The Witch's Last Embrace

I ended the telepathic call, but the high priestess's excited voice still echoed in my ears.

My mind wandered back to the promises Luci had once made to me.

"I never thought there'd be a goddess living in the forest, let alone one as beautiful and enchanting as you. Will you leave the forest and come with me to the human world?"

"I'll make you the happiest woman on earth."

"Don't worry. You've given up your life as a witch and left the forest for me. I'll love only you for the rest of my life. I'll never betray you, never leave you."

The man was still the same man, but his promises had become unrecognizable, warped beyond recognition.

Once, I couldn't bear to part with him. I gave up the divine position of the high priestess and all the medical knowledge that came with it. But now, what was left for me to hold on to?

It was time to leave.

The high priestess and I had agreed to meet in half a month. That meant I had only half a month left with Luci in this lifetime.

I wasn't sure how long they stayed in the bedroom. When Luci finally emerged, he moved with deliberate caution, as though guilt had hollowed him out. His instinct was to reach out and hold me.

But the sweat from his exertions still clung to his body, mingling with the scent of another woman.

I forced down the nausea rising in my throat, stepping away without making a scene.

"Mable, what's wrong?"

Luci used to say I reminded him of an unearthly being untouched by the world, a celestial spirit from the mountains. He would cling to me as if I might vanish at any moment.

But after I lost my sight, and after Jasmine appeared, he stopped saying things like that.

Now his hands gripped my waist tightly, pinning me in place.

"Mable, you look pale, and your clothes are damp. Did you catch a cold in the rain?"

With a tenderness that made my stomach churn, he grabbed a warm towel and began drying my hair. His movements were gentle, his eyes filled with what looked like genuine concern.

How was this the same man who, moments ago, had been pressing another woman beneath him, drawing ragged gasps from her lips?

The high priestess had been right—some men lie so seamlessly that the truth seems to vanish in their presence. Their deceit is a craft, perfected to the point that their true selves emerge only when it's too late.

Perhaps I never truly understood human love. And now, I no longer wanted to. I had been hurt too deeply, and there was no turning back.

Suppressing my grief, I furrowed my brow and said quietly, "My stomach doesn't feel well. Don't touch me."

Luci frowned, concern etched into his features. "I'm the one who loves you most. How could I not care for you? I've been so busy with work lately that I haven't spent enough time with you. But your birthday's coming up, and I've planned a surprise for you."

By day, he was the cold, ruthless CEO, wielding power with an iron hand. But before me, he was always soft, always obedient.

I thought I was the only one who knew this side of him.

I hadn't realized he could be just as devoted, just as indulgent, to another woman in the dead of night.

After tidying the bedroom, he led me inside and gently coaxed me to sleep, his voice soothing, his touch tender. He treated me like a child, pampering me endlessly.

Even if it cost a fortune, he would spare no expense just to see me smile.

And then, the sound of the door.

"Is she asleep yet? Hurry up. I still need you to give me a hard massage. Now!"

"I'm coming, you insatiable little fox. What's the rush…"

So, his tenderness was just a prelude to going back to her?

How could he be so heartless, so cruel to me? What had I ever done to deserve this?

Taking advantage of my blindness, he crushed my dignity and my feelings underfoot, grinding them into the dirt and spitting on the pieces.

Tears spilled down my cheeks.

I kept telling myself it was okay. It would all be over soon. I just needed to endure a little longer.