The Witch and Her Four Dangerous Alphas

Chapter 118: Chapter 118: The Witch Queen

Selene’s POV ~

The evening passed in warmth and laughter, the kind of comfort that wrapped around me so gently I almost forgot the ache inside my chest. By the time the meal was finished and the stories had slowed, I knew it was time to go.

Sara’s parents tried their best to make us stay longer. Her mother insisted on bringing out more food, while her father told us it was late and we should rest here. But we shook our head softly, our smile kind but firm.

"Next time, Aunt," I promised, holding her mother’s hands. "We’ll come again soon. But tonight...."

Her mother sighed but didn’t push further. Her father gave a quiet nod, though his eyes lingered on us with the heavy love of a parent who hated goodbyes.

And so, despite their efforts, we left the warmth of the house.

The air outside was cooler now, the sky deepening into twilight. The flowers in the garden swayed gently in the breeze, and for a moment I looked back at the house. The golden light spilled from the windows, and I felt that ache again—the longing for something I could never quite hold.

Aswin and Rael walked with us only a short while before they stopped. "We have some things to take care of," Aswin said, glancing between Kieran and me. His voice was calm, but there was a weight in it that made me wonder what those things were.

Rael only gave a short nod, his expression unreadable as always. Then, without another word, the two of them turned and disappeared into the dimming streets.

Just like that, it was only Kieran and me.

The air between us felt heavy, almost awkward. I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, but he said nothing, only walked with that same calm stride, his hands loose at his sides.

I hesitated. Should I bring him to my home? Should I let him go his own way? I wasn’t sure what was right. He wasn’t saying anything, and his silence made it harder to decide.

My steps slowed, and I felt a little trapped in my own thoughts. But then, suddenly, an idea came to me.

you want to see the coven?" I asked softly, my

answer right away, but after a moment, he gave a

I smiled faintly. "Then come with

Lanterns glowed softly, and the hum of voices carried through the air. Just behind the coven grounds stretched a row of

we stepped into the market, the air filled

a stall where tiny crystals glowed faintly in the dark, picking one up between his fingers. The soft light caught in his gaze, and for the first time that night, I saw

Interest. Wonder, maybe.

And I thought, perhaps, this was

me glad I had brought

glow of the street lamps painting soft colors across the night. Kieran stayed close beside me, his eyes moving from stall

then I

that instantly scraped

stray," the girl sneered

look to know who it was. My hands curled faintly at my sides, irritation rising in

turned slightly, ready to snap back, but before I could move, something

Warmth.

was pulled into a strong embrace. My body froze in surprise, my face pressed against the solid warmth of a chest. Gasps broke out

"What happened?"

"Who is he?"

"Did you see that?"

head. And

a few steps away, her lips twisted in a cruel smile. In her