Eternal Undying Chronicles

Chapter 150 Couldn't Be You

Alicarde narrowed his eyes. Malefica's tone wasn't her usual stern and imperious one; instead, it was somber, almost... vulnerable. She'd been showing more of that side of herself ever since their journey to the coven began. There was an edge of desperation to her voice that he hadn't heard before, but he understood why.

Protecting her was part of their pact, but not killing the witches wasn't. They weren't innocent civilians; they were powerful, dangerous women who had made their own choices, so taking them down wouldn't violate their agreement. On top of that, there was Malefica's plan, something she seemed reluctant to reveal, which could only mean it was something drastic.

'If it's something dumb, like sacrificing herself, then... I'm killing those witches, no matter what she says.'

Malefica quietly looked at him, her gaze steady, waiting for his response.

"I won't agree to anything unless you tell me what you actually plan to do."

Malefica lowered her head, her voice dropping almost to a whisper.

"Why?"

He frowned, taken aback.

"What do you mean, why? I can't let you do anything reckless."

She gazed into the flickering flame that kept them warm, her face shadowed and thoughtful. She repeated,

"Why?"

Alicarde's frown deepened, frustration edging into his tone. Experience more on empire

"Because I care! What other reason do I need? I don't want you to get hurt, that's all."

"Why?"

He bit his lip, letting out a groan.

"Ahhh, hell if I know... just because... and don't even think of replying with why."

Malefica nodded slowly, her eyes glistening with something she was clearly struggling to hold back. It was the faintest sheen of moisture in her gaze, barely visible in the firelight.

"I ran away..."

"What...?"

"I ran away from the coven... after defeating my grandmother. I should have taken the position of High Priestess, even if the rest of the coven didn't like me. They would have relented... but I left."

She hugged her knees, pulling them close.

"I didn't want anything to do with the coven. I just... felt trapped there, all my life. Like a bird in a cage. I wanted to be free. So I chose my freedom over my birthright, over my duty to the coven."

She stared deeper into the fire, her voice hollow.

"It didn't bring me happiness. Turns out, the grass on the other side wasn't greener... it was just a different type of prison, a new cage. Only this time, anyone who got close... died."

Her voice softened, and she looked at Alicarde with a sad smile.

"Except you... that night when you didn't come to my office, I was panicked. I was sure something had happened, and it was my fault... and it did. Anyone who stays with me will only suffer."

Alicarde sighed, shaking his head.

"Is that all? If it is, let me clarify something. My life is crap, with or without you. But if I had a choice, I'd say it's better with you. So don't... don't say stuff like that, especially wearing that expression."

"Heh... I actually thought you killed her. My bad... my bad."

Malefica glared.

"I didn't."

"Okay, okay... if she's not dead, where is she?"

Malefica bit her lip.

"She's in Evergreen City... I sealed her away, didn't kill her."

"Wait... say what?"

Malefica sighed, pulling her hair back.

"Have you ever noticed that old statue in the central district? The one that looks suspiciously like me?"

Alicarde remembered the statue; he had seen it before, not too far from the Bureau of Intelligence building.

That day, he had met Detective Jessica West there, and speaking of Jessica, he suddenly realized he was supposed to meet her yesterday.

'I just stood up a cop.'

He shook off the thought, focusing on every detail he could recall about the statue. Jessica had mentioned that the city tried to destroy it fifty years ago and failed.

'Wasn't that around the same time Malefica kicked out the coven for trying to push out the humans?'

The pieces were falling into place. The city must have tried to get rid of an old statue, sacred to some witches—witches who, coincidentally, were once under Cassandra's leadership as head of the coven.

They must have retaliated, prompting Malefica to intervene and drive them out. It was all coming together now. He recalled the striking difference between Malefica and the statue.

He glanced at her, feeling a smirk pull at his lips.

"I knew it... no way that could have been you."

Malefica raised an eyebrow, glancing back at him.

"Knew what? How did you know?"

Alicarde smiled smugly.

"It was obvious... really, there was never a doubt in my mind."

Malefica's gaze lingered on him, unimpressed.

"Is that so?"

"Of course! I mean, it was plain as day... we all know you would never smile so sweetly. I wasn't even fooled."

Malefica's expression turned to a deadpan stare.

Unfazed, he continued, grinning mischievously.

"I mean, your grandma looked like a baddie. Say, can I get her number?"

Malefica facepalmed, and Alicarde chuckled, thoroughly enjoying her reaction.