Cassandra

2

I nodded, feeling a wave of anxiety as I sat down next to her.

"The coin that you're describing as is a powerful artifact with ancient magic. More ancient than me." She chuckled a little bit before getting serious again. "Anyways, this coin is rare, and it is a curse. A curse that can cause chaos and destruction. If you touch that coin... there's no coming back on having a normal life."

"Is there a way to get rid of that curse?" My hand shakes. Does this mean my life is already ruined?

"Yes it's three ways. One, you have to be a powerful witch or spirit to get rid of it. Two, find the person who gave you the coin. Like I said before, the coin is rare and whoever gave it to you... their intentions wasn't good. Most likely they're powerful themselves to even find a coin like that. Or three, find a wolf healer. This is because a wolf made this curse in the first place."

I tilt my head, "A...wolf made that curse?" I say in disbelief. "But they don't have any powers?"

"It's best if you don't underestimate them. I don't even know how a wolf made that coin if we are being honest here my dear." She pauses, taking another sip of her tea, "Do you know the ranks of a wolf?"

I nodded, "I think so. Omega is the lowest rank." I tilt my head again, "What does that have to do with this?"

"I'm getting to my point, be patient my dear. Now, what's the highest rank?" Grandma asked.

"Uh alpha... Grandma couldn't you just get rid of the curse, right?" I sighed. She gives me a look before sighing herself.

"Even though I'm old and know a lot of magic. I know that I couldn't remove that magic myself. Even a little attempt might kill me." Grandma frowned, looking away from me.

My heart skipped a beat. The mentioned of death. Is this curse that powerful? "Do you know anyone then?"

"I know a witch that might be able to help you. But I don't know if she's still alive, it's been years since I last talked to her." Grandma sips on her tea, finishing it.

"Can you... give me her information?" I replied.

"Well it wasn't like you actually touch the coin, right?" Grandma looks at me, worried. "Please tell me you didn't."

I swallowed nervously, unable to contain eye contact. "I didn't touch it" I lied, anxiously shifting in my seat. I knew my grandma didn't believe that. Her eyes narrowed at me slightly, but she didn't press the issue further.

"It's no need for me to give you her information then. It would be a long journey, and a dangerous one too." Grandma sighed, she looked disappointed at me. "Don't do nothing stupid," she says calmly.

"I'm not, I was just wondering." I say, trying to convince her. I got up from the chair, "I'm going to head back to my house now grandma."

She gives me a tight look before nodding. "Make sure you be careful on your way back." She comes over and gave me a warm hug. I returned the embrace. "Goodnight grandma" I smiled.

Grandma gives me a faint smile. "Goodnight my dear."

I walked out of the cabin and into the dark woods once again. I could still feel her concerned gaze following me. My mind was racing with all she told me about that coin. It shouldn't be that hard to remove the curse myself, right? I could just use the healing potion.

Even though I wasn't experience as grandma—and even she doesn't think she could remove it herself. Maybe, trying it out myself should be the last option. I wondered, what kind of chaos and destruction will happen to me?

I used my hands to lit up fire. The only  sounds were occasional hoots and rustles of nocturnal creatures stirring in the shadow. Just a few steps further, a sudden sound broke the stillness around me. It sounded like a twig snapped.

I instantly stopped walking and listened. The birds went silent. Someone or something was watching me. I move my hands around, trying to see if anyone was there. Nothing.

Even though it was nothing behind the shadow. I ran as fast as I could. I lived in the woods for years with my grandma, I knew it must be something behind those shadows.

I ran without looking back. I quickly made it to my house, locking the door. I breathe heavily, leaning on the door. My heart was beating fast. I ran my fingers through my hair.

I turned on all of the lights in the house. I walked to my bed, and laid flat down on it. I needed to get some sleep.

And so, I did. But a few house later I had to open up the shop again. It was slow today, but I had gotten a lot of people. Similar amount of people compared to yesterday.

A little boy enters the restaurant, running up to the front and smiling. "Miss! Thank you!"

I tilt my head, "Hm? For what?" I replied. I smiled back at him. His eyes were full of happiness, "Somehow, my father had gotten better yesterday after eating your oatmeal."

"I don't think it's because of my food," I chuckled. "I'm glad your father had gotten better though."

The little boy nodded happily. He looked around the restaurant, "This place is nice," he said. "I like it."

"I'm glad you like it," I said smiling, "What's your name?" I could already tell the boy was a wolf just by the scent of it.

"Barrett, what's yours?" He says with excitement in his eyes. I giggled, "It's Cassandra, do you want anything to eat?"

"Nah, I just wanted to thank you. Even though you don't think you helped my father illness, I know you did." He replied. I shake my head, I knew myself that I did. But I didn't want people to know that I was tampering with their food.

"It was just a miracle," I shrugged. Suddenly, the door opened again and two men walked in. This felt like deja vu for me. People around the restaurant looked at them. Some of customers faces was full of fear, while others was full of hatred. Well, at least it was day time. Nothing was going to happen to me since it was people around.

They approached at the front, looking cold. I gave them a smile, I knew they didn't want food. But maybe, I could just convince them like those guys from yesterday.

"How can I help you?" I asked, keeping my voice steady. One of the men put a whole big bag of sliver coins on the table.

"Our alpha needs your help."

I tilt my head, "With...?" I say, sounding confused. The two men exchanged glances. One of them leaned closer and spoke in a hush tone. "Let's just say he has a condition. We heard you can heal people."

I quickly shake my head, "No, no, I can't. How can food heal people?" I chuckled. "People are just saying that because my food is that good." I crossed my arms together.

"We heard rumors about this place, that people have been healed after eating here. Especially one of our soldiers that came here yesterday had suddenly became in great health because of your food." He whispers to me.

"Keyword, rumors. Those are rumors. It was just a miracle that his health had improved." I crossed my arms together. I knew they were talking about the men that had came here last night. "I will gladly make him something still. But don't go around here and just assume I heal people. I'm not a miracle worker here."

They both look at me, obviously not believing anything I said. "Psh, fine. But if anything happens to him..."

"Nothing will happen to him. Because it's perfectly normal." I say, walking away to the back to get started on it.