn’t sleep last night. My thoughts were battling inside my head. Peace left my chaotic mind. Images of my mother being chased by the royal guards were kept on flashing at the back of my head. She’s old now. It would be hard for her to leave this place and to find another one.
“Don’t even think of hiding, Sharifa. I will always find you in the woods.” his words were hunting me like wild fire.
I took a peek once on that book when I was ten. As a young and curious girl back then, I even planned to steal it and hide it from Mother, but it was also that time when Mother caught me. She was left with no other choice but to explain to me everything. Starting from what we are and down to the moment why we ended up here.
After that, I didn’t try to take a look at it again, my interest faded when I learned the truth, but not until this morning.
After I found it last night inside the same old chest years ago, I decided to open it this morning thinking that Mother would wake up anytime last night while I was scanning her book.
“Book of Magic: Your Answers to Everything. 1876.” I uttered as I read the cover. It was fragile and filled with dust and dirt. I did a quick scan and found that some of the pages were crumpled and torn.
This would be the perfect time to see what was inside the book since Mother was away. She was in her usual routine, fishing.
I scanned every page and looked for the words ‘love’ and ‘potion’. I was lucky that my mother taught me how to read and write. She told me that it’s the only gift that she could give me that I could use for the rest of my life.
Spells, enchantments, curses, taboos.
It took me minutes before I arrived to the first page of the ‘Potion Section’.
“Animal Transformation Potion, Appearance Potion, Beauty Potion, Disguise Potion, Elixir of Life, Hair Growth Potion, Happy Potion, ..” every word was fascinating. I didn’t know things like these existed.
Then after a few seconds, “The Love Potion.” I mumbled as I found the page that would bring me into my own death.
“Two alive love bugs, three cups white wine, three cups red wine, nine apple seeds, and nine fresh rose petals.” I immediately read the ingredients and tried to familiarize the steps myself.
“At exactly midnight, put the ingredients together in a pot. Should be in order according to the list. The heat should come from the trunk of a fifty-year-old oak tree. Simmer while reading the enchantment until the color fades. It should be as clear as water. Cool down before serving.”
The procedure seemed easy but the power it carries could alter someone’s fate.
By then, I decided to risk my life and become a real witch.
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My farewell including my reasons of taking this path was written in a piece of cloth. I used charcoal as my ink and my handkerchief as my paper. After I put the letter on the table, I held on tight to my knapsack. Things would be different from now on.
Prince Keeram was waiting for me outside. He was leaning on our small gate and was watching me walked until I closed our distance.
“All done?” he asked after I arrived in front of him. I just nodded as a response. He then led the way to his white horse that was resting not far from our house.
He untied the horse and stroked its head for a bit before riding to it effortlessly. He was strong and skilled. He really was a prince, but an evil one.
He then was looking down at me.
“Come on.” he said a little bit impatient.
“Don’t tell me you are just going to watch and let me ride that thing by my-“ but before I could even finish my words he dismounted. “-self.” I mumbled, trying to complete my argument.
“What a pain.” he uttered.
I had never tried to ride a horse by my own, Ameril was always at my side and would help me up. I might end up on the ground and I didn’t want that to happen.
Without any words, his hands found my waist. The sudden contact sent chills down my spine. I was caught off guard by his action. I was not ready for something like this. Then, I felt my feet left the ground and just found myself riding the horse with one swift.
“You are light as a feather.” he said before he moved to ride. But this time, he was behind me. His chest was touching my back. I couldn’t move. I hugged my things tightly as he started to maneuver the horse.
“Don’t be so stiff. Relax.” he whispered. “And breathe.” he added.
I tried to calm myself and control my breathing.
“You have the invitation prepared?” he asked. I could feel his breaths touching my hair.
“Yes, why?” I replied.
I wanted to turn my head around to face him but I immediately stopped myself. It might put me in a risky situation. I should keep my eyes forward. He’s a danger himself.
“It’s your one-way pass. Make the potion tonight. Bring it to me before the wedding starts and I’ll do the rest.” he said like he had the situation under his palm. It was a good thing that I forgot to throw it with the gifts.
“Is that all I need to do?” I asked, clarifying. This plan would be the death of me, so might as well make it precise.
“Just wait for my brother to fall for you.” he responded.
Thoughts of Ameril falling for me were overwhelming. My heart responded quickly. Ameril was next to the crown, and the one that he would choose to marry would be the future queen of this land.
‘Let the one who drinks this potion shower me with divine love. Let his love be forever mine.’ These were the phrases that kept on echoing in my head since I read the Love Potion part. It would probably be the first and the last potion of my life.
True love was supposed to come naturally for everyone, people should wait for it to find them. But I chose not to wait and chase for it instead.
The whole journey took us hours before we reached the end of the mountains. It was a quiet and an awkward path. None of us was talking and everything was just so uncomfortable. He was all serious and I was all hesitant.
The sun was about to set. We arrived in a place where people were gathered and were busy doing everything. It was my first time seeing a lot of people gathered in one area. My head was turning right and left. Everything was just so fascinating. This feeling must be freedom. I wished Mother could experience this. I wished that someday, she could feel the taste of freedom, away from the wrath of the people, away from fear.
I promised not to waste this opportunity. I will use this chance to bring back our right to live. To prove that not all witches are wicked, that not all evils are pure evil. If being a queen would give you the power to this land, Ameril must fall for me at all costs.
CHAPTER THREEA fancy burgundy tulle ball gown with tiny embroidered black gems, showing my bare neckline down to my arms, was making me feel like a real princess of the castle. I tied my long black hair into a bun and a silver circlet was braided at the top of it, allowing the cold breeze touched my nape generously. I had nothing with me except for the invitation and a red purse.The carriage dropped me in front of the castle. A royal guard came to escort me as I walked towards the stairs which was covered with red carpet. White and red rose petals were thrown around the place. The wooden double door was opened wide and the guests were coming inside.“Welcome to the castle, my lady. Please allow us to check your name on the list.” he asked sounding so formal.“It’s Lady Sharifa of Mahani Mountain.” I stated as I gave him the invitation. As soon as they found my na
PROLOGUELong ago in the Land of Ramain, witches or anyone who were practicing witchery were being chased down and executed. The law of Ramain forbade the use of spells, witchcrafts and any form of magic to prevent chaos and maintain peace around the land.Witches escaped and isolated themselves in the middle of the woods, where no one could harm them. They also stayed away from one another to live safely.A witch named Sarah, who was separated from her family, lived alone in the dark side of the mountains. Her mother was one of the witches who died during the run and had no idea what happened to her older sisters and to their father.She tried to live harmoniously with the birds, the butterflies and the trees. Never had she imagined herself going down the mountains and leaving her new home. With her messy curly hair, big pointed nose and ugly face, humans would surely recognize her as a witch
CHAPTER ONEThe sun was smiling and shining brightly, a perfect day for the flowers to bloom. The trees were happy as the light coming from the sun gave them energy. The breeze was warm and soothing. Benben and his friends were chirping and making some weird sounds. While I, was lying down on the grass and watching them play around. It was the only things that could keep me sane for the moment. The grass that was touching my back was tingling so I decided to get up and water the eggplants instead.Mother left the house early in the morning, she went out fishing again, that was why I had no one to talk to. During the past few days, Mother would go out alone since I would always wake up late. I was still depressed of what happened between me and Ameril. All along, I thought we were feeling the same way. But it turned out, I was misled by his sweet actions. He fed me with false hopes.After watering the plants, I went back
CHAPTER THREEA fancy burgundy tulle ball gown with tiny embroidered black gems, showing my bare neckline down to my arms, was making me feel like a real princess of the castle. I tied my long black hair into a bun and a silver circlet was braided at the top of it, allowing the cold breeze touched my nape generously. I had nothing with me except for the invitation and a red purse.The carriage dropped me in front of the castle. A royal guard came to escort me as I walked towards the stairs which was covered with red carpet. White and red rose petals were thrown around the place. The wooden double door was opened wide and the guests were coming inside.“Welcome to the castle, my lady. Please allow us to check your name on the list.” he asked sounding so formal.“It’s Lady Sharifa of Mahani Mountain.” I stated as I gave him the invitation. As soon as they found my na
CHAPTER TWOThat night of that day, I sneaked out from bed to find my mother’s book. It was an old book with all the spells, potions and enchantments written and organized by page.I couldn’t sleep last night. My thoughts were battling inside my head. Peace left my chaotic mind. Images of my mother being chased by the royal guards were kept on flashing at the back of my head. She’s old now. It would be hard for her to leave this place and to find another one.“Don’t even think of hiding, Sharifa. I will always find you in the woods.” his words were hunting me like wild fire.I took a peek once on that book when I was ten. As a young and curious girl back then, I even planned to steal it and hide it from Mother, but it was also that time when Mother caught me. She was left with no other choice but to explain to me everything. Starting from what we are
CHAPTER ONEThe sun was smiling and shining brightly, a perfect day for the flowers to bloom. The trees were happy as the light coming from the sun gave them energy. The breeze was warm and soothing. Benben and his friends were chirping and making some weird sounds. While I, was lying down on the grass and watching them play around. It was the only things that could keep me sane for the moment. The grass that was touching my back was tingling so I decided to get up and water the eggplants instead.Mother left the house early in the morning, she went out fishing again, that was why I had no one to talk to. During the past few days, Mother would go out alone since I would always wake up late. I was still depressed of what happened between me and Ameril. All along, I thought we were feeling the same way. But it turned out, I was misled by his sweet actions. He fed me with false hopes.After watering the plants, I went back
PROLOGUELong ago in the Land of Ramain, witches or anyone who were practicing witchery were being chased down and executed. The law of Ramain forbade the use of spells, witchcrafts and any form of magic to prevent chaos and maintain peace around the land.Witches escaped and isolated themselves in the middle of the woods, where no one could harm them. They also stayed away from one another to live safely.A witch named Sarah, who was separated from her family, lived alone in the dark side of the mountains. Her mother was one of the witches who died during the run and had no idea what happened to her older sisters and to their father.She tried to live harmoniously with the birds, the butterflies and the trees. Never had she imagined herself going down the mountains and leaving her new home. With her messy curly hair, big pointed nose and ugly face, humans would surely recognize her as a witch