Chapter 41 Intimate Conversations
Amara’s POV
Warmth.
It encircled me like a tight blanket that I was unable to remove. My body was bathed in sweat, shivering behind luxurious furs. My lungs felt like they were on fire with every breath. I attempted to move and open my eyes, but the darkness restrained me.
Maybe it was something much worse, but I was stuck in a dream.
"Amara..."
A voice reverberated in my mind, sharp as glass and sweet as honey. It slithered around my mind like smoke. I let out a whine.
"Amara," the voice said quietly once more. "I recognise you. I understand you. I own you."
I croaked, "No," but I wasn't sure if I said it or if it was just in my head.
The voice, which was now closer, stated, "You don't have to suffer." They'll give their lives for you. The combatant. The prince. Unless you give me what I want, both will burn.
Weakly, I shook my head. "What are you looking for? "
A chilly wind caressed my neck. Little moon, give up. I'll spare them if you let me inside your heart. They will survive, and this suffering will end for you.
I saw images of Rowan, covered in blood, her eyes wide with fear. Coughing crimson, Kian was on his knees, clutching his chest.
"No! I let out a scream. No air entered my chest, but it heaved."
"It could all be stopped," the Witch said quietly. "Give me a bow. Say the words.”
In my dream, I screamed and tried to crawl away, but my legs wouldn't budge. I was helpless, and my body was immobilised.
"I... I won’t,” I gasped. "I refuse to give in."
The tone of the voice cooled. "Then observe their demise."
For a second, my eyes opened. Above me, I noticed shadows bending and whirling with black smoke tendrils. I sensed her. Inside my mind. Within my spirit.
Then... her countenance.
Lilith.
Not the one I had previously seen. Her eyes had turned completely black this time around. A ruthless smile stretched her lips. A taller figure, obscured by darkness and without a face, stood behind her. It was crushing to be around her.
"You're going to shatter," she warned.
Suddenly, anguish tore through my chest. I let out a yell. My mark glowed through my flesh like a brand.
"Are you truly in love with them?" She said. "Then demonstrate it. Give your life for them. Or follow my instructions."
I was itching to run. I desired to remain hidden. However, I was imprisoned within the Witch's dream. I was aware that this was more than simply a bad dream.
This was the first time she entered my thoughts.
She also had no intention of stopping.
Not until I caved.
Above me, voices whirled like a storm's wind.
"She's not improving," Rowan stated in a terrified tone. "Hour after hour has passed. The fever isn't going away."
"We must relocate her," Kian yelled. "This place is unsafe for us. That wave of darkness wasn't merely a spell. It serves as a warning. The Hollow Witch knows where she is now.”
I moaned, the sound barely coming out of my mouth. Even though my head hurt, I could hear everything. I was still stuck in that transitional state and was unable to move. Not quite conscious. Not having a whole dream.
"I won't put her life in danger by pulling her through the woods!" Rowan snarled. “She’s weak. She is having trouble breathing."
And if we stay, she'll be dead! Kian fired back. Do you not sense it? Magic permeates the air. Something dark is being summoned by her power—
"She poses no threat," Rowan yelled. "Her name is Amara. We own her."
"You believe I'm unaware of that? Kian's voice faltered. "You don't realise how much she means to me? "
Quiet. Heavy, thick silence.
With a softer tone, Kian stated, "She's everything." But what's coming won't be stopped by love. She has that Witch within her.
"I understand," Rowan said. "I understand."
Then they both sat silently. One on each side of me, I could sense them. They touched my hands tenderly. Their hearts are exploding.
I desired to open my eyes. I desired to grasp them. Inform them that I'm still here. Still engaged in combat.
I coughed instead. My body jerked. My voice was gone, and my throat was dry.
"She shifted! Rowan let out a gasp.
"Amara?" Kian bent in closer. "Are you able to hear us? "
I was unable to respond. But the Witch chuckled in my mind. A spooky, low sound that reverberated in my spirit.
"Tell them, Amara," she said in a lovely whisper. "Explain what you observed to them."
“No…” I whimpered, my lips barely moving.
My hair was brushed back by Rowan. It's alright. You're secure. We are present.
However, we were not secure.
No more.
"She is on her way," I whispered.
"What?" Kian bent in closer.
I took a deep breath. My throat ached. My mouth quivered.
“She said…” I inhaled deeply. "She said that if I give in, she'll spare you."
Rowan stopped. "Who made that statement? "
"The Hollow Witch," I said to myself. "I'm thinking about her. She is within me."
Kian stood. That's all. We relocate. Right now.
This time, Rowan didn't argue. "Assist me in lifting her."
They encircled me with their arms. Powerful. Warm. Known.
However, the warmth was short-lived.
Due to a change in the air.
There was a pulse in the ground.
Then my entire body erupted.
Not because of pain.
But from another source.
Strength.
Uncooked. Chilly. Old.
When my eyes opened, all I saw was white.
Not light.
Not hue.
Just a white mist that glows.
I no longer had control.
Without permission, my mouth moved.
Furthermore, it wasn't my voice that emerged.
Not entirely.
It belonged to Lilith.
"She already has them," I said. "She cannot be stopped. She has already arrived."
Rowan abandoned me, saying, "What the hell—"
Kian took a step back in horror. "Amara? "
I cocked my head.
I smiled.
"Bow," she says. Or be eaten.
In the quiet, the fire crackled.
The room became chilly.