Chapter 48: Bad choice

*~Author’s POV ~*

The carriage moved slowly along the worn forest path. Inside, Aurora sat upright, flipping through a spellbook as glowing runes danced at her fingertips. Hazel sat beside her, resting a gentle hand on her shoulder, offering silent comfort. Though the ride was calm, tension clung to the air like mist.

Behind them Blue moon wolfs stationed there to ensure Hazel’s safety. Just as Elder O’Brien had ordered, she was being moved from the High House—supposedly for her own good. The Council had agreed. Hazel hadn’t.

And maybe... they were all wrong.

The carriage gave a sudden jolt.

A sharp thud echoed beneath the wheels, and the driver cursed as the horses neighed, rearing slightly. Aurora’s spell flickered out.

"What was that?" she muttered, snapping her book shut.

The driver twisted in his seat. "A rock, I think. I’ll check." He hopped down and approached the obstruction cautiously.

Then—whizz!

An arrow flew from the shadows. The driver caught it just in time, inches from his chest. His eyes widened.

A second arrow struck him dead through the side. He dropped.

Aurora’s eyes darkened. "Hazel, up! Now!"

Hazel jolted awake as Aurora dragged her from the carriage. The forest had gone silent—but not empty.

"Versa," Aurora whispered, and a glowing force-shield burst around them.

Then, from the woods, they emerged.

First, five cloaked figures—witches. But behind them came another: an older woman, cloaked in black, long dark hair draping over her shoulders like a veil.

Hazel gasped. Aurora’s breath caught.

"Dahlia," she hissed.

But it wasn’t just the witches.

Another figure stepped forward.

A man they knew.

"Elder O’Brien," Aurora said in disbelief.

Hazel’s blood ran cold. The wolves guarding them shifted to human form, surrounding her protectively. But it was too late.

like I said he would. And Caspian—Beta Caspian, of all people—how disappointing.

and firm. "So this

She nodded toward Dahlia.

voice sharp as broken glass. "And there’s the little imposter witch. Should’ve died long ago. Now you

Aurora stepped in front of her protectively.

deepened. "Your life? Sweetheart...

gushed from her mouth. She

cried out, crouching

should’ve known," Aurora gasped.

"I’m not leaving you—"

her side. Her eyes flicked black. "I’ll

"No!"

with a shaky grin. "Dark

whispered the word again, louder, fiercer:

body stiffened, rising slowly from the ground, dark power leaking from every pore. She looked at Dahlia, her mouth bleeding

see you try,"

growls erupted. The witches took

Hazel turned to run.

forward, sprinting toward them with terrifying speed. Before Hazel could scream, Aurora stepped

Behind them, chaos erupted.

with glowing red eyes, growling low. The wolves who had been secretly guarding Hazel abandoned the shadows

exploded. Screams rang through the

stood frozen behind it all, her back pressed against the shattered carriage. Her vision blurred. Her limbs wouldn’t move. Something was weighing her down—not physically,

voice echoed, but Hazel couldn’t make out

Every sound was muffled.

Every breath felt stolen.

around her like a nightmare—Aurora holding off two witches at once, wolves battling unknown beasts, and O’Brien tearing through their defenses

And then it happened.

twisting pain shot through

and fell to her knees.

mouth opened to scream, but instead, she choked. Thick, dark blood poured from her

no," she sobbed, both

Then came her voice.

worry," Dahlia crooned from the chaos, stepping out like a queen in the center of war. "I’m simply observing the power. We’re doing each other good,

was gliding toward her through the fight, untouched, unfazed, her eyes locked like a predator finally sinking its

here," she whispered. "Come

Hazel didn’t move.

She couldn’t move.

But her body did.

chains, Hazel was lifted off the ground and slammed hard onto her knees before Dahlia. The witch smiled sweetly as she gripped Hazel by the

mouth. Dahlia tilted her head, examining her

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255