I'm Leaving

I could hear my mother crying.

“Honey, what’s going to happen to our baby?” Her voice was trembling.

“Don’t worry, Honey. She’ll be alright.” That was my father’s voice.

Ah? Everyone was worried about me but why couldn’t I open my eyes. I couldn’t move my body. It felt like all my strength just left my body. I was too scared. Everything was pitch black.

“Mother, please rest today. I’ll watch over her.” It’s Vandrel. Hearing my brother’s voice seemed to comfort me.

“She’ll grow weaker and weaker if you still won’t let me handle this.” That voiceᅳ! It was that of the white-haired man who appeared before I fell unconscious.

“Shut up!” I could hear a rustling of a sword. It looked like Brother Vandrel unsheathed his sword.

“You appeared out of nowhere and asked us to give her to you? How dare you demand such nonsense! She is Lady Valkyrie of House Evergreen!” Brother Vandrel was very mad.

“Do you want to marry our sister?” Vin suggested.

“Over my dead body!” Brother Vandrel and that white-haired man reacted.

Woah there, you’re hurting my feelings.

“What’s happening to our baby?” Mother asked the white-haired man.

“She has a great potential to become a witch.” Although he said that, no one reacted as if they knew that all along. They were all quiet.

“It seemed like you’re not surprised.” The white-haired man said.

“Our family lineage is associated with wizards and witches. Vandrel could also use mana that wizards have but he could only use a limited power. I thought it was only Vandrel, I didn’t imagine Valkyrie could also inherit those powers.” Mother explained.

“I could only cover the weapons I wield with my mana. The moment that black cat appeared in front of her, I knew that she could be more powerful than me.” Vandrel sadly added.

“She summoned a familiar?” The white-haired man asked.

“Yes, that black thing beside her. That’s it.” Vandrel replied.

“That’s even more concerning. She managed to summon a familiar without any ritual.” The white-haired man sounded so flustered.

“If we were to entrust her to you, swear with your life that you’ll protect her.” Father sounded so calm and serious at the same time.

“Mana is like a life force to everyone and she’ll continue to lose her life force if nothing is done. She might not open her eyes anymore. The enchanted forest’s sacred barrier could help her. You need to give her to me. I swear she'll be in no harm. ” The white-haired man suggested.

“Dear.” I felt Mother’s hands caressing mine.

I need to wake up. I need to say that I’m alright.

“Can’t we do anything for her?” Brother Vin’s voice sounded so painful.

Little by little, I managed to open my eyes.

“Valkyrie!” Mother called my name in relief. All of them gathered in front of me. I feel so weak but luckily, I managed to give them comfort by waking up. After that, I tried to sit on my bed.

“Youᅳ!” That white-haired man looked so surprised too.

“I thought I might hurt anyone. No one was hurt right?” My voice sounded so weak. If I hurt the crown prince, Alex, my family will suffer the consequences.

“Val, we’re alright.” Brother Vin answered.

“Thank goodness.” I was relieved. “Sir, could you please give me more time to be with my family. I’ll come with you to the enchanted forest so please wait until tomorrow.” I explained.

“You were listening?” The white-haired man asked. “You’re very strange.” Then, he added.

I nodded. He walked towards me.

"Stand back." Brother Vandrel was very wary of him. 

"Brother, it's okay. He won't hurt me." I tried to persuade my brother and he backed off after hearing what I said.

"You are well-loved by your family, my lady." He grinned as if he's envious. When he stood before me, he said "Alright, I’ll be back tomorrow," and he touched my forehead. “I’ll share my mana with you. Be grateful.” It felt like my strength was back when he touched my forehead.

“I feel so alive again. What’s happening?” I looked at my hands. Even Riri, who was sleeping beside me, awoke from sleep and cuddled with me. 

"Your familiar is also very strange. It's not in its final form, I believe? " He questioned. 

"Yes, he was once a big black panther but after the day he appeared, he turned into a cat." I explained. 

"It's because you can't still control your mana." He added. 

"Can I really become a witch?" I was so happy. 

"A noble happy to become a witch? What a pain!" He looked at me as if I was crazy. 

"I'm happy because I won't marry the crown prince anymore." I grinned as if there's no tomorrow. 

"You passed the selection. You are already a witch the moment you said it." He explained. 

Valkyrie, I did it. 

"Call my name when you're ready tomorrow!" He exclaimed while walking away from us. 

Ah? I didn't know his name. 

"Sir, your name?" I managed to ask him. 

"Eisen." He turned back and said his name. Then, in a blink of an eye, he vanished. 

Eisen? Where did I hear that name before? Well, doesn't matter. 

***

During our dinner, I tried to talk about it. 

"Mother... Father... Brother Vandrel... Brother Vin, I'm leaving." I was a bit flustered because they might not agree with my decision. 

They stopped eating and cutting their steak for a moment. 

When I turned to them, they were all crying a river. Eh? 

"Our sister is already leaving us." Brother Vandrel and Vin said at the same time. 

"My beautiful daughter, we will wait for your return. Don't forget that this is always your home." Father said. 

Tears flowed from my eyes. 

"Yes." I stood from my chair. "Thank you for loving me and for raising me. I will always be your daughter and your sister." Thank you so much. I bowed to them. 

They then left their seats and gave me a group hug. 

I ruined that dinner but it was one of the best moments I had with them.