Chapter 81: The Witch’s Warning
Dakota and Henry trekking through a dense, shadowy forest. The air is heavy with tension as they navigate toward their next destination. They've been on edge ever since the encounter at the church, but this time, it's not just the remnants of the dark magic that unsettle them.
Henry: (grumbling) "I swear, if we run into her again, I'm not holding back this time."
Dakota: (smirking faintly) "You mean the last time you 'didn't hold back,' when she turned your flames into ice? That went well."
Henry: (scowling) "Hey, she caught me off guard. Next time, it'll be different."
The two push forward, their banter cutting through the eerie silence. The forest grows darker, and a familiar, oppressive presence washes over them. Both men stop in their tracks.
Henry: (gritting his teeth) "Speak of the devil."
Dakota: (calmly) "She's not the devil. But she's just as annoying."
A cold wind rustles the trees as shadows begin to gather ahead of them. Slowly, the witch steps out from the darkness, her black robes billowing as if caught in an unseen storm. Her glowing eyes fix on Dakota with an amused glint.
Witch: (mocking) "Still so charming, Dakota. And Henry, ever the hothead. Have you come to seek my wisdom, or simply to entertain me again?"
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Henry grips his sword tightly, flames flickering to life along its edge. Dakota raises a hand, silently signaling him to hold back. The witch's power is not something to challenge lightly.
Dakota: (dryly) "We weren't looking for you, but I suppose it was inevitable. You tend to show up when it's least convenient."
Witch: (grinning) "Convenience is such a dull concept. I prefer chaos. It makes life… interesting."
She steps closer, her presence unnerving even Henry, who tries to mask it with bravado.
Henry: "What do you want this time? Another cryptic warning? Or are you here to trade riddles again?"
Witch: (ignoring him) "I am here, as always, to guide. You may not like my methods, but they are necessary."
Dakota crosses his arms, his expression unreadable. He remembers their last meeting vividly—the bargains she offered, the veiled threats, and the way she seemed to know everything about him. Too much.
"She's exactly as I wrote her—arrogant, dangerous, and always playing a game only she understands. I just wish I knew what she was after."
Dakota: (coldly) "If you're here to 'guide' us, get to the point. We don't have time for your theatrics."
Witch: (smirking) "Oh, but the theatrics are half the fun."
---
The witch waves a hand, and the shadows around them twist and shift, forming a swirling vortex. Images flash within it—scenes of destruction, fire, and a dark figure cloaked in black flames.
Witch: (serious now) "The Unseen One's reach grows stronger with every step you take. You've already felt it, haven't you? The threads pulling tighter, the weight of destiny pressing down on your shoulders."
Henry exchanges a glance with Dakota, clearly unsettled. Dakota's face remains calm, but his mind races.
"She's not wrong. The signs are there—things I didn't even include in the novel. It's as if the story is rewriting itself, and I'm stuck in the middle of it."
Dakota: (firmly) "And what does that have to do with you?"
Witch: "Everything. You see, I know how this ends, Dakota. I know the paths you will take, the sacrifices you will make. But knowledge comes at a price, as always."
Henry: (scoffing) "Here we go again. What's the price this time? A piece of his soul? His left arm? Or maybe you'll just take my patience and be done with it."
Witch: (smirking) "You're amusing, Henry. But no, this time, I offer my warning freely. Call it… an act of generosity."
She steps closer to Dakota, her gaze piercing.
Witch: "Beware the shadows that walk among the light. Not all who appear as allies are what they seem. And when the time comes, Dakota, you will have to decide how much you're willing to lose to break free from the chains of fate."
---
The witch snaps her fingers, and the shadows around them erupt into monstrous forms. Towering creatures with glowing eyes and clawed limbs emerge, their presence suffocating.
Witch: (calmly) "Consider this a test. Show me how much stronger you've become since our last encounter."
Henry: (grinning) "Finally! I've been waiting for this."
He charges forward, flames roaring to life as he slashes at the nearest creature. The beast recoils, but more take its place. Dakota remains still, his eyes on the witch.
Dakota: (thinking) "She's toying with us. These aren't real threats—they're distractions. She wants to see how far we'll go."
He ignites his own flames, their orange light cutting through the darkness. With a single motion, he sends a wave of fire crashing into the creatures, incinerating several of them. But they keep coming, their forms regenerating almost instantly.
Henry: (panting) "They're not staying down! Any ideas?"
Dakota: "Yeah. Stop holding back."
The two of them unleash their full power, their flames combining into a blazing inferno that engulfs the clearing. The creatures scream and dissolve into ash, leaving only the witch standing untouched.
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Witch: (applauding) "Impressive. You're strong, Dakota. But strength alone won't be enough. Remember my warning, and when the time comes, seek me out. You'll know where to find me."
Before Dakota or Henry can respond, the witch vanishes into the shadows, leaving the forest eerily quiet once more. Henry sheathes his sword, muttering under his breath.
Henry: "I really hate witches."
Dakota: (sighing) "Get in line."
As they resume their journey, Dakota's thoughts linger on the witch's words. Her warning echoes in his mind, a constant reminder of the dangers ahead.
"The shadows that walk among the light. She's not wrong. But the question is… who can I really trust?"
Dakota: "hey shouldn't we go and talk to our friends about this, there is many things we have to talk about".
Henry: "yeah we should, let's go".
So they both are now heading back to the village, to meet they're group, and talk.