The Devil's Cursed Witch

Aureus watched the different places as they were wandering around while Morpheus' gaze was simply following Ember who was talking to Cornelia and later whose attention was caught by the shops full of beautiful dresses, jewelry, makeup products and everything a woman would want.

Being so young, Ember was not different from any other females of her age. She was also attracted to those beautiful things. She never got to visit any human city-market and visiting witch clan market was similar to it. Her face brightened up as she could fulfill her dream of buying things just like the human girls of her age.

Cornelia could understand what Ember was feeling and offered, "Miss, let's buy a few nice things for you. I believe you will like them."

Ember felt glad to hear it and immediately nodded. They went to the biggest boutique of the market where the staff welcomed them. They were happy to have their clan head and King's mate as their guests. Cornelia helped her select the clothes, jewelry, footwear and everything Ember liked.

"Miss, that dress will look good on you?" Cornelia suggested, while pointing towards particular dress.

"Will it?" Ember asked with a little doubt.

"Yes, Miss," an owner of the shop who attended the esteemed guest personally, chimed in, "It goes really well with your beautiful green eyes and I also believe His Majesty won't be able to move his gaze away from you if you wear it."

A light blush covered Ember's delicate cheeks as she awkwardly cleared her throat, "Then, I will buy this one."

Ember was happy to be able to shop like this and wondered how good it would have felt, 'If Gaia was here we would had done it together.' They had always talked about doing such a simple tasks but the chance never arrived.

Ember's face looked emotional which Cornelia noticed. "What happened, Miss?"

Ember shook her head, "Itis nothing," and looked at her, "Thank you for bringing me here and helping me, Lady Cornelia."

"It's my pleasure Miss."

"Everything you have selected, will be sent to the palace, Miss," the owner informed.

It reminded Emebr about something, "Oh, let me pay for it first." Ember had started to carry money with her as Yula had arranged it for her and asked her to carry it whenever she go out or needed it.

"No, Miss. There is no need for you to pay for it," the owner, a witch who looked slightly older than Cornelia, spoke.

"This, I need to pay or I won't buy it," Ember insisted.

"You are his Majesty's mate, Miss and you have come to our city for the first time. You are our esteemed guests. These are the gifts for you not from me but on behalf of our clan. I request you to please accept them," the owner insisted.

Ember hesitantly looked at Cornelia who nodded to her, "It's alright to accept them, Miss."

Ember finally agreed and the two left the shop. The men who were waiting outside, followed them again.

Walking inside the bustling market, so many things caught Ember's attention as she observed them. Standing by the roadside shop, she looked at delicate jewelleries kept on the display and happened to touch one set of light green jade bangles.

"Miss, did you like it? Let's buy it," Cornelia offered.

"Ah, no. I was just checking it. We have already bought enough," Ember refused in the fear that once again she would be told it's a gift and they won't allow her to pay.

Soon the sky started to be covered with darkness and every place lit up with multiple lamps. All those shops, roads, and residences looked beautiful. As they rode the horses to return to Cornelia's residence, Ember enjoyed that beauty.

Morpheus and Aureus accompanied then till the residence and they were ready to leave once they reached.

"Morpheus have tea, before you leave?" Cornelia offered as they climbed down the horses.

"Thank You, Cornelia. But we have to leave now."

"That's so smart of you," Erlos commented, as he was happy Morpheus was leaving.

"You are the one to doubt it, Kid," Morpheus smirked playfully at the elf who looked like he could not stand his presence anymore.

"Kid," Erlos frowned, "One day you will see who is kid."

"I will wait for that day," Morpheus commented while Erlos turned around and went inside the home, not willing to talk to him more.

Cornelia simply sighed as it was nothing new for her to see. She had witnessed Draven and Morpheus' word battle and it was nothing different with Erlos who followed his master's footsteps.

"I have something to talk to Ember," Cornelia heard Morpheus.

Cornelia nodded and looked at Ember, "I will be waiting inside."

Once Cornelia left, Aureus opened his wings, "I would like to take a night flight," and left, leaving his uncle alone with the woman he adored.

With only those two left, Ember glared at him, "But I don't wish to talk to you, Morph."

"Are you still angry at me?" He asked as if he was ready to coax angry woman.

"Of course, I am," Ember exclaimed with loud frown, "How can you say as if I know nothing but burn everything."

"Was it wrong? You keep burning things," his gaze softened, "some you can see, some you can't."

His last line puzzled her, "I can't see?"

'Yes, you can't see how you make me burn for you,' Morpheus wanted to tell her loud and clear but simply chose to stare at her for a while and said, "I have something for you."

It diverted her attention and she looked at him questioningly. "What?"

Morpheus put forward his hand and a pair of light green jade bangles appeared on his palm.

Seeing the familiar pair of jade bangles, Ember's eyes left wide open, "This….?"

"They will look good on you," Morpheus said.

It pulled her attention back from those bangles to him and reminded her that she was still upset with him. "I don't want anything from you. I am still upset."

She turned to leave but Morpehus held her hands and stopped her, "Ember?"

She frowned and turned to look at him who had different expressions on his face rather than those teasing ones he always had. It was as if he had something more to say to her but he could not come up to. There was a silent begging in his gaze.

She stopped and faced him and said quietly. "I can not accept it, Morph."

"Why?" he asked calmly.

She felt a little hesitant, "Umm?...Women who are married, it's not fine for them to accept gifts from other man."

"Other man?" he chuckled lightly, "Am I a stranger to you? Am I not your friend, Ember?"

"You are my friend," she agreed.

"Then you can accept gifts from friends. Haven't you accepted those delicious fruits I brought for you? If I was not your friend, do you think you would be allowed to go anywhere with me or even anywhere near me?"

He sure was her friend and his words made sense. 'Draven never stopped me from going with Morph. He also knows Morph is my friend.'

"Well…."

Before she could say more, Morpheus held her hand one by one and put those jade bangles in her hands while Ember could only let him do it. He looked at her wrists, still holding her delicate palms and offered her a satisfied smile.

"They really look good on your wrists, Ember," he said as his thumbs caressed the back of her palms and then he let go of them.

Ember looked at her wrists as well and then looked at him with a smile on her beautiful lips, "Thank you for the gift, Morph."

Other than Draven, he was one more person who brought a gift for her. Feeling of receiving gifts was something that made her happy just like anyone else.

Seeing that smile on her lips, he felt content and decided it was enough.

Staying with her for long was sure not good and it was as if he was checking the limit of his own patience. That sweet scent coming from her was true torture. If he stayed with her even a moment longer, he was sure he would do something with her that he should not. That strong urge of pulling her in his embrace and kiss those sweet lips of hers was taking over his mind and once he did it, he knew he would stop at nothing.

"Now go inside. I will leave," he instructed unwillingly and hoped she could stay with him for a little longer.

Ember nodded, "Good night, Morph."

"Good night," he watched her leaving. He stayed there till he saw her entering inside the door of the residence. Once he was assured, he left with his wings opened to their fullest and he flew high up in the sky, having a wide smile on his lips.

===

Chapter dedicated to reader "Hollygolightly". Thank you so much for the castle gift. <3<3

Happythanksgiving to you all.