Chapter 10: Catherine

LUANA’S POV

The night breeze blew aggressively, making the room a little chilly.

I got up to lock the windows but paused, staring at the moon for a moment. It was beautiful tonight.

I glanced back at the sleeping princess and smiled.

I had already placed a protection spell on her—and around the room.

As I looked at the moon, it reminded me of Witchville… home. I missed it. Many times I tried to check on them but I just couldn't. Not because I can't do it but because I knew that if I checked on them, I won't be able to control what I'd do to go home.

I hated The king more. I hated how ridiculously handsome he looked tonight, I hated how he thinks he can just get me to do whatever he wants. I wish I could kill him already. But I couldn't. We weren't in the right place and at the right time. I was happy I got to meet Enzo again.

We planned to meet again before I went back to Vacuità. Enzo didn't know I was a witch. I didn't tell him yet.

I finally closed the windows and went back to bed, taking one last look at Seraphina. What would she think if she found out I killed the king? I almost felt like not doing it at all.

But then again, it's not like I had a choice. He won't free me if I ask. You can only break the binding spell if the bounder is dead.

\~~~~~~

“Good morning Luana!”

I rubbed my eyes and sat up from the bed. Seraphina was awake and on my bed.

“Good morning princess”. I said, ruffling her hair. “Sleep well?”

She nodded.

“There's someone I want you to meet”. She said.

“Really? Who's that?” I asked, my interest piqued.

“Aunt Catherine!!. She's nice, funny and smart and she's pretty just like you. I'm sure you guys will make great friends”.

Aunt Catherine? I didn't know any of the kings or queens relatives were in the castle.

“Alright Seraphina. Let me get dressed then we'll go see your aunt”. I tugged both her cheeks.

“Yayyy!”

Seraphina led me to the garden which was a few feet away from the training grounds. The garden was beautiful.

“Aunt Catherine!” Seraphina called.

“Yes sweetheart”

A young lady appeared from behind the flowers carrying a watering can and wearing gloves. She had long blonde hair and brown eyes. She was beautiful.

“I made a new friend. This is luana”.

Seraphina grabbed my hand and walked closer to the woman.

Immediately I was close to her, I had a very uneasy feeling. Her vibe was off. She felt….dangerous.

“Hello there. I'm Catherine”.

She took off her gloves and brought out her hand for a shake, all smiles.

I reluctantly brought out my hand to shake her back.

“Luana”.

“Luana..what a beautiful name you've got”.

The feeling kept growing stronger. What was this? I thought of taking Seraphina and going inside but then what would I say? She's her aunt after all.

“Are you alright? You seem troubled?”

I was troubled.

“I'm fine, thank you for asking” I forced a smile.

She smiled back.

“Thank you for looking after our little princess”. She said as she crouched down to pat her head.

Immediately she touched her head, I saw a vision. Seraphina on the ground, covered with blood and Catherine laughing wickedly.

I gasped.

“Luana, are you okay?” Seraphina asked, worry written all over her face.

“I’m fine, Princess—just a little under the weather.”

“Oh dear, then you must rest immediately,” Catherine said. She sounded worried, but somehow, it only made me feel uncomfortable.

“Come on, Seraphina. Do you want to escort me to the room?”

“Yes!. Bye, Auntie”.

“Bye, sweetheart. Take care, Luana.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.” I bowed and walked away hurriedly.

My Stars… I was right. Something is off.

\~~~~~~~~~~

“I don’t trust her. She’s dangerous.”

I was in the king’s room after I had taken Seraphina to her mother.

“Why don’t you trust her?” he asked. He already had a book and did not once look at me since I entered the room and started talking.

“Her vibe… her aura. It feels off. It feels evil.”

“Evil, Luana? She’s human. I’ve known her since I knew her brother. She doesn’t even know how to hold a knife properly.”

I paced the room, contemplating whether I should say what I wanted to say.

“I… I saw a vision.”

“Go on.” He was still so calm, crossing his legs and reading his book like he didn’t have a care in the world.

“I saw Seraphina dead.”

Only then did he close his book and look at me.

“Catherine was laughing, as she saw her lying helplessly,” I continued.

“Do you have proof?”

What? Was he being serious?

“Isn't saying it enough proof? She's dangerous. We need to keep Seraphina away from her.”

“Sure, I'll just go over to the king and tell him that his sister is trying to kill his daughter.

Show me that she’s dangerous. Show me that she will try to kill Seraphina.

I need proof. Then, and only then, will I make a move on my end.”

He turned towards the window.

“But…”

“You can leave.”

I stomped off angrily.

Was I mistaken? Was I being too paranoid?

No. My instincts have never been wrong.

I just needed to keep an eye on Catherine.

That night, as I was about to close the windows because of the cold night air, I saw Catherine holding a lantern and heading toward the garden.

She looked around to see if anyone was following her.

Why was she going to the garden in the middle of the night?

I had to follow her.

I made a clone of myself and put Seraphina in her care.

Then I teleported to the training ground and moved as quietly as I could toward the garden.

She was humming, quite happily.

I had made myself invisible as I followed her, to avoid any accidents.

As we reached the corner of the garden, she dropped her lantern and brought out a box from under one of the tables.

An evil smile spread across her face.

My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets at the contents she brought out from the box.