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.

out, just like I said he would.

low and firm. "So this

She nodded toward Dahlia.

the little imposter witch. Should’ve died long

in front of her protectively. "I’ll protect her

deepened. "Your life? Sweetheart...

her

out,

Aurora gasped. "The coffin...

"I’m not leaving you—"

eyes flicked black.

"No!"

shaky grin. "Dark magic

word

power leaking from every pore. She looked at Dahlia, her

love to see

took their

Hazel turned to run.

when the five cloaked figures behind Dahlia lunged forward, sprinting toward them with terrifying speed. Before Hazel could scream, Aurora stepped in front of her,

Behind them, chaos erupted.

low. The wolves who had been secretly guarding Hazel abandoned the shadows and burst forward—shifting midair into their human

Screams

pressed against the shattered carriage. Her vision blurred. Her limbs wouldn’t move. Something

voice echoed, but Hazel couldn’t make out

Every sound was muffled.

Every breath felt stolen.

beasts, and O’Brien tearing through their defenses like a monster unleashed. Hazel could barely think. She felt heavy, like she was

And then it happened.

pain shot

to her knees.

she choked.

both hands clutching her stomach. "My

Then came her voice.

in the center of war. "I’m simply observing

fight, untouched, unfazed, her

whispered. "Come

Hazel didn’t move.

She couldn’t move.

But her body did.

invisible chains, Hazel was lifted off the ground and slammed hard onto

her legs and mouth. Dahlia tilted her head, examining her like a

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