Running a Tavern as a Former Witch!

Without much rest, I went on with my daily routine and fled to the first floor of the tavern. Ion greeted me and I smiled in return. My eyes feels heavy, but I have more things to do than think of myself.

I went to check the supplies, then moved to checking the tables, chairs, windows, and the door. After confirming that there aren't any damages or missing items, I returned to my bedroom with the chest that contained the Staff of Aether.

As I sat on the edge of my bed, I opened the chest and stared at the Staff. Its intricate carvings and faint glow always managed to captivate me. It was more than just a weapon; it was a reminder of my past, of the times when I had no control over my destiny.

Back then, my fellow witches had turned me into a weapon. They used me, wielded me like a tool, with no regard for my emotions or opinions. Every spell I cast, every battle I fought, was on their command. My life had been a series of orders and actions, a blur of magic and violence. The weight of their expectations had been suffocating, leaving no room for my own desires or fears.

I took a deep breath, closing the chest and locking it once more. This was my life now, and I would live it on my own terms. No matter how heavy my eyes felt or how tired my body was, I would keep moving forward. Failing isn't a sin, I can get up. I had come too far to be dragged back into the darkness of my past.

I left my room, heading down the hall to Levi and Vernon's quarters. The Cult of Shadow Circle was growing stronger, and the only way to combat them was to absorb the Heart of Ember. To do that, we needed to find the orb fragments.

I knocked gently on their door. A moment later, Vernon swung it open with a dramatic flourish, his ever-present smirk in place. "Ah, the lady of the hour," he greeted me.

"To what do we owe this early morning visit?" Levi appeared behind him, his serene presence a stark contrast to Vernon's flamboyance. "Come in," he said softly, stepping aside to let me enter.

The room was a cluttered mix of Vernon's inventions and Levi's sacred artifacts. I took a seat at the small table in the center, the Staff of Aether still resonating in my mind.

"We need to discuss the location of the orb fragments," I said, cutting straight to the point.

"Time is running out, and the Cult of Shadow Circle is gaining power." Levi nodded, his eyes filled with a calm determination. "I've been researching on the fragments' locations. The dealers had been very helpful recently. The first fragment is hidden in the Crystal Caves to the north."

"And the second?" I asked, glancing at Vernon, who was leaning back in his chair, looking uncharacteristically serious.

Vernon tapped his chin thoughtfully. "From what I've gathered, the second fragment is likely in the ruins of the old Enchanters' Tower, east of here. It's heavily guarded, though. We'll need a solid plan to retrieve it."

I nodded, absorbing their words. "We have no choice but to split up. Levi, you and I will take the Crystal Caves. Your holy powers will be essential there. Vernon and Eamon will tackle the Enchanters' Tower."

Levi's expression was one of understanding, while Vernon gave me a playful pout. "Oh, I was hoping for a moment alone with the fair lady. How disappointing." he said, though his eyes held a glint of genuine concern.

I managed a small smile. "Let's focus on the task at hand. The Heart of Ember is our only hope against the Cult. We can't afford to get distracted."

As we laid out the final details of our plans, I couldn't help but feel a sense of hope. If we can't protect the artifacts, we'll fight them for it. We'll fight them to put a stop to all of this madness.