The Cursed Witch

Chapter 16|The Promise We Made

Ever since I was born, there was not a single moment I was able to decide for myself.

"Young master, the duchess said you should wear this."

From clothes that I should wear,

"Zeke, you are too old to be drinking milk. You should be able to love tea soon."

To the foods I should like to eat.

Every single detail is decided by the people around me.

But I never resented them.

Sometimes, I also wondered why.

I always feel like I should follow everything they say.

And that I should do what would please them.

But it's not because I love them. There's this feeling that I can't go against.

It's as if I can't even control my own feelings.

As if this body and soul aren't mine.

.

I kept having these certain dreams.

Dreams about a girl that I don't know.

But in that dream, I treasured her dearly.

I was willing to sacrifice everything for her even at the cost of my life.

Her happiness was my priority.

But in my dream... She died.

It was so vivid that I could feel the pain in my chest.

Even though it was just a dream, why am I crying to this extent?

Why am I crying as if someone I treasure really died?

But it wasn't a dream.

.

.

"It's not just a dream." A boy with black hair and golden eyes spoke to me.

"Who are you?" He didn't answer my question.

He couldn't hear me.

"You must remember everything."

"Go and find her. Protect her in this life no matter what."

"If you fail to do that, I would never be able to forgive myself."

.

.

.

It was never a dream. It was real.

The pain in my heart, the death of someone I love, it was all real.

I couldn't imagine living in a world without her.

She gave meaning to my life, so how could I?...?!

I'd rather die than never see her smile again...!

In this world, you're surely here.

I would never let you go again.

I would never let you suffer like how you did in your first life.

.

.

.

That feeling is still there. The feeling I must obey.

But as I grew more conscious of it, I was able to control it.

I can control myself.

Until I met her on that day.

I am not mistaken, this kid... Is Robin.

But how could I tell her?

No matter how much I want to embrace her, now's not the time.

After all, we're inside a story.

.

.

"A blessing? What do you mean, Ava?"

I helped her stand up and held her waist for support.

"I had a dream. Someone told me that I would be able to live happily in this life."

"And that I could be with the person I love even if we die."

She placed her hand on my cheek and showed me the warmest smile she never did before.

"Can you always be at my side from now on, Lucas? Or should I say, Zeke."

Ahh... After such a long time, I can finally be with her again.

She suffered for so long...

Only now you would be able to find happiness.

"Of course. I would accompany you even after death."

I would never leave your side again.

And I would never let you die without me.

"So always stay by my side, okay?"

I muttered as I slowly leaned my face toward her and pulled her in for a deep kiss.

'I love you.'