CHAPTER 118: CHAPTER 118: THE WITCH QUEEN

Selene’s POV ~

The evening passed in warmth and laughter, the kind of comfort that wrapped around me so gently I almost forgot the ache inside my chest. By the time the meal was finished and the stories had slowed, I knew it was time to go.

Sara’s parents tried their best to make us stay longer. Her mother insisted on bringing out more food, while her father told us it was late and we should rest here. But we shook our head softly, our smile kind but firm.

"Next time, Aunt," I promised, holding her mother’s hands. "We’ll come again soon. But tonight...."

Her mother sighed but didn’t push further. Her father gave a quiet nod, though his eyes lingered on us with the heavy love of a parent who hated goodbyes.

And so, despite their efforts, we left the warmth of the house.

The air outside was cooler now, the sky deepening into twilight. The flowers in the garden swayed gently in the breeze, and for a moment I looked back at the house. The golden light spilled from the windows, and I felt that ache again—the longing for something I could never quite hold.

Aswin and Rael walked with us only a short while before they stopped. "We have some things to take care of," Aswin said, glancing between Kieran and me. His voice was calm, but there was a weight in it that made me wonder what those things were.

Rael only gave a short nod, his expression unreadable as always. Then, without another word, the two of them turned and disappeared into the dimming streets.

Just like that, it was only Kieran and me.

The air between us felt heavy, almost awkward. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, but he said nothing, only walked with that same calm stride, his hands loose at his sides.

I hesitated. Should I bring him to my home? Should I let him go his own way? I wasn’t sure what was right. He wasn’t saying anything, and his silence made it harder to decide.

My steps slowed, and I felt a little trapped in my own thoughts. But then, suddenly, an idea came to me.

"Do you want to see the coven?" I asked softly, my voice breaking the silence.

Kieran turned his head toward me, his eyes steady. He didn’t answer right away, but after a moment, he gave a small nod.

Relief slipped through me, and I smiled faintly. "Then come with me. I’ll show you."

I led him through the winding streets until the market of the coven came into view. Even at this hour, the place was alive. Lanterns glowed softly, and the hum of voices carried through the air. Just behind the coven grounds stretched a row of stalls, the little souvenir market that always drew both witches and humans alike.

As we stepped into the market, the air filled with color and sound.

Kieran slowed his steps. His eyes, usually so unreadable, flickered with curiosity. He moved closer to a stall where tiny crystals glowed faintly in the dark, picking one up between his fingers. The soft light caught in his gaze, and for the first time that night, I saw something other than calm in him.

Interest. Wonder, maybe.

I watched him quietly, my heart softening. Bringing him here had been the right choice. And I thought, perhaps, this was the first time Kieran had seen a place like this.

The thought made me glad I had brought him here.

We were still walking through the market, the glow of the street lamps painting soft colors across the night. Kieran stayed close beside me, his eyes moving from stall to stall, quiet but watchful. I thought maybe the evening would pass gently.

But then I heard it.

A high, sharp tone that instantly scraped against my nerves.

"Well, if it isn’t the little stray," the girl sneered from behind me.

I didn’t even need to look to know who it was. My hands curled faintly at my sides, irritation rising in me. I had no patience for her, not tonight.

I turned slightly, ready to snap back, but before I could move, something unexpected happened.

Warmth.

Suddenly I was pulled into a strong embrace. My body froze in surprise, my face pressed against the solid warmth of a chest. Gasps broke out around us, voices whispering and rising.

"What happened?"

"Who is he?"

"Did you see that?"

Confused, I lifted my head. And then I saw it.

The girl stood only a few steps away, her lips twisted in a cruel smile. In her hand was an empty bowl, dripping with dirty water.

"You—" she hissed, her eyes narrowing at me.

My breath caught as realization struck. She had thrown it at me to humiliate me in front of everyone.

But it hadn’t touched me at all.

Kieran was the one who had shielded me, his arms tight around me, his body taking the full splash. His clothes clung to him now, soaked and stained, but not a single drop had reached me.

Kieran said nothing. He only stood there, silent, his arm still wrapped firmly around me as if daring anyone to come closer.

Something twisted in my chest. Anger, and yet, beneath it, a strange warmth too. I could still feel his arms around me, strong and steady, as if he were a wall between me and the world.

For a moment—just a moment—I almost forgot myself.

But then reality snapped back.

I stepped forward, pushing the warmth away, and my gaze locked on her.

"What’s your problem?" My voice rang cold through the air. "If you’ve turned into a rabid dog, then go bite someone else. Not me. Or I swear, I’ll..."

Gasps spread through the crowd again.

Her eyes burned with hate. "Don’t dream about the Witch Queen’s title. It’s mine. You—" she jabbed a finger at me, her voice dripping venom. "Do you think you’re still qualified to fight against me?"

Slowly, I stepped closer to her, my voice steady and sharp. "Whether I want the Witch Queen’s title or not, one thing is certain—it will never belong to you."

"You—" she stammered, her face pale.

"You heard me," I said, my eyes narrowing. "It will never be yours."