Karina and Nixie sat together by the fireplace, the warm glow of the flames casting soft shadows across the room. For the first time since Nixie’s sudden appearance, the tension had eased. They were no longer strangers, but two witches with intertwined fates, trying to make sense of their lives and the danger they both faced.
Nixie glanced over at Karina, her pale purple eyes shimmering with curiosity. “I haven’t had the chance to thank you properly for helping me,” she said. “I know it must’ve been difficult for you, with everything going on.”
Karina smiled softly. “You don’t have to thank me. I’m just glad you’re safe now.”
Nixie sighed, her shoulders relaxing as she sat back in her chair. “I suppose I owe you an explanation, though. My past isn’t exactly simple.”
Karina nodded, her
