WITCHDOM

CHAPTER 3.

WITCHDOM

3.

PRINCE LUCAS STHANDWA

I heard the sound of a door opening and two voices talking. One of them sounded eerily familiar - it was Nqobile, my stepbrother. I couldn't believe it. What was he doing here? And why was he talking about me like that?

I was still blindfolded and duct-taped, unable to move or see. But my ears were working just fine, and I strained to listen to every word.

Nqobile:''Oh, the favorite son is awake,'' Nqobile sneered. 'You people should be extra careful in this mission.''

His voice dripped with malice, and I felt a chill run down my spine.

Another voice replied: ''We will deliver.''

I didn't recognize this one, but it sent a shiver down my spine.

Nqobile continued, :''Good. I don't want to ever see him in the realm ever again.''

The realm? What was he talking about? And why did he want me gone so badly?

I felt a surge of fear. Could it be true? Was my own stepbrothers plotting my death? My mom had always warned me about them, told me they were jealous of my inheritance. But I never thought it would come to this.

I tried to struggle, to break free from my restraints, but they were too tight. I was trapped, at the mercy of my stepbrother and his accomplice.

A sense of resignation washed over me. I knew I was in grave danger, and it seemed like all hope was lost.

I thought to myself, ''This is it. This is the end. I'll probably meet my ancestors today, maybe even my sweet grandma who I miss so much.''

I had always imagined that I would live a long life, achieve great things, and make my family proud. But now, it seemed like that was all being taken away from me. I felt a deep sadness, knowing that I might never get to experience all the things I had dreamed of.

After what felt like an eternity, I was dragged away by some burly men. They gripped me tightly, their hands like vice grips, and pulled me along for what felt like a mile. I stumbled and staggered, my legs weak from the ordeal, but they didn't care. They just kept dragging me, ignoring my grunts and struggles.

Finally, we reached the water's edge. I could hear the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and I knew I was in trouble. They lifted me up, and I felt myself flying through the air, my stomach lurching with fear. I landed with a splash in the deep water, and my body sank like a stone.

I tried to struggle, to kick and paddle with my bound legs and hands, but it was no use. I was trapped, unable to move or escape. And to make matters worse, my mouth was still duct-taped shut, so I couldn't even cry out for help. I was running out of air, my lungs burning with the effort of trying to breathe through my nose.

I thought to myself, 'This is it. This is the end. I'm going to drown, alone and helpless, with no one to save me.' The fear was overwhelming, and I felt my consciousness starting to slip away.

***NOMAQHIBELO***

I woke up with a start, my heart racing and my sheets drenched in sweat. I had just had the most terrifying nightmare - I was being chased by an old lady with long, spindly legs and claws. She was gaining on me, and I could feel her hot breath on my neck. I tried to run faster, but my legs were like lead, and I couldn't escape.

As I caught my breath and looked around my dark room, I realized that something was off. My window was open, which was strange because I was sure I had closed it before going to bed. And then I saw it - a faint, white light glowing outside my window.

I approached the window cautiously, my heart still pounding from the nightmare. As I looked out, I saw that the light was coming from the evil river that ran through our town. The river had always been a place of dark legend, a place where people whispered of strange happenings and unexplained occurrences.

Mambo's words echoed in my mind as I gazed out at the glowing light. She had always been a bit eccentric, but I had never doubted her wisdom. And now, her warning seemed eerily relevant.

Mambo: ''If you want to die, go close to the evil river,'' she had said. I had always thought it was just a strange way of telling me to stay away, but now I wondered if there was more to it.

Despite my reservations, I felt an overwhelming curiosity about the light. What was it? Where was it coming from? And why was it calling to me like a siren's song? I knew I should stay away, but my feet seemed to move of their own accord. I found myself walking towards the window, feeling an inexorable pull towards the river.

As I look closer, the light grew brighter, illuminating the dark water like a beacon. I could feel its power calling to me, tempting me to come closer. I knew I was playing with fire, but I couldn't resist. I had to know what was out there, no matter how much danger it posed.

I took a deep breath, my heart pounding in my chest, and climbed out of the window. The night air was cool and damp, and the sound of the river grew louder as I made my way towards its banks. I was being drawn into something, and I didn't know if I would ever be able to escape.

I felt a shiver run down my spine as I gazed out at the light. It was pulsing and glowing, like something alive. I didn't know what it was, but I knew it couldn't be good. I tried to tell myself it was just my imagination playing tricks on me, but deep down, I knew that something was very wrong.

WHAT IS THAT LIGHT?