Page 185 of Castings & Curses

“I will face the council and announce my decision,” I said resolutely. “I won’t let fear dictate my heart’s path.”

The high priestess smiled, her eyes twinkling with pride. “You are strong and wise, my child. Trust in the love that binds you and the choices that will shape your destiny.”

I left the glade and headed back to my village, the burden of my decision making every step difficult.

As I walked the path to the village, in the light of the rising moon, I caught a glimpse of Cristian waiting for me outside Ravenscroft. I ached at the sight of him. My feet carried me to him as if of their own accord. As I drew closer, Cristian came to meet me, his handsome face drawn with concern. I had a terrible feeling his meeting with the vampire elders had not gone any better than mine with the high priestess. I ran the last few steps into his open arms and allowed myself a moment to rejoice in his strong embrace before I tore myself away.

“I spoke with the high priestess,” I said, my voice trembling. “I know what I must do to break the curse.”

Cristian’s expression was a mixture of hope and fear. “And what is it?”

I took a deep breath, my throat tightening with every word. “I must give you up. I must marry the man I was betrothed to at birth. It’s the only way to break the curse and save my family from exile.”

Cristian’s face fell, and he took a step back. “No, Sage, you can’t do that. We can find another way. I can’t lose you.”

I reached out, my hand trembling as I touched his cheek. “I love you with all that I am. But sometimes love means making sacrifices—for ourselves and others. I can’t bear to see my family suffer because of me. And it will save you too, my love. You will no longer have to fear being hunted by the council, exiled to walk the earth alone for eternity.”

He shook his head slowly, disbelievingly, then pulled me into a tight embrace, holding me close as if he could protect me from the sorrow that lay ahead. “This is an impossible choice,” he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. “Surely there’s another way?”

I buried my face in his chest, tears streaming down my cheeks. “I must do it for my family, for the coven, for everyone. This curse could bring pain and suffering for generations. If breaking it means giving up my heart’s desire, I will do what I must.”

He held me tighter still. “The elders told me that someday, my memory of you would be like a fading star. But my brave and beautiful witch, I will never forget you.”

I swept away my tears and asked, “What of you? What did the vampire counsel say?” I stepped back to gaze into his face.

He grimaced. “I must give Radu the vineyards.”

I gasped. “Oh no! What did you decide?”

He shook his head. “It was a small price to be with you. But now…” He closed his eyes and grimaced, then looked at me. “If you are brave enough to break this curse, then I will too. Nothing has meaning without you. I will fulfill the vow I made and surrender the lands so that the curse will be finished, even if it means we cannot be together. We must think of others and hope for a better future.”

I fisted my hands. “They’ve betrayed us both. The counsel has tricked you into giving up your lands, and the high priestess has made it impossible for me to be with you.”

He scraped his fingers through his hair. “A greater plan is in motion here, I fear. And we are just pawns.”

“What can we do?”

He reached for me and kissed my lips lightly. “We can make our own vow, my love. No matter the passage of time or distance, I will find you again. I promise this on my immortal soul.”

With tears burning my eyes, I clutched him harder. “I promise to wait for you, Cristian. Never stop looking for me, no matter how many lifetimes it takes.”

“Until the end of time itself, Sage, I will love you.”

* * *

The daysthat followed were filled with anguish and longing. I’d announced my decision to the coven elders, and Cezar, the man I was promised to, had been summoned to marry me. I had not seen nor spoken to Cristian again, although we had sent notes to each other agreeing to meet after the ceremony to finally break the curse.

On the eve of my betrothal ceremony, I found myself standing in the same secluded glade where I had sought the counsel of the high priestess. The moon hung low in the sky, the goddess’s cold light illuminating the forest.

As I stood there, consumed by grief, a soft voice filled the air. It was the high priestess, an ethereal presence in the darkness. Despite how much I hated this situation, I knew I had to trust in her wisdom.

“Sage,” she said, her silvery hair lifting on a breeze. “I see the pain in your heart, and I know the sacrifice you are about to make. But remember, sometimes the greatest act of love is to let go.”

I nodded. “I know,” I said softly. “But it doesn’t make it any easier.”

“You are allowed to grieve. Your heart is strong, and love will always find its way back to where it belongs,” she said, as if she’d overheard my and Cristian’s vow. Goose bumps rose all over my skin, and the same breeze that toyed with the hem of her embroidered gown caressed my cheek.

As I turned to meet my fated husband, I felt a sense of resolution wash over me. I knew that I was making the right decision for those I loved.

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