"Celsian are you coming or not? It's a very simple task to get the letters and I ask the questions. I have harder work than you." I asked him as I went to the living room.

"Just wait, I'll be right there," Celsian called out.

"Okay, I'm waiting. Me and Nonna are getting tired and sleepy." I replied as patiently as I could. I saw him coming with a few of them and we sat in the living room.

"Here take it, just make sure you want to read it." He warned me.

"Of course, I still can't believe that these are all addressed from my mom but none of them are replies. Do you think that my grandma truly never sent any back?" I asked him.

"I don't think so, are you sure you want to ask your grandma? Just look at her. She won't give you her answer, it's going to be too painful." He replied.

"Celsian, you're right. I always get too worked up about things. I mean, I do have a tendency to forget how to calm down. And let's face it, I don't think she will have the answers. I doubt she'll have any, anytime soon. It's best not to worry her about these things." I agreed and decided not to ask my grandma about the letters.

"So what should we do now?" Celsian asked, he was looking around for something we could do.

I grinned mischievously, "I know! How about a tour of my humble abode? Nonna, can we go to my room? We'll be back," I said, winking at him playfully, hoping he'd catch on to my little scheme. She nodded and we left.

As we strolled along, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. I wanted him to see where I lived, the place that held so many memories of my childhood dear and the years spent with my beloved grandmother. But he had never been to my house before. None of my friends did. So I was nervous about what he would think about it.

"You've seen my dining room; it's basically just attached to my kitchen. That's where I have a cauldron. This is where I make all my witchy potions," I said, trying to sound mysterious, but failing miserably as laughter escaped me.

Celsian raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eyes. "You're kidding, right? Also, you're a terrible liar. Even if you did lie, you can't do it to me."

I giggled, unable to keep a straight face. "What do you mean? I don't look like 'The Evil Witch Of The Forest'."

He laughed, his voice filled with warmth, "No, you're too kind, and that would be an awful name. Not a nice ring to it like Florida." Florida, I don't like when they call me that, it was the place I was supposedly born. I wasn't though I was born here. Doesn't matter now what he calls me I don't mind as much.

"Hmm, you do make sense you would make a better witch than me." I gasped.

"HEY!" He protested, trying to look offended but he also could not as laughter bubbled up again.

"Fine, really? I've got my spells and magic potions ready!" he joked, waving his fingers theatrically but also trying to be threatening.

Unable to resist his charm, I couldn't help but tease him further. "You have to catch me to take me to your witches' coven!" I declared, taking off running, my heart racing not just from the run, but from the exhilaration of being with him.

Celsian laughed and chased after me, his playful pursuit filling the air with joy. We ran through the hallways like a couple of kids, our laughter echoing off the walls. It felt like we were in our own magical world, where problems faded away, and only the present moment mattered.

Finally, Celsian caught up with me, wrapping his arms around my waist, causing us both to burst into laughter. "Gotcha!" he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with mischief and tenderness.

I playfully pouted, trying to look defiant. "Fine, you win. But only because I let you," I teased, earning another chuckle from him.

For the time that we stood there, it seemed like time even stood still, catching our breath, I realized how comfortable and happy I felt with him. He brought out a side of me that I didn't always show to others, a side that was carefree and full of joy. We were both looking at each other not knowing what to do or how to break the silence.

"So, what's next on the tour?" Celsian asked, a playful grin on his face.

I smirked at him, "Well if you're brave enough, I'll show you my attic. It's where Nonna keeps all her old stuff, and who knows, maybe we'll find something fascinating up there."

"Lead the way, fearless tour guide," he said, taking my hand in his. With that, we continued our adventure through the halls of my magical home. Not only is it magical with him in it but also discovering the treasures in the attic. It's in the newfound connection we were building together. A connection that I had with no one else.

"Great, you could follow me and we'll get lost like the last time. It's just that I've never been in the attic before. What if there are bugs, insects, or dragon bats in there?" I voiced my nervousness, hesitating at the foot of the attic stairs.

Celsian reassured me and he gently squeezed my hand, his touch bringing a sense of comfort. "I'll protect you from all of those tiny and large creatures. Hold my hand, we'll explore it together."

I giggled, "Yeah, like when you protected me by screaming like a little girl who saw a scary monster."

He said with a grin, playfully attempting to hide his earlier fear. "No, I didn't! Your face is just terrifying sometimes. Even if it's the girl I love."

"Wow, great thing to say to the girl you love, calling her terrifying," I sniffled, pretending to be upset, but my heart was filled with joy hearing those three words again. Those three words were simple with him, nothing was difficult with him. Loving him was easy and I know I could do it forever.

"To the girl I love, you're right. I do love you. How many times should I say it?" Celsian replied, his voice sincere and very sweet.

"As many times as you want. I love to hear you say it because I feel the same way, you know," I replied, my cheeks blushing bright red at the confession.

"Bela, are you blushing?" He asked and I just covered my face with my hands and said no.

"You're so cute you know that?" He said taking my hands off my face and I smiled then we both started to laugh.

With our laughter lingering in the air, we climbed the stairs to the attic together. We reached the attic entrance, my heart raced with excitement and a bit of tension for what we mind find. Celsian still holding my hand, his silent support giving me the courage to push open the creaky old door. The space was dimly lit, with rays of sunlight flickering through the small windows.

The attic was filled with dust and old trinkets, evoking a sense of nostalgia for something that I haven't experienced. As we explored further, I stumbled upon a bundle of letters tied together with a faded ribbon. My eyes widened in astonishment and in disbelief, as I saw the names on the envelopes—letters from my baby sister who had passed away many years ago. The one mystery I was trying to solve was right in front of me. Has it finally come to the time that I know what happened, or will she tell me somehow?

My hands trembled as I reached for them, recognizing the handwriting of my baby sister who had passed away years ago. It's impossible how I could recognise her handwriting when she hadn't even learnt how to write. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I could hardly believe what I was holding. I read her sweet, innocent words, expressing her love for me even though we were separated at such a young age.

"I can't believe this," I whispered, my voice squeaking.

"Celsian, look. This letter from my sister," I muttered barely able to talk.

His voice packed with empathy but also worry he said, "Oh, Belaflora, that's incredible. This is from your sister? How did it end up here? When did it come here?"

"I used to write to her after she passed away, hoping she would somehow receive my messages. And now, I find that she wrote to me too. It's like she was trying to communicate with me from beyond," I whimpered and spoke under my breath, my heart filled with wonder and heart-wrenching ache. Why did I never come here? I would have found these sooner if I did.

Celsian gently took the letter from my hands, his eyes full of understanding of what I'm feeling. "It's like a connection that transcends time and space. She's still with you in some way and she is trying to reach you."

Celsian then looked over my shoulder after putting down the one in his hand, reading the letters with me. "This is so amazing, Bela. You used to send letters to her too, hoping for a reply, and it seems like somehow you got one."

"I never thought I would find these. It's like a piece of my past I thought was lost forever came here," I sighed, while he wiped a tear from my face.

He placed a soft kiss on my forehead, his touch warming my soul while he hugged me. "It's beautiful. Her love for you is eternal, Bela. She's still with you in some way. She may not physically be with us, but her spirit lives on in the memories you hold and the love you share."

As we read the letters together, a profound connection seemed to fill the attic. It was as if the past and the present had merged, and the love between my sister and me had truly transcended the boundaries of time and space. I felt her presence in those words, her warmth, and her love for me.

But that wasn't all we found. Among Nonna's notebooks were pages filled with mysterious secrets, ancient spells, and long-forgotten rituals. As we flipped through the pages, we realized that my grandmother had been much more than just a sweet old lady. She was a powerful witch, and her notebooks held the key to unlocking a world of magic and knowledge.

"This is completely remarkable, I mean unbelievable, Bela. Your Nonna was such a powerful and extremely wise witch," Celsian remarked, flipping through the pages with astonishment.

"It's like my Nonna led a double life, one I knew nothing about," I mused, flipping through the pages filled with ancient spells and her encounters with mythical creatures.

Celsian smiled warmly, his eyes filled with admiration. "Your Nonna was an extraordinary woman it seems like, Bela. A true guardian of magic and wisdom. And now, it seems that passed the torch to you, her granddaughter, to carry on her legacy. Being a guardian is passed on through heritage."

"You sure about this, then why didn't she tell me about any of this." I wondered why this was kept a secret.

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility settle upon my shoulders. "I don't know if I'm ready for all of this. It's mind-boggling that she has done all this, and I don't want to disappoint her memory."

Celsian cupped my face in his hands, his gaze unwavering and filled with love. "Bela, you have a heart that's brimming with love and courage. Your Nonna saw that in you, and that's why she left all of this for you to uncover. You have the strength within you to embrace this journey, and I'll be right here beside you every step of the way."

His words touched the depths of my soul, and I knew that with his support, I could face any challenge that lay ahead. With newfound determination, I closed Nonna's notebooks and placed them back in their rightful place. I went back to thinking about school and was still confused about what to do. I shouldn't be scared of going back to school. They should be scared of me.

"Whatever the journey is. I'm ready, Celsian. Ready to embrace the magic, the mysteries, and the love that binds us all," I said, my voice full of the belief that I can do it.

He smiled, his eyes shining with joy and love. "Then let's embark on this adventure together, Bela. A journey into the enchantment of the past and the promise of an extraordinary future." And with his hand intertwined with mine, I knew that no matter what lay ahead, our love would guide us through it all.

"I think we need to go but for now what should we do? Even if we leave I can't just leave without saying goodbye to my Nonna. Nor without asking her questions about all of this." I said and then went down the attic and into the living room, the living room was empty. "That's weird she was just here, maybe she went to her bedroom."

My heart pounded with worry as I checked every room in the house, calling out for Nonna. Panic began to take hold of me, and Celsian could see the fear in my eyes.

"Bela, she must be somewhere. Maybe she went for a walk or to visit a neighbour," he tried to give an idea while trying to offer reassurance.

"You're kidding me, right? We don't have any neighbours because we live in the middle of the forest. Also, my Nonna uses a wheelchair; she can barely walk," I snapped, my frustration getting the better of me.

I shook my head thinking of where she could be, unable to shake off the feeling that something was dreadfully wrong. "She wouldn't just leave without telling me. Nonna is always here, and she never goes out without letting me know."

As we searched the house again, my mind raced with possibilities. Has something happened to her? Was she in danger? The thought of uncertainty of her whereabouts bore down on me, and I felt my eyes getting wet and puffy. I didn't realize how much I had been crying.

"Celsian, what if something has happened to her? What if she's in trouble and can't reach us?" I stammered, my voice quivering with fear.

I could feel my fear and worry escalating. It felt like the walls were closing in on me, and I struggled to catch my breath. Each inhale was shallow and strained, while my heart raced at an alarming rate. My chest felt constricted, and my hands couldn't stop shaking as I still continued to search for Nonna.

"Bela, wait a second and calm down. Take a few breaths slowly. I'm sure that she's around here somewhere," Celsian's voice tried to soothe me, but my confused mind couldn't comprehend his words. My body trembled with the intensity of my emotions, and I clutched my chest, trying to ease the pain and panic that was spreading through it.

He took my hands in his, his touch making me feel slightly less uneasy. "Bela, we'll figure this out together. Let's not lose hope. We'll find her, I promise." He had his hands in mine but it was no use. The panic was consuming me, and I felt like I was spiralling out of control. Celsian reached out to hold my hands, but even his touch couldn't anchor me back to reality. I was trapped in my own mind, lost in a maze of fear and uncertainty.

I tried to follow his advice and take slow breaths, but my lungs felt constricted, and I couldn't seem to draw in enough air. The world around me blurred as tears dropped down from my eyes. I couldn't see clearly, and all I could hear was the pounding of my heart, drowning out everything else.

Celsian's voice became more urgent, his concern evident in his eyes. "Bela, please, try to focus on my voice. You're safe, and we will find your Nonna. Just take deep breaths with me."

But my mind was racing, and his words felt distant, like echoes in a tunnel. The panic was relentless, and I couldn't escape its grasp. I felt like I was suffocating, both physically and emotionally. Nonna was my only family. The thought of losing her is something I could not bear. I cannot live without her.

Celsian held me close, trying to provide comfort and support, but the panic was too controlling. He whispered soothing words, trying to guide me through the maelstrom inside my mind. But no matter how hard he tried, the panic persisted, and I couldn't find my way back to calmness.

I wanted to respond to him, to tell him that I appreciated his efforts, but my voice was caught in my throat. The panic had stolen my words, leaving me silent and helpless.

In that moment, I felt a crushing sense of defeat. I was supposed to be strong, to be brave, but here I was, paralyzed by my own fears. I felt like I was letting everyone down, including myself.

Celsian's face reflected my pain and frustration, and I could see the helplessness in his expression. He continued to hold me, refusing to give up on me even as I felt myself slipping further into the abyss of panic.

Despite his best efforts, he couldn't calm the storm that raged inside me. The panic was ferocious, uncompromising, and I couldn't escape its grip. It felt like I was drowning, and Celsian was unable to pull me to safety. It was a panic I only felt once before. When I was thrown here by my parents, how ironic that I was scared of Nonna. I didn't want to be here yet now all I want is her to be beside me. Her to be safe, not knowing if she is or not it is killing me from the inside.

In that moment, I realized that I was on my own in this battle with panic. No matter how much Celsian cared for me, he couldn't fight this battle for me. It was up to me to find a way to navigate through the storm and find the calm that seemed so far away. I was supposed to find it, and be free from this fear that has captured me.

As much as I wanted to lean on him for support, I knew that I had to find the strength within myself. I took a deep, shaky breath, trying to steady myself. It was a small step, but it was a start.

Celsian's voice continued to offer reassurance and comfort, but I knew that the journey to calmness was one I had to undertake alone. I closed my eyes and focused on my breathing, trying to slow down the frantic pace of my heart.

But the panic still held its grasp on me, refusing to let go. I felt defeated, like I was losing the battle, and I could sense the sadness in Celsian's eyes. I could feel the disappointment within myself, was I really this weak?

"I'm sorry," I managed a whisper, but my voice was barely audible. "I'm trying, but I can't calm down."

Celsian's expression softened. The strength from his face that was always there was disappearing, and he gently brushed a tear from my cheek away. "It's okay, Bela. It's okay to feel this way. We'll get through this together."

His words offered a glimmer of hope, and I clung to it desperately. I knew that I couldn't overcome this panic in an instant, but with Celsian by my side, maybe, just maybe, I could find the courage to face it.

As the panic slowly began to subside, I realized that it was okay to lean on others for support. I didn't have to face everything alone. Celsian was there for me, and together, we would weather the storms that life threw our way.

In that moment, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for his presence in my life. He may not have been able to calm my panic completely, but his support was enough to remind me that I was not alone in this journey.

"Are you feeling better?" I nodded and he let me go then said "Come on let's look for her some more. She must be somewhere. Maybe she's in another part of the house or the garden," he suggested, trying to be optimistic.

"No, Celsian, I've searched everywhere. Nonna wouldn't just disappear like this. I'm really worried, something might've happened to her." I expressed my concern for her safety. Finally being able to speak.

Celsian's expression mirrored my concern. "Let's not jump to conclusions. Maybe she's taking a nap or in a room, we haven't checked yet. We'll find her, Bela."

"Actually you're right let's check outside some more, sometimes she wanders off but not so far that I can't find her," I said, trying to hold onto any hope that she was nearby.

So, with determination in our hearts, we stepped further out into the magical and mythical forest surrounding our home. The dense foliage and ancient trees folded as if it was telling us secrets of ages past and the enchanted creatures of the forest watched us with curious eyes.

"Bela, did you hear something?" Celsian asked, looking around with a furrowed brow. His eyes searched the surroundings with concern.

"What is it, what did you hear?" I focused on the sound too, and my heart stopped when I heard a faint cry for help. It must've been my grandma.

"Come on Cel we have to hurry," I said urgently, my fear for Nonna growing with every passing second.

We followed the sound of a faint cry for help, the forest seemed to guide us with a mystical presence. The trees swayed gently, creating a path for us, and the glow of fireflies lit our way. It was as if the forest itself wanted to lead us to Nonna, to help us find our way.

Celsian's eyes began to glow with awareness of where we were going. He stepped forward, took a deep breath, and raised his hands in a graceful motion. A soft, shimmering light emanated from his fingertips, swirling and dancing in the air.

"Celsian, what are you doing?" I was shocked by the magical display unfolding before me.

"I have a unique gift," he replied, his voice steady and confident. "I can communicate with the elements of the forest, and they, in turn, help me when I need it most. I believe it can help us find your Nonna."

As he spoke, the luminescent light grew brighter, enveloping us in a warm and comforting glow. With a flick of his wrist, he conjured delicate, glowing butterflies that fluttered around us. Each butterfly carried a soft, musical note, creating a harmonious melody that echoed through the forest.

"These butterflies will guide us to Nonna," Celsian explained, a focused glint in his eyes. "They are drawn to the essence of those we seek."

Sure enough, the butterflies began to lead us through the enchanted forest, their gentle glow illuminating the path ahead. The trees seemed to lean in closer, it seemed like they were whispering secrets to the butterflies, aiding us in our quest. While we followed the glowing butterflies the noise became louder and more significant. We needed to hurry.

With each step, I felt a surge of hope. Celsian's magic was unlike anything I had ever seen before, and it filled me with wonder and gratitude. It was not just about power and showmanship but about connecting with the magic of the world around us and using it in creative and meaningful ways. The butterflies continued to guide us deeper into the heart of the forest, and we followed their trail. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the treetops, we heard a faint sound, like the tinkling of bells from far away. It was a different noise, less like it was someone in danger but more like wanting to be there for them. That's what the noise was.

Finally, we heard the soft tinkling sound of bells ringing in our ears, it sounded like a loud roaring sound now and it got deafening with each step. This meant we were getting close. Following the sound, we rounded a bend, and there she was—Nonna, surrounded by the same luminescent and radiant light we had seen before. The light that was leading us to her. She looked serene and protected as if the magic of the forest itself was cradling her. I felt so happy and grateful but still confused about how she ended up here. She looked to be floating above on her wheelchair seemingly high off the ground by the trunk of a huge old wisteria tree.

We approached her, the butterflies gently landed on her wheelchair, their soft music in the air. "Nonna!" I called out in joy, rushing to her.

"Oh, my dear Belaflora, you found me," she said, her voice weak but still filled with love. Then she glanced at Celsian, her gratitude evident. "Thank you for helping her. Your name escapes me."

Celsian smiled, with pride in his gaze. "The name is Celsian Cisneros. It was the magic of the forest that led us to you. I merely followed its guidance."

Then he carefully guided Nonna's wheelchair back to the ground using the butterflies, and I held her close, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude and wonder.

Celsian stepped forward, his magic still resonating in the air. "I asked the forest to guide us to you. It seems that they hold you in special regard, he said, his gaze meeting Nonna's with a knowing twinkle.

Nonna smiled at him, she nodded and then turned to me. "Belaflora, my child, Celsian possesses a gift that is rare and beautiful. He has a bond with the very heart of this forest, and it was through his magic that I was kept safe."

A smile dawned on my face, both from relief and wonder at the incredible display of magic that Celsian had shown. He helped find and save my grandma. "Thank you, Celsian," I said, my voice filled with gratitude.

"Your magic is unlike anything I've ever seen before. You truly have a unique and amazing gift. Except how does my Nonna know about it?" I asked her.

"Bela, your Nonno shared the same connection," Nonna explained gently. "Only a few do. Your friend does, and so does your Nonno."

"You never talk about him. Why not?" I inquired, wanting to know more about this hidden aspect of his past.

"This connection can be a gift or a curse," he replied sombrely. "People with this power can doom the forest by taking all its power."

"Celsian you would never do this would you? I know that you are a kind and good person." I defended him passionately, not wanting any doubt cast upon his integrity.

"Yes, I never thought that I was able to do that," Celsian reassured me. "I would never harm the forest." His sincerity echoed in his words, and I knew deep down that he could be trusted.

Celsian blushed, his humility only adding to his charm. "I'm glad I could help. Your grandma is right. The forest and I share a special connection. It guides me when I need it most, and in return, I use my magic to protect its wonders."

With Nonna safely back in her wheelchair and on the ground, we made our way back home. As we walked, I couldn't help but marvel at the incredible bond between Celsian and the mystical forest. His magic was a reflection of his love and was an extension of his heart. It was evidence of the love and respect he had for the magical world around us and for those he held dear.

At that moment, surrounded by the enchanting beauty of the forest and the love of my family, I knew that my life had been forever changed. With Celsian by my side and the magic of the forest to protect us, I felt like anything was possible.

As I looked at Celsian, my heart swelled with love and admiration for him. He caught me looking at him and I turned to look somewhere else. I heard him giggle. I felt my cheeks turning pink but anyway what I'm glad about is that he was more than just a talented sorcerer; he was a bearer of wonder, a guardian of joy, and a true partner in our journey through the enchanted woods. A true friend that I count on with anything. With him by my side, I knew that the magic of our lives would only grow more extraordinary, and our love for one another would remain as timeless as the stars above.

We returned to the cottage, and this time I was eager to read the letters. I needed to uncover the secrets my Nonna had kept hidden for so long.

"So I think I'm going to read what my mother wrote," I announced, my heart racing with anticipation and nervousness.

"I get that you didn't get the chance last time, but are you sure?" Celsian asked, his concern for me was evident in his eyes. I wondered why he was concerned?

"Yes, I'm completely sure. They're on the dining table, right?" I probed, eager to read the letters, my curiosity driving me crazy to uncover the secrets within the letters.

"No, they're not. I brought them to your living room, remember," he gently reminded me.

I noticed one letter on the dining table, despite Celsian's explanation. My interest in it overpowered me, and I tried to go get it, but he tried to stop me.

"So then why do I see one there? Let me just check." I asked and for some reason, Celsian tried to stop me.

"What are you doing? Let me see that one. All of them could be important," I urged, but he tried to stop me from rushing into something that could be potentially emotionally draining.

He eventually let me go, and as I read the letter, I was shocked, surprised, and confused. It was a letter from the day I came here. Who it was from? Why did he stop me from getting it? Why was this not with the others? All of these questions made me devastatingly overwhelmed especially since this was a letter from my sister.

"Bela, I saw that one before, but I thought it was nothing, so I didn't give it to you. You've got to understand that none of this is possible," Celsian tried to explain, looking conflicted.

"None of this is possible? You're the one who said that you'll be with me no matter what. Now you're saying that this is impossible. The day she died, she sent me a letter," I responded, growing more impatient.

Then I just felt nothing for a moment but after I felt my emotions running wild like a violent tempest. The heaviness of my sister's letters and the clash with Celsian were enough to break me, pushing me to the brink. "I don't care, Celsian. Just leave me alone," I choked out, my voice trembling with hurt.

"I think those letters are ones that you wrote from her to yourself and forgot. It's crazy to think she's sending letters to you," he said. Was Celsian attempting to make me feel crazy about myself?

"Wow, Cel, the one person I thought I could trust with all of this," I said, feeling hurt and disappointed by his lack of belief.

"You can trust me, and I was saying that we could face this together, but not in this way," Celsian replied, trying to mend the situation.

I glared at Celsian, my heart heavy with anger and frustration. "You don't understand, Celsian! This is not about you or anyone else. This is about me and my sister. I need to find answers, I need to know the truth." I insisted.

"I never said this is about me but at what cost, Bela? You're putting yourself through so much pain and torment. I can't bear to see you like this," he pleaded, his eyes searching mine for a hint of understanding.

"Do you really think I'm crazy for believing she might be alive or she is the one contacting me?" I asked, hoping he'd see my perspective.

"You're not crazy, just what you believe in is. Why can't you just leave your sister to rest? Who told you to figure this out? No one did except yourself. Pursuing this is causing more pain than anything else," he expressed his thoughts.

"I don't care," I retorted sharply, my emotions getting the better of me. "I can't just forget about her and move on. She was my sister, Celsian! My flesh and blood. And now, I have a chance to know more about her, to connect with her even after she's gone."

He reached out to hold me, but I stepped back, my anger was not subsiding. I could feel myself go on and on at him. Maybe, I'm not angry at him. Maybe I'm angry at myself and I'm taking it out on him. "No, don't you even touch me right now. I need space, I need to think," I said, feeling all over the place. My emotions were out of control and I didn't know how to stop them.

"I don't want to see anyone anymore. You can leave me alone just like how I was alone as a child. I am used to it. I think that I'm the cause of everything bad. I'm the curse, that's going to destroy everything and everyone. Including you." I started to cry and couldn't stop.

Celsian looked clearly torn, between wanting to comfort me or just leaving as I told him to. "You can't say that stuff about yourself. You're the light that shines when I'm lost in the darkness. Bela, I know you miss her, but you can't let this consume you. You're not a curse; you're a beautiful and caring person who deserves happiness. Please, let me help you find that happiness."

"You don't get it! This is my journey, my pain, my healing process," I cried even more, my voice cracking and it becoming harder for me to speak. "You can't just swoop in and try to fix everything with your magic. This is not some illusion that you can make disappear!"

"All I'm saying is that you should just stop for a second searching for answers. You know that you won't be able to find the ones you are looking for or the ones that you don't want to find you might." He advised me.

"I can't explain it, I need to, no matter what it takes, but I felt her presence, Celsian. I know it sounds crazy, but I can't ignore what I experienced," I said, tears streaming down my cheeks. "And you... you're telling me to just forget about it, to stop searching for answers."

"I just don't want to see you hurt," he said softly, hoping to make me less angry and hurt.

Celsian reached out to touch my hand, but I pulled away again, the pain in my heart making me feel numb. "I thought you would be different, that you would support me," I said, quivering and with disappointment in him.

"I do support you, Bela. But I also worry about you," he said, his own emotions bubbling to the surface. "I care about you, and I don't want to see you consumed by something that might not be real."

"Of course, you don't believe me," I remarked, my heart sinking. "Nobody does. But I know what I saw, what I felt. My sister wrote to me, Celsian. She reached out to me from beyond, and I can't ignore that."

"But it's not possible, Bela," he insisted, frustration creeping into his voice. "Even magic has its limits, and this... this is something else entirely."

"So what if it is real?" I asked, my voice rising with desperation. "What if my sister is trying to tell me something, and I'm just too blind to see it?"

"Then we'll figure it out together," he said, his voice softening. "But right now, you're hurting yourself, and I can't endure seeing you like this anymore. This is an obsession with proving that you didn't kill your sister, I'm sorry but I can't watch you destroy yourself."

"No this is not what that's about. I need to know, Celsian," I said my voice barely above a whisper. "I need to find the truth, even if it hurts. I need to know what happened to her."

Celsian looked at me, his eyes filled with a mixture of love and anguish. "As much as I don't want to see you get hurt, Bela. I can't force you to stop. If you need to find answers, then I'll be here for you. Just promise me that you'll take care of yourself."

"I promise," I said, my voice breaking as I held back tears. "I promise that I won't let this consume me. But I have to do this, Celsian. I can't turn my back on my sister."

With a grieving heart, I turned away from him, unable to bear to see the pain in his eyes any longer. I knew that our fight had left a rift between us, and my heart was suffering at the thought of losing him. But I also knew that I had to follow my destiny, no matter how crushing it might be or what it beholds. The journey ahead would be difficult, and I didn't know if I would find the answers I sought, but I couldn't rest until I tried.

"Do you truly want me to leave then?" He whimpered, his voice aching with sorrow.

"Yes, I just want to be alone. I want to stay here for a while then I'll see what to do." I said as he nodded and reluctantly left my house. I heard his hybrid fly away after a while.

Alone in the cottage. I felt a mix of emotions swirling inside me. I was divided between my love for Celsian and my need to find the truth. Our fight stung like piercing pain in my heart, but I knew that I had to be true to myself. The path ahead would be challenging, and I didn't know what the future held, but I was determined to face it, even if it meant risking everything. Even if it also meant going on this path alone.