The creature stumbled into the clearing, its figure still divided between the witch and what remained of Liam. Its movements were erratic, as if fighting itself for control. Seeing how its face shifted between the witch's cold sneer and Liam's desperate fury, was disturbing.
“If you try to harm me, your friend will die too,” the witch warned, her voice dripping with mockery. “So you’re at a loss, little ones.”
But before she could continue, Liam’s voice emerged, interrupting her sharply. “Kill this old hag!” he shouted, and his face appeared for an instant—half distorted, half-familiar.
“Who are you calling an old hag, brat?” the witch snapped, furious, as her face shifted back, revealing a grotesque mix of both. “This body is mine now, and there’s nothing you can do about it!”
Their a
