Chapter 79 Interrogating the witch
River
The moon hangs high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the pack house as we drag the witch out of her cell. Her furious snarls echo through the dimly lit hallways, but we pay her no mind. Kellan walks beside me, his expression a mask of determination. I can feel the tension radiating from him, a reflection of my own. As we reach the interrogation room, I glance at him, and he nods, understanding the gravity of the situation.
“Get her secured,” I order, my voice firm. Kellan pulls out the heavy iron chair, and together we hoist the witch into it, strapping her in with reinforced chains. She thrashes against her restraints, her eyes wild with rage, but there’s a flicker of concern behind her bravado.
Once she’s secured, I step back, allowing a moment for the gravity of her predicament to sink in. “You were saying something about power?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest, feeling the weight of the moment.
She glares at me, her lips curling into a snarl. “You think these chains can hold me? I’ve faced greater foes than you, pup.”
“Maybe,” I reply, my voice steely, “but they’ll hold you long enough for us to get some answers.” I lean in closer, my breath steady. “Tell me about Aloria’s uncle, the Lycan king. Did he send you to attack my pack?”
She laughs, a harsh, mocking sound that echoes off the stark walls. “You’re barking up the wrong tree, wolf. The lycan king has no interest in your pathetic little pack. You’re nothing but pawns in a game far beyond your comprehension.”
I can feel my patience wearing thin. “Stop playing games. We know you’re in league with him. You attacked us for a reason, and I want to know what it is.” I glance at Kellan, who shifts slightly, his muscles tense. I can tell he’s ready to take things further if necessary, but I want to try reason first.
“Reason?” she scoffs. “You think you can reason with a witch? You really don’t understand the depths of my power. The king has a plan, and you’re all just collateral damage. I’m merely the instrument of his will.”
I step back, processing her words. “What kind of plan? What does he want?”
She smirks, and for a moment, I see a flicker of triumph in her eyes. “You think I’ll just spill my secrets? You’ll have to do better than that, River.”
I shift my weight, tension coiling in my gut. “Then let’s make this interesting.” I motion to Kellan, who steps forward with a small, sharp dagger. The blade glints ominously in the low light. “You’re going to tell us what we want to know, whether you like it or not.”
Her expression changes, a flash of fear crossing her face before she masks it with defiance. “You think you can scare me?”
“No,” I say, my voice low and dangerous. “But I can make this very uncomfortable.” I take the dagger from Kellan and hold it up, letting the light catch the edge. “You may be powerful, but you’re not invincible. And we have all night.”
The witch’s eyes narrow, and I can see the wheels turning in her mind. “You really believe your threats will work on me? You’re making a mistake, wolf. The king will come for you, and when he does, you’ll wish you had killed me tonight.”
“Maybe, but I’m not leaving anything to chance.” I step closer, the dagger hovering just above her wrist. “You’ll tell me what I want to know, or I’ll make this very painful for you.”
She laughs again, a chilling sound. “You think pain will break me? I’ve endured worse than you can imagine.”
“Then you’re going to be here for a long time,” I say, determination flaring in my chest. I press the blade down just enough for a bead of blood to appear, and the witch hisses, her eyes flashing with anger and surprise. “You’re going to tell me everything you know about Aloria’s uncle and his plans for this pack.”
Her expression hardens, but I see the flicker of hesitation. “You really think you can stop him? You’re nothing but a dog barking at the moon.”
“Maybe,” I say, tightening my grip on the dagger. “But I’m a dog that will bite, and I won’t stop until I get what I want.”
Kellan steps in, his voice steady and commanding. “We don’t have to play these games, witch. Just answer River’s questions, and it will go easier for you.”
She stares at him, her bravado faltering for just a moment. “Fine,” she snaps, the anger bubbling beneath the surface. “But don’t expect me to make it easy for you.”
“Good,” I reply, leaning in closer, our faces inches apart. “Start talking.”
The witch lets out a low, mocking laugh. “You think you can intimidate me? The king is playing a game far beyond your understanding. He wants power, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get it.”
“Power over what?” I press. “What’s his end goal?”
She smirks, the glint of madness dancing in her eyes. “The pack lands, keeping the throne… and you, River and your mate. He wants you both as his pawn. You’re the key to his plans.”
I feel the blood drain from my face. “Me and Aloria? Why?”
“Because you’re both strong. Stronger than you realize. He believes you can be molded into a weapon for his purposes. And if you refuse… well, you’ve already seen what I can do.”
I take a step back, my mind racing. “You’re lying.”
“No, I’m not,” she hisses, her voice dripping with venom. “You’re caught in a web you can’t even begin to untangle. The king has eyes everywhere, and soon, he’ll come for you. He’ll come for your precious Aloria.”
“You leave Aloria out of this,” I demand, my voice low and dangerous.
“She’s the key to the king’s plans,” the witch replies, her voice a chilling whisper. “Her blood holds the power he seeks. You think you’re protecting her, but you’re leading her straight into his trap.”
“Enough!” I shout, my anger boiling over. I can’t let her get into my head. “You’re going to tell me how to stop him. Now.”
She laughs again, the sound echoing in the small room. “You really think I’d just hand over that information? You’re even more foolish than I thought.”
I move closer again, the dagger hovering dangerously close to her throat. “Then I’ll start making this a lot worse for you. I’ll make you wish you had never crossed paths with my pack.”
“Threats won’t work on me,” she says, her voice steady, but I can see the flicker of doubt in her eyes. “But I’ll tell you this: if you want to save Aloria, you need to find the king before he finds her. He won’t stop until he has what he wants.”
The weight of her words hangs in the air, and the reality of our situation sinks in. “Where is he?” I demand, my voice low and urgent.
She leans back, a smirk tugging at her lips. “You’re asking questions you already know the answers to.”
“Do you think this is a game?” Kellan snaps. “We’re not playing around here. You’re going to give us what we want, or I will make this very, very painful for you.”
She shrugs, her expression defiant. “You think I’m afraid of pain? The king will come for you all, and when he does, you’ll regret this. You’re just delaying the inevitable.”
“Maybe,” I say, my voice steady, “but you’re going to help us find him. And if you don’t… well, let’s just say I have plenty of ways to make you talk.”
The witch’s gaze hardens, and for a brief moment, I see the fear beneath her bravado. “You’re making a mistake, River. You have no idea what you’re getting into.”
“Maybe not,” I reply, “but I won’t let my pack fall to you or your king. You may think you’re invincible, but I promise you, I will find a way to break you.”
She grins, the madness in her eyes flaring up again. “Then let the games begin, wolf. But know this: you’re already playing a losing hand.”
As the weight of her words settles heavily over me, I realize the true battle is just beginning. I will not only protect my pack and Aloria but also prepare for the storm that is coming. With a determined heart, I step back, signaling to Kellan to keep her restrained. “We’ll see who wins this game,” I say, my voice fierce. “And I plan to come out on top.”