16. Morgath’s Ultimatum

16

MORGATH’S ULTIMATUM

(ROWENA)

A n hour after Riven’s departure, I step out of my door and go into the Forest of Herbs. I’m not searching for herbs, nor am I taking my usual peaceful walk with nature; my quest is a far more dangerous one and is the reason I’d convinced Riven to head home.

For the first time in my life, I’m going to the witch coven.

I’m not afraid, nor am I nervous. All I feel is a deep curiosity, even though deep down, I know that this is a journey I may not return from.

Before my mother’s death, she made it very clear that the coven didn’t want us. She made me promise never to go near them because they won’t hesitate to take my life. I’ve never thought about breaking that promise until now. Riven’s life is at stake, and I’m willing to do anything to preserve it, even if it means facing my enemies.

The Forest of Herbs is the boundary between the Fae Kingdom and the witch coven, and as I near the edge of the forest toward the coven, the magic in my blood begins to thrum like never before.

I’ve never felt like I belonged anywhere, but here, close to the coven, the air embraces me, putting a smile on my face and sadness in my heart. These are my people, but for some reason, they hate me.

The trees suddenly part to reveal a flowing river, and across this body of water is the witch stronghold that leads to the coven. This is the time to really think about this decision I’m about to make. Once I cross this river, there’s no going back.

I stay hidden in the underbrush, staring at the black gates of the stronghold. What lies beyond it? All my life, I’ve wondered what the coven looks like. What are witches like? How will they react if they see me? I guess I’m about to find out.

Before I can change my mind, I cross the river and stroll casually towards the gate, expecting guards to appear any second. Instead, the gates swing open as I near, allowing me free entry into the coven.

The coven itself is a blend of nature and magic, with witches living in towers spiraling with black vines and glowing with ethereal orbs of light. Everyone who sees me stops to stare, reminding me of the Fae capital and bringing the same unease. I feel like the word “outcast” is branded on my forehead, with how hard they stare as I walk farther into the coven.

“Rowena?”

Hearing my name, I gasped and whirled, shocked to see a black cat behind me.

“Follow me,” the cat says without opening its mouth. It starts to sprint down the road, and I follow. I’m not sure where it’s taking me, but I’m eager to get away from all the prying eyes.

The coven is a beautiful place, and I wish I could stop to take in its beauty, but the cat’s speed is almost impossible to match, so I don’t have time to dally around.

We arrive in what looks like a palace, and it dawns that this cat has just brought me to Queen Morgath. She knew I was coming! Realizing this instills fear in me, and I’m reminded that I’m dealing with the Queen of the Witches. I thought I made this decision on my own, but it’s evident that she brought me here.

The cat races through the front door, and I slowly follow, gasping when the cat turns into a human and disappears, leaving me alone in the grand foyer. I’m in the midst of my enemies, lost in the witch coven.

If Morgath kills me, no one would care. Maybe except Riven, but he has no idea where I went, so he can’t avenge my death. I deliberately didn’t tell him about coming here because if I did, he would insist on coming. I don’t want him around the witches because I don’t trust them. Plus, Riven stepping foot inside the coven can start a war, which is the last thing we need in this race against time.

“You’re just as beautiful as your mother.”

I turn toward the spiral stairway to see a woman slowly coming down, her red cloak trailing behind her. She’s tall and flawless, with a striking resemblance to my mom. I’ve never seen her before, but I can tell that this is Queen Morgath.

“Don’t speak about my mother.”

“Oh,” she laughs, stopping at the base of the stairs. “Fiery, just like her.”

“Riven.” I take a step toward her, not ready to mince words. “He’s cursed. And I believe the coven—you, especially— knows something about it.”

Her eyes widen. “You know what? I like you,” she chuckles. I wish things hadn’t happened the way they did; I would have had so much fun being your aunt.”

“Aunt?” My heart slams into my chest.

“Yes.” Queen Morgath nods. “Your mother was my beloved sister.”

My mother never mentioned that Morgath was her sister, and I understand why. After everything Morgath did, she didn’t deserve to be called one.

This information makes Morgath even more evil. Imagine joining the populace in clamoring for the banishment of your sister so that you can become Queen.

“I know you have questions, Rowena. You can ask me.”

“My mom told me everything I need to know about you,” I snap. “That you’re a lying, wicked, greedy, scheming witch! So, no, I don’t have any more questions to ask you concerning this.” I take another step toward her, wondering where I got my bravery from.

“What do you know about Riven?”

Queen Morgath laughs, her eyes full of amusement. Her good nature does not fool me because I know it’s an illusion. Her heart is blacker than coal.

“Riven,” she hums. “I completely understand you, Rowena.”

“Understand what?”

“Your attachment to Riven,” she smiles. “He’s very handsome. So fascinating to look at. I understand it.”

I stiffen, but I don’t respond because I have a feeling she’ll use whatever I say against me.

“But you’re playing a dangerous game, Rowena,” she frowns, showing a glimpse of the true nature beneath the phony smiles. “You’re towing the path your mother did. I’m starting to think it’s a curse at this point.”

“Keep my mother’s name out of your mouth!”

“Frolicking with the fae is one thing,” she continued like she didn’t hear me. “But trying to help the Fae prince, I’ll count that as treason.”

“Oh, please cut the crap.” I brush her off. “You’re also frolicking with the fae. Or it doesn’t count because the Fae you’re associating with is a woman?”

She narrows her eyes, and I laugh. “You and Kaelith know something about the curse. Tell me what it is.”

“Fine.” She raises her arms in surrender, her eyes teasing. “Let’s call a truce. You’re right. I can’t call you out for associating with Fae when I’m doing the same. You’re royalty, too, Rowena, so you deserve the same grace I have.”

I don’t trust her, so I don’t let her words excite me yet. “What truce?” I ask warily.

“You can only ask me one thing, and I’ll give you an honest answer. But just one,” she says. “Would you like to know what’s between Kaelith and me in relation to Riven’s curse, or is there something else?”

My breath hitches.

I’m dying to know why Kaelith and Morgath are planning, but beyond that, I also want to learn how to lift Riven’s curse. The elf leader said Morgath had the answer.

“I’d like to know how to lift Riven’s curse.”

“Easy.” She shrugs. “Breaking the curse will require a personal sacrifice.”

Here we go again.

“What sacrifice?” I ask.

“You.”

“What?” I shriek.

“Yes. You.” She finally moves from her position, strolling to the other end of the room casually. “I want what you have,” she says.

“What do I have?”

“Your mother’s magic. Your father’s power.”

I swallow, suddenly interested. I’m starved of information regarding my father; I’m willing to accept crumbs from anybody. “My father? Who was he?”

She whirls. “Your mother didn’t tell you?”

“No.”

She laughs. “Then let me be a good sister and keep it that way.”

Anger sizzles in my veins. “You were never a good sister.”

“Listen, child, I don’t know what your mother told you, but I was a good sister to her.”

“Oh really? A good sister who reported her to the cousin? A good sister who voted for her banishment. A good sister who, when she became Queen, made a law that anyone who dares contacted her banished sister would be put to death. You were never a good sister, and I’m grateful my mother told me everything you did before her death.”

“Your mother played a generous game like you’re doing now,” Morgath snarls. “I warned her that the boy she was in love with would cause her downfall, but she never listened. She wanted to eat her cake and have it,” Morgath growls, a faraway expression in her eyes.

“As the future Queen, she was supposed to abide by the rules and do everything right, but since we were kids, your mother was daring. She never did things according to the law, and yet she was to be Queen. I did everything right; I deserved to be Queen.”

“That’s why you reported her? Your own sister?”

Morgath shrugs. “I knew what I wanted, and your mother had to go for my dream to come true. Blame your mother who skirted the law, just as you’re doing right now.”

”So after banishing my mom, you want my powers?”

“It’s up to you, child,” she answers. “You let Riven face his fate alone, or you save him and lose yourself. I’m not going to force you to release your powers to me; you’re going to decide if he is worth it, just like your mother did.”

”Is there no other way?”

“No.” She shakes her head. “Make the right choice, and you’ll be allowed back into the coven. Plus, you get to keep your powers. I’m not known for being this generous, Rowena.” She heads toward the stairs again, and I can tell this meeting is over. “You have until the lunar eclipse to make your decision.”

As she disappears up the stairs, the black cat appears again, and this time, I’mwary of it because I now know it's human.

“Come with me,” it says. “I’ll lead you out of the coven safely.”