Chapter 21

I crouched low behind the hedges, my knees pressed against the damp earth, and strained to hear the conversation inside. For hours, I’d been lurking near the grand dining hall, my pulse racing as fragments of their discussion drifted through the air. Words like 'witch' and 'bloodsuckers' spun in my mind, each one stoking the fire of curiosity and desperation inside me.

'Witches.' If someone had told me a month ago that witches existed, I would’ve laughed. But that was before I knew about werewolves, hybrids, and the terrifying truths of this world. Monsters were real, and if Damon and his kind could exist, then witches weren’t such a stretch.

The dining hall’s heavy oak doors creaked open, and my heart leapt. Damon emerged first, his every movement sharp and deliberate, radiating that unbearable air of authority. Following close behind him was a woman who made me freeze.

She was breathtaking. Her jet-black hair spilled over her shoulders like liquid silk, and the crimson hood framing her face made her pale skin almost luminous. She moved with a quiet grace that sent a chill down my spine, as though the very air bent to her will.

I had no doubt. She was the witch.

Damon led her into the hall, the doors closing behind them with a dull 'thud.' My fingers dug into the rough bark of the tree I crouched beside. They were planning something—something big.

Pulling the small vial of scent-blocker from my pocket, I smeared the pungent paste onto my wrists and neck. The wolves wouldn’t catch my scent tonight. Not if I was careful.

Creeping toward the dining hall, I found a narrow window just wide enough to see inside. The siblings were already seated, their otherworldly beauty illuminated by the flickering light of the chandelier. Bella reclined with her usual elegance, her near-white hair glinting like spun silver. Her gray eyes sparkled, and a sly smile curved her lips.

“The bloodsuckers are becoming a menace,” Bella said, her tone light but cutting. “It’s clear we cannot coexist with them. Let them have this forsaken realm. Chaos suits them better.”

Adam swirled the amber liquid in his glass, his face unreadable. He always had that cold, distant look, like he was above everything and everyone.

“you are still on about the other world?” he asked, his words slow and deliberate.

Bella leaned forward, her fingers brushing the edge of the table. “We were human once,” she said softly. “We know how to live among them. Perhaps it’s time we return to the world we came from. There’s nothing left for us here but ruin.”

Elijah nodded, his golden hair falling into his eyes. He was quieter than the others, but his presence always felt...solid. “I think she’s right. Our family has suffered enough. Wars, disasters, betrayals—it’s time we moved on.”

Damon’s low chuckle sent a shiver down my spine. “Peace,” he said, his voice dripping with derision. “A charming fantasy. But,” he added, his lips curving into a smirk, “I can’t deny the appeal of a fresh start. All we’ve ever known is struggle. Perhaps it’s time for something else.”

My breath caught in my throat. Were they really planning to leave this world?

The witch’s voice broke through the room, sharp and commanding. “You’re asking for a lot,” she said, her crimson lips curling into a smile. “A spell like this takes more than a few words. It will require nearly all my magic—and I’ll need the hybrid’s blood to seal it.”

Damon’s smirk vanished, his face hardening. “You owe us, Bennet. Or have you forgotten who saved you when your coven turned on you?”

The witch—Bennet—arched a brow, unimpressed. “Oh, I haven’t forgotten. But let’s be clear: this is the last favor I’ll ever grant your kind. I’ve never liked wolves, much less hybrids.” She paused, her dark eyes gleaming. “Once the spell is cast, it cannot be undone. When you cross into the human realm, you’ll be severed from this world forever.”

Adam raised his glass and took a slow sip, his gaze steady. “Why would we ever want to return? This world is nothing but a graveyard of bad memories.”

Bella laughed softly. “Exactly, Adam. Why cling to a world that’s done nothing but try to destroy us?”

Elijah’s voice broke through the air, calm and measured. “What about your mate, Damon?”

The room went still. Damon froze, the glass halfway to his lips. For a long moment, no one spoke. Then, with a quiet 'clink,' he set his glass down.

“She stays,” he said flatly. “I don’t need a weakness following me. Whatever joke the Moon Goddess thought she was playing on me ends here. Her fate is in this realm.”

Bella’s laugh rang out, bright and mocking. “You? With a mate? I didn’t think we were capable of such things.”

Adam smirked. “Fascinating. And here I thought we were beyond such...attachments.”

Bennet’s sharp eyes turned to Damon, her expression amused. “A hybrid with a mate,” she mused. “The Moon Goddess must have quite the sense of humor.”

Damon ignored them all, pouring himself another drink.

Bennet rose from her seat, her crimson cloak billowing around her. “Meet me at the old sanctuary by the graveyard when the moon rises,” she said. “Bring what you need. Once the spell is cast, there’s no turning back.” Her gaze flicked to Damon. “And don’t forget—I’ll need your blood.”

With that, she turned and swept from the room, her presence lingering like a shadow.

I pressed myself against the cold stone wall, my heart pounding. I waited until Bennet was a safe distance away before slipping out of my hiding spot and following her into the woods.

The forest was dark, the trees looming overhead like silent sentinels. I stayed several paces behind her, careful to keep my footsteps silent.

“Come out,” Bennet said suddenly, her voice cutting through the night.

I froze, my stomach dropping.

“I know you’re there,” she said, turning her head slightly. “You might as well show yourself.”

Swallowing hard, I stepped into the clearing, my hands trembling.

The witch studied me with a faint smile, her dark eyes gleaming. “And what does a little human want with me?”

“I heard what you said,” I blurted out. “About the human world. I want to go there.”

Her smile widened, a flicker of amusement dancing across her face. “Do you, now? And why should I help you?”

“Please,” I said, my voice cracking. “I don’t belong here. I can’t stay. I’ll do anything—just take me with you.”

Her expression shifted, curiosity mingling with disdain. “Anything, you say? That’s a dangerous offer, little one.”

“I mean it,” I said, desperation thick in my voice.

For a long moment, she was silent, her gaze piercing. Then, she laughed softly. “You’re the hybrid’s mate, aren’t you? How deliciously ironic.”

I frowned, not understanding.

“The only reason I’m considering this,” she said, “is because he doesn’t want you there. I’m curious to see how this plays out.”

I blinked, confusion swirling in my mind.

“But understand this,” she continued, her voice sharp. “If you go to the human world, you’ll lose everything.You are human so it's different and risky for you. Your memories, your identity—everything about this realm will be wiped away. You’ll be like a newborn. Are you prepared for that?”

Her words hit me like a punch to the chest.

“You have until moonrise to decide,” she said. “I can only perform the spell once, and it requires Damon’s blood. If you’re not at the sanctuary, the chance will be gone forever.”

With that, she turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving me alone in the clearing.

I stood there, the weight of her words pressing down on me. To forget everything—my pain, my fear, my hatred. It was tempting. But to lose myself completely?

I didn’t know if I could make that choice.

As the moon began its slow climb into the sky, I realized I didn’t have much time to decide.

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To be continued…