Book To Read
You must be strong.
ITHRA
“The dark forest mountains retain the power to give and restore a witch’s power.”
I reread those lines with shock, cleaning my eyes every now and then.
This must be a set up too.
I turned around, checking for the odd herbalist who thought it wise to play tricks on me. However, she was nowhere to be found.
I looked around the hut, turning out back in search for her all to no avail. I was left alone.
With a new found determination, I shut the door behind me and return to the book with fresh eyes.
This time around, one thing stood out to me. Everything written on the page remained on the ancient witch’s code safe for the last paragraph.
Which read, “the dark forest mountains retain the power to give and restore a witch’s power.”Text © by N0ve/lDrama.Org.
Goosebumps wash over my body as I recite the line in my head. I could feel my spirit connect to the book. It felt like the line was written just for me.
‘Legend says it’s been locked by the ancient witches and can only be read by one they permit…’
Shilhi’s words return to my mind and I don’t know what to make of it. What in the world is going on? Is this a sign? Should I be concerned?
My internal battle was cut short by the sound of the door opening. I turned around and came face to face with Athaliah, proudly followed by Morgan.
Her smile brought shivers down my spine, a reminder of the hell she was capable of putting me through.
Why was she here?
“Oh there you are! I’ve been looking for you for a minute.” Athaliah said with a wave of hand, “I thought you’d be in the farms, where you were supposed to be working.” She looked around, “But I see you found your way around.”
I stepped away from the book, making a mental note to return from it when I had less company.
“I need to go.” I muttered, ready to leave, only to be stopped by Athaliah.
“Oh no you don’t…” she held me by the wrist, tightening her grip as she spoke, “I thought to bring Morgan to you. Poor Morgan nearly lost her life and I hear you are responsible?”
“She’s lucky I missed.” I gritted, unable to control my temper.
This bitch tried to kill me and hell will freeze over before I regret anything I did to her.
Slap!
My neck turned at the sheer power behind her slap. Before I could speak, a blow followed to my guts and a spin kick brought me to the floor, hitting my head at the back of the shelf.
Just when I thought the horrors were over, the shelf gave way and its contents collapsed right on top of me.
Searing pain rose from my joints up to every part of my body. I couldn’t even stand.
“This is just the beginning. I will make you sorely regret laying a hand on a wolf. That I promise.” Athaliah spoke with venom and with a painful kick, walked out with Morgan behind her.
At that moment, I knew one thing. If I don’t get stronger, I’ll always be the victim.
****
I felt out of breath as I ran with every strength in me.
Ithraaaaa…
The voice said in my head, driving me crazy.
You can’t run away from me….
“Leave me alone!” I screamed, running through the dark forest.
I feel a shadow loom over my back.
You are the key…
I shook my head, and continued running. I wanted to get out of this forest, I needed to find a way out.
Ithraa
My legs give way at the intensity of the voice, and I fall down.
A cold sensation seeped into my bones, and I knew I was in danger. There was only one demon I knew who came with such an amount of coldness.
Sirion – reaper of the witches!
I struggled to get up but I was too weak, its back shadow loomed over me like a fog, covering me with a cruel smile as it reached for my soul.
My eyes closed as I waited for my death. A loud screeching sound startled me and I jolted awake to behold the horror that was taking place before my eyes.
“Ithra! Step aside!”
It was Sarai, this time around, she was holding a black staff that expelled the Sirion from me.
“Get up!” She ordered without looking at me.
I immediately stood up and the Sirion let out an earth shattering screech of pain. A dark glow filled the air, choking me to death.
It was dark magic! Enchantress Sarai was performing an exorcism! She was performing such a powerful procedure alone!
The sight of the Sirion getting sucked into the staff made me starry eyed. As well as increased my reverence for the enchantress.
Soon enough, it was over and Sarai tucked the staff into her robe. I remained motionless, while she walked over to me.
“You must be careful on these grounds. The dark forest is crawling with demons and beasts who are ready to kill at the sight of you.” She said, “Especially the mountains. You must be prepared, Ithra.”
“What are you talking about?” She walked ahead of me, and I followed.
“You cannot be weak when you thread the grounds of the dark forest. You must become strong, Ithra. There isn’t enough time.”
“What am I supposed to do if I don’t have powers to ward them off? I’m barely a witch.” I said, growing frustrated.
“You must become strong, Ithra. The next time we meet, you have to be stronger. I won’t always save you.”
Her voice sounded far away, I could tell she wanted to leave.
“No! Please! Explain to me, how do I get strong? What am I supposed to do? How do I leave this forest?” My desperation was heavy on my tone.
“There’s no more time, Ithra. You must be strong!” Her voice echoed until it eventually faded, leaving me in the midst of tall mystic trees of the dark forest.
You must be strong….
My door flings open and I jolt awake from the sheer impact of the steel gates. It was yet another dream.
Within seconds, my cell is crowded by three bulky looking guards, eyeing me with cruel eyes.
Finally, one of them spoke in the nastiest tone ever.
“Get up! You have been summoned by the Alpha!”