Chapter 1

Chapter 1: The Forest’s Whisper

Aldric Veyne had hunted witches for over a decade. To him, they were the enemy—beings who consorted with dark forces, brought plagues, and twisted nature’s laws. His life was simple: track, confront, and eradicate. Yet, as he trudged through the dense woods of Eldermoor, a sense of unease settled over him.

The villagers had spoken of a witch who lived in these woods, one who didn’t kill or curse but healed. Still, Aldric knew better than to trust rumors. A witch was a witch, and the moment he hesitated, it could cost him his life.

The forest was eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves. Aldric's hand rested on the hilt of his sword as he pushed through a curtain of moss. The air smelled faintly of herbs and something sweeter, like lavender. He spotted a clearing ahead.

There, kneeling beside a bubbling brook, was Selene. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back, and she wore a simple green dress that seemed to merge with the foliage around her. She hummed softly as she crushed herbs in a mortar, her movements delicate and precise.

Aldric stepped closer, the crunch of a twig underfoot breaking the tranquility. Selene turned sharply, her emerald eyes locking onto his. For a moment, neither moved.

"Who are you?" she asked, her voice calm but firm.

Aldric drew his sword. "Your executioner, if you try anything foolish."

Selene’s gaze flickered to the blade, but she didn’t flinch. Instead, she straightened, holding her ground. "If you’ve come to kill me, I’ll ask you to reconsider. I harm no one. My magic is used to heal."

Aldric snorted. "That’s what they all say. Yet the villagers speak of crops failing and shadows in the night."

"And do they tell you of the children I’ve saved? The fever I drove from their homes?" Selene's voice carried a quiet strength, her words striking a chord Aldric hadn’t expected.

Before he could respond, the ground trembled. A guttural growl echoed through the trees. From the shadows emerged a massive warg, its eyes glowing red. Aldric raised his sword, but the beast lunged too quickly.

Selene reacted faster. She extended her hand, a shimmering barrier of light forming between them and the warg. The creature crashed into the shield, howling in frustration. Selene muttered an incantation, her voice steady despite the strain.

"Strike now, hunter!" she urged.

Aldric hesitated, his mind reeling. She was protecting him—a witch saving a hunter? Shaking off his confusion, he drove his blade into the warg’s side. The beast let out a final cry before collapsing.

Breathing heavily, Aldric turned to Selene. Her face was pale, and she swayed on her feet. Before she could fall, he caught her.

"Why?" he demanded. "Why save me?"

Selene looked up at him, her expression soft but tired. "Because you’re more than the sword you carry. And I am more than the magic I wield."

Her words haunted Aldric as he carried her to her cottage, setting the stage for a bond neither of them could have foreseen.

To be continued........

Please Like, comment, vote and subscribe

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***