The witch's dark robes fluttered gently despite the still air, silver threads woven through the fabric catching the light. Her long hair hung loose down her back, streaked with white that looked less like age and more like intention. Her eyes—Gods, her eyes—were sharp and knowing, ancient in a way that made my skin prickle.
She looked… stunned.
Not afraid.
Not angry.
Just… Amazed by what she had just witnessed.
“Well,” she said lightly, inclining her head.
“That went much faster than I had expected.”
Every muscle in my body tensed. I lifted my chin, magic coiling around my spine, ready to strike again if needed, even though I knew that my body was on the edge of breaking down. My magic had completely drained me, and all I wanted to do was collapse onto the dirt and just... cry.
“A
