CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER ONE

The 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 to our house to see if Mother was home. But to my surprise, a man, who was riding a beautiful white horse, looking manly with his tied brown hair was waiting outside. I froze for a moment and didn’t know what to do.

He was looking around our house until his gaze met mine. He stared deep into my soul like he was trying to define my existence.

“W-Who are you?” I managed to say. I gripped into the pot that I was still holding. I planned on throwing it to him if ever he does something bad.

He stepped out of his horse and made his way to where I was standing.

“Stay back! Don’t come close! I-I warn you!” I exclaimed. My voice cracked. It was obvious that I was scared. I lifted the pot in front of me. “I can kill you with this!” I added, emphasizing the pot that I was holding.

But instead of getting scared, he was amused. He found this situation entertaining. I could see how he was trying to hide his laughs.

“Relax, woman. I am not going to hurt you.” He said and a chuckle left his lips. See?

“Who are you? What do you want?” I asked again. I was scared that he would see my mother. Mother was probably returning at this moment.

“You must be Sharifa, the little witch in the woods.” His sudden words left nothing but fear to me.

“I am here to offer you a deal.” He added, smirking. 

“What w-witch are you talking about? You are mistaken.” As I tried to defend myself, fear was slowly filling up my system. My hands felt numb. The pot suddenly slipped from my grip and it fell on the ground causing a loud noise.

“I know what you are. But don’t worry, I know how to keep a secret.” He said as his left brow rose. It felt like he was blackmailing me. And after that he offered a hand. “Keeram Monalier, your first love’s brother.” He said.

After Keeram introduced himself as Ameril’s brother, he asked me if I could offer him a drink. He told me he was hiking since last night and his tumbler was out of water.

Besides from being Ameril’s brother, I got curious of the deal he was saying, so I was left with no other choice but to accept him inside our home. He tied his horse to one of the trees around, making sure it would not run away, before I led the way inside.

I gave him the drink he wanted. I handed him a wooded cup with water inside.

“Is this safe?” he said teasingly.

“If you are in doubt then don’t drink it.” I said, annoyed.

“Sure? No spell or whatsoever?”

“You are the one who requested for it. Just give it back.”

“I was just being careful, after all you are a witch.” he said before drinking.

After he finished it, he started talking.

He was always been curious about his older brother’s whereabouts. He then decided to follow him in his trek. On the day I confessed my feelings to Ameril was the day he learned about my existence. He also told me how he learned about me being a witch. He heard it from the people below the mountains. It was just a tale but he proved it right when he saw my reaction.

“Your eyes couldn’t lie. You are so transparent.” he said like he knew me for a very long time.

I couldn’t stand him looking at me straight, so I left his eyes first.

Then, he talked about the deal.

“You are a witch, right? Then make a love potion and steal my brother’s heart.” he proposed.

“You are insane.” I told him. I learned nothing about spells, magic and potions. Not even a single one. My mother didn’t introduce me to any form of it. Witchcraft was forbidden and was punishable by death, now and forever.

“Isn’t it wonderful that everyone will be miserable?” his stares were always been intimidating. It was hypnotizing yet addictive. His wickedness was making him more attractive.

“I thought witches are evil.” he said with a grin. Aside from convincing me, he was also provoking me.

“We are not what you think, Mister.” I defended.

“Don’t deny it. What’s wrong on doing what you were created for? You are insulting your ancestors, Sharifa.” I was starting to get pissed. He was already crossing the line. I didn’t know if he wanted me to take the deal or he was trying to be on my bad side.     

“After three days, your prince will be wedded. Your chance of getting out of here will forever be gone. It’s your loss.” he stated.

The princess who was going to be Ameril’s wife was Keeram’s love. His love for her was not acceptable as Princess Sahara was engaged with Ameril since they were kids. He also confessed and was also rejected.  His brother and his princess loved each other and it disgusted him.

“I hate seeing everyone happy, Sharifa. You should too.” he said with a serious tone. His eyes were cold and his face was emotionless.

“You have the whole day to decide until tomorrow. And of course, don’t forget about your mother.” he added before getting out of my sight.

And I was right all along, he used our secret to his advantage. He threatened me using mine and my mother’s life. That if I refused his offer, he would send royal guards in our home to cease us and burn us alive, as we are the witches of the woods who broke and escaped the law of humanity.