Immortal Desire
Chapter 39

The dawn was approaching. The birds’ tweeting made the leaves swerve livelier with the breeze. It was yet another day, the moon went in hiding and the sun was patiently waiting for its turn to show up, to shower the lands with its bright and warm light. This phenomenon happens almost every day, giving hope in everyone’s life. However, there was a certain place where the sun couldn’t reach. It remained cold and distant from the rest of the world. A place where for the most human who found it by chance, considered enchanted and dangerous since it was ruled by witches.

Latina knew that something was off when they were tracing the way that was said to be headed to the village the old lady had mentioned. After watching the old witch massacred the werewolf pack, they were told to carry on. Led by Sheila and the young boy called Fred behind them, the journey was quiet and kind of suffocating. That was what Latina thought when she felt the heavy atmosphere as they got nearer to their destination. While it was hard for her to breathe, she learned that Azrene seemed to be fitted in. There have been changes to the girl’s appearance as well. Just like how her hair color turned into quite an impressive glowing blonde. While inside her pair of orbs, a lush forest was reflected.

“Beautiful spheres,” Latina gasped, she stopped on her track and held Azrene’s face in place as she watched her. She couldn’t get rid of her gaze from the girl’s eyes. The others stood by and watched them.

“Oi, w-what are you doing?” Azrene asked, trying to move her head. Latina’s expression was never seen before, it was almost like she was looking at the most precious gem in the world. “Is something the matter?”

Latina blinked several times, she almost had the urge to gauge the girl’s eyes, keep them in a glass jar to watch all day long. She wouldn’t get tired of it. Thinking about how rich the woods could be with its thick grasses, trees, and various plants, Latina felt at ease by just looking at the refreshing green hues. Having a lovely face, she thought her brown eyes were nice but not as excellent as Sebastian’s silver orbs, Seth’s ocean-like spheres, and Azrene’s green iris.

“You look magnificent,” Latina muttered in a daze. A soft chuckle brought back her senses. When she raised her head, she saw Sheila, giggling. “I… do I look funny?” she asked, blushing in embarrassment.

“Nah, it’s just that you look too immersed,” Sheila replied. She flicked her hair to the side and smiled at her. “You were fascinated by things that you don’t even need just to look perfect. Well, there’s no one to blame since you lived in the dark.” Sheila heaved a sigh and continued to walk, “We’re here, you’ll get answers to your questions once we settle in,” she said, looking at the thick vines and flowers in front.

“Uh…” Latina wanted to say something but words won’t come out. She has a feeling that Sheila knows a thing or two about her dilemma. She smiled and nodded her head. “I have a lot to ask,” she finally said, bending her body to fit on the small arc-like entrance made of wild roses. A village could be found on the other side. Houses were made of white stones with lamps and torches on their door. At the center of the village, a huge mansion stood, surrounded by glowing stones in different tints, it could be easily spotted.

“There were many answers. Your trip here won’t be wasted,” Sheila responded. “After all, we’ve been expecting you for decades, B***d Queen. The fact that you came with this young lady here,” she walked towards Azrene and placed her hands on her shoulders. “…that’s what we didn’t expect.”

‘B***d Queen?’ Latina asked herself. She tilted her head to her right when she felt a soft tugging of her hair. Her brows furrowed when she saw her subconscious shrank. It still took her form but was smaller than the first time she saw it. Looking at its size, it was the same as her thumb.

‘What happened?’ she asked inside her head. She watched her subconscious crawl from her shoulder down her arm. It settled on her palm by laying down, holding its chest with both hands.

‘This place is rubbing off my strength. It’s a mess inside your head, I can barely take a breather. Gosh, these witches know a lot!’ it yelled.

‘Oh…’ Latina shrugged and faced Sheila who had been staring at her for a while.

“You don’t seem surprised after I called you ‘B***d Queen’. I wonder why?” Sheila asked, eyeing her intently. Latina didn’t look away.

‘Stupid Latina, don’t challenge the witch if you don’t even know how to wield your power yet!’ Latina heard her subconscious roaring but she ignored it.

“All right that’s enough, intimate stares like that don’t suit ladies like you. Why don’t we wait for the village chief in her mansion?” Fred said, disrupting them. Sheila looked down, pursing her l*p. Latina saw the slight annoyance on her face.”

“Yeah, why don’t we get inside first?” Azrene agreed, pulling Latina’s arm and dragging her.

They followed Fred to the mansion. No one dared to talk, even Sheila who always tried to lighten the mood kept her mouth shut. It was when they reached the front door, Latina felt extreme pain in her chest. She slumped on the ground as she pressed her hands on the most painful part. She had a whiff of a familiar scent and later on, it pervaded her nostrils. Having an urge to puke, Latina moved her hand on her throat with her mouth opened, forcing something out.

“Mwre delh vioa juu,” Sheila murmured, raising a hand in the air. Her hair was glowing as she cast a spell on Latina.

“Latina! What’s going on? What did you do to her?” Azrene asked, freaking out. Latina saw her worried face but couldn’t utter a word. No one could if something is piercing in the heart.

“We’re doing nothing. What she felt had nothing to do with us,” Fred replied. “Sheila only pulled up her deepest secret in the depth of her heart. She did the same to you, but nothing happened. That means you’re cleared.” Fred darted his eyes on Latina, “Unless she proved her innocence, she’ll remain haunted with her guilt. In return, once she overcomes the pain, a wish will be granted.”

“No way…” Azrene fell on her knees. The thought of losing her only friend right after leaving the kingdom with her was unacceptable. “Is there a way to help her?”

“None, except herself. No one can help her out,” the boy answered. “We’ll just have to wait for the result. Besides, Sheila did it to help her. If someone with an unclear conscience enters the mansion, that person will be trapped in the abyss forever without salvation.”

Azrene clenched her fists, she hated the fact that she couldn’t do anything to help Latina. She could only watch her and hoped that she’d be fine.

“B***d,” Latina whispered, saliva dripping off her rims. She arched her back in agony, kicking her legs in complete refusal. Latina saw herself being forced to drink b***d. What’s worse, she saw whose b***d she was slurping. “Please… forgive me,” she cried.

“It’s okay. Drink as much as you want, Milady. Let me help you this time,” a familiar voice responded. Latina closed her eyes, tears flowing down her cheeks. The pain she felt started to fade away until it was completely gone. Latina curled her body, a bitter smile appeared on her lips.

“I’m sorry, Marco.” Her voice cracked as she sobbed.

“I can’t believe it! She knew Marco,” Fred exclaimed. He gritted his teeth only to be glared at by Sheila who went pale after hearing Latina’s words. Astonishment was written all over her face.

“Latina,” Azrene whispered, hugging herself.

“Ha… Hahaha!”

A loud evil laugh filled the village, giving cold creeps to everyone. Latina’s voice was horrifying like almost a different person’s. With her scarlet eyes and burning red hair, Latina was on fire. She turned to face Sheila who was petrified.

“K-kill me,” she begged while having a sinister smile.