36 Nightmares

-Charm's POV-

The next morning, I wake up to the same sound of Gran-gran's roosters in her backyard. When I made it outside of the house after I made sure to fix myself first, I saw Elena is busy with harvesting carrots, but with the aid of her magic.

"Elena, my child, what did I tell you?" Suddenly, Gran-gran walked towards the girl with one hand placed on her waist. "No using of magic while you're outside of the house. Someone might see you...and…"

My eyes almost widened at the sight of my Gran-gran looking sad all of a sudden.

"...and they might take you away from me, again."

Elena placed the basket on the ground, containing the carrots she harvested earlier in which she currently holds, and decided to hug Gran-gran.

"I'm sorry Gran. I won't do it again." the girl sincerely apologized.

I can't help but smile as I watch this beautiful scene in front of me.

Five years ago, I can still remember Gran-gran being this strict with me about using magic outside of the house as well.

***

-FLASHBACK-

"My child, what did I tell you? Be careful when using magic outside of the house, or someone might see you." I heard Gran-gran exclaimed which made me stop playing with the flame on top of my right index finger.

"I'm sorry Gran-gran. It won't happen again." I sincerely said while my eyes were glued on the ground.

-END OF FLASHBACK-

***

I was stay hidden from mortals back then...until there came such a time when my true identity was finally revealed.

One day, I remembered helping this poor, young boy when I saw him being surrounded by a pack of wild dogs. To drive those dogs off, I was forced to use my fire magic at that time.

I was able to save the kid for sure, but then what I didn't know is that he somehow relayed to his parents what I did back there, and that's when his parents reported to the government officials of Citadel of my true identity.

Since I was often kept hidden by Gran-gran inside her house, none of the villagers knew of my connection with her. So by the time that I was chased down by those soldiers that night, Gran-gran's life was spared by them.

"Charm, is there something bothering you?"

I suddenly snapped out my thoughts when I heard Gran-gran's voice, which caused my head to look at her from a distance.

"Nothing Gran-gran," I replied. "Nothing at all."

"So here's what I've been telling everyone,"

I was a little bit shocked to see Aurora now standing beside me. On her right is where the three lads: Lance, Lucas, and Johane stood in their places.

Just when did they get here?!

"As Charm and I went for a girls' bonding yesterday, I heard some incredible news from two of the girls we came across in the streets as we walked home," Aurora said enthusiastically.

My forehead creased. "And what would that be?"

"Seriously Charm? Weren't you listening to them yesterday?" Aurora arched one eyebrow at me which I only shrugged as my response.

Well, I'm not the type of person who likes to eavesdrop to someone else's conversation, unlike my friend over here…

"Sounds interesting. Now spill it." I heard Lance responded, matching Aurora's energy for today.

"Later at night, a traditional bonfire dance would take place in the village's plaza to end this year's festival. They said that whoever you danced with at the bonfire will be the one you'll end up with as well!" explained by our friend who's fond of rumors.

"Isn't it romantic?"

I almost chuckled upon hearing her words. Why on earth do people like to believe in such ridiculous rumors and superstitious beliefs?

"That may be true…" All of us turned to look at Gran-gran when she suddenly decided to chime in.

"This may be a work of coincidence or not, but my late husband and I met during the day of the bonfire dance." she continued, with a reminiscing smile plastered on her wrinkled face.

We all marveled in awe, I was never able to see lolo Alfonso, Gran-gran's late husband, all throughout my life. But during at night, she would tell me fascinating stories about him before I go to sleep.

"If the legend is true, then I might not end up being single all throughout my life," Aurora said with the same enthusiasm from earlier.

"We should go too, Charm." I jerked my head in surprise upon hearing Lance calling out my name.

My heart suddenly fluttered when I saw him smile at me while flashing his set of white teeth. And I can't help but blush with the sight of it.

I quickly looked down to hide it and slowly nodded in response to Lance's words earlier.

***

All throughout the afternoon, we helped Gran-gran and Elena prepare all the foods and things that we'll need for the festival. And after a few hours of doing so, that's the time I felt my body being exhausted which caused me to go to my room.

I immediately fell asleep as soon as I was able to rest my weary body in my bed.

---

"Finally! I was able to catch you, witch!"

My eyes instantly flew open upon hearing that very familiar raspy voice from a distance. The moment I was able to open it, confusion was written all over my face as I saw myself in the same familiar room filled with nothing but darkness.

I tried to move but then I only heard violent metallic sounds as I tried to free my hands and feet which are all bound with chains at the moment.

When I looked up, the mad face of King Tiberius was the first thing that greeted me. His lips then curved into an evil smirk as his intimidating jet black eyes pierced through my soul.

"Remember this, witch. Wherever you may be hiding…"

His evil grin only grew wider before proceeding.

"...I'll always find a way to locate you."

***

"Charm! Hey Charm, wake up!"

I regained back my senses when I felt someone yanking my body right now. The king's words, which were echoing repeatedly at the back of my head earlier, were slowly replaced with the familiar perky voice of my friend.

"We need to prepare for the festival highlight!"

When I was able to open my eyes once again, I instantly felt relieved to see that I'm now back to my Gran-gran's house and to see Aurora in front of me now.

"You look pale? Is there a problem?" Aurora asked as she sat down beside me. I decided to get up and sit in my bed as well.

"Nothing. I just had a nightmare." I replied.

"I noticed you have these nightmares lately," she said with a hint of concern. "Do you want to...perhaps...talk about it?"

I gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't mind it. I'm perfectly fine."

Then I didn't wait for her to respond as I finally stood up from my bed.

"Well, you said that we need to prepare for the festival highlights, so what are we waiting for?" Without waiting for her, I immediately went out of the room in which I heard the girl shouted right behind me.

"Hey! Wait for me!"

I tried to shrug these negative thoughts away as I walked out of the room. These are merely nightmares, I said to myself….and I can't afford myself to be affected by it.

***

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