ITHRA
“She’s cursed.”
I hear people whisper around me as I head to my mother, walking through the pathway created just for me.
“It's about time she left us, she's nothing but a stain, a weakness.” Another voice said, but I didn't care to know who it was.
I was a witch without powers. The shame of the Celts Coven witches, and a curse to my people.
“Ithra. We don't have all day, Come forward.” My mother, and the enchantress of the coven spoke from her seat, barely containing her disgust and impatience towards me.
I presented myself in front of her, getting on my knees as I awaited her final decision concerning me.
“Don't make this harder than it needs to be. I've harbored you in our midst for the past 20 years of your life! You should be grateful for an opportunity to pay back what you owe.”
I couldn't believe my mother was saying this to me in public. She usually said it to me in the confines of our house, or in the dark corners of my room, who knew she'd finally grow a limb to make an open show of her scorn towards me?
“I understand that I have been a burden on the Celts witches for the longest period of time, and I will pay back your kindness however possible.” I replied with gritted teeth.
“Yes!”
“About time.” Murmurs from the crowd of warlocks ensued.
“ Enough!” That was my mother, “I don't want to hear anything from anyone.” She warned, fire brimming in her eyes. Sharply, she turned to me. “Good. There is something you can do to help this coven thrive.” She started.
“You must go to the dark forest.” She announced and gasps were heard in the camp.
“W-what?” I stuttered, unable to believe my ears.
“You heard me right. The only way you can redeem yourself of all you owe is by going to the dark forest and getting us the ghost orchid that grows at the thick of it.” She lectured without sparing me a glance.
I almost lost my voice, “what do you mean go to the dark forest? You and I know that any witch that enters into the forest will be reduced to a pile of dust! It's not welcoming to our kind.” I reminded her, but something told me she was well aware. “Don't you know that sending me to the dark forest is sending me to my death?”
“Oh stop whining, Ithra!” My sister, Morgan, said from her seat, “You can't call yourself a witch if you don't have powers. Instead of whiling away time and burdening others with your presence, why not be of use to us for once?” She got on her feet and continued;
“Every single warlock has dedicated their lives and powers to ensure that the Celts Coven remain unharmed for the last 12 years. You are alive today because of the forcefield we created to keep every beast away. As you can see, the forcefield is weak and we need stronger properties if it's going to last us the next 10 years.”
I cut her off, anger brewing inside me, “And the only solution you were able to come up with is to send me to the dark forest? I have witch blood flowing through my veins, Morgan! Whether or not I have powers wouldn't stop me from getting killed the moment I step foot in there.”
With my protests, the people grew angry.
“Who do you think you are?! You are of no value to us! It's better if you get killed for a noble cause than be alive for nothing!”