The witch's realm
******(Author's POV)
Ellis stared at the boy—at Ravion—as though seeing a ghost she had long buried.
"How… how did you get in here?" she demanded, rising from her throne despite her weakened state.
Ravion only shrugged lightly.
"Queen Ellis, it would be better if you don't ask too many questions right now."
Natalie tensed. Vaelthor instinctively stepped in front of Ellis, but Ravion didn't react. Instead, he lifted his hand, and strange dark runes flickered around his fingers.
"You said you wanted help," Ravion continued, "and I can help."
Ellis took a step closer, her voice trembling—not with fear, but desperate hope.
"You… can you really find my daughter?"
Ravion nodded.
"Of course."
Before anyone could question further, he whispered a chain of low, twisted spells. The throne room darkened, a gust of cold wind spiraled around them, and suddenly—a mirror materialized in the air, tall, ancient, and framed with black vines.
Ellis gasped and rushed closer.
Inside the mirror, an image formed—Harper, sitting gracefully on a cushion while two maids fixed her hair and powdered her face. She looked beautiful, serene… but her eyes were distant, empty of memories.
Ellis's hand shot forward instinctively.
"Harper…" she breathed, tears blurring her vision as she reached for the mirror.
But Ravion seized her wrist.
"Don't touch it," he warned. "If you do, it will collapse—and Kael will immediately sense the disturbance."
Ellis froze, trembling, and slowly lowered her hand.
Ravion whispered another spell, and suddenly—they could hear Harper's maids speaking.
"…My Lady, you will look perfect for your engagement today. Lord Kael will be pleased."
"Three more days until the wedding," another maid giggled. "The entire realm is preparing!"
Ellis staggered backward in horror.
"E-engaged? Wedding? No… NO! She—she can't marry him!"
Her claws extended subconsciously as desperation shook her voice.
"We have to stop this—now!"
Ravion lifted his gaze.
"I will help again," he said simply.
But Vaelthor narrowed his eyes sharply.
"Why?" he demanded. "Why help us? What do you want out of this, Ravion?"
Ravion blinked slowly, then sighed.
"Let's discuss that later. Right now…" He pointed to the mirror. "Your queen's daughter needs help."
Ellis wiped her tears and straightened.
"You're right… There's no time."
She raised her hand and muttered a spell. A luminous white flower floated toward her. She grabbed it and swallowed it whole. Instantly, her eyes brightened and her frail body grew steadier—her power restoring piece by piece.
"Wait here," she said firmly. "I'll get my spell book."
She vanished down the hallway.
Natalie exhaled shakily.
"Vaelthor… I've done terrible things to Harper in the past. I don't know if she'll ever forgive me."
Vaelthor gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"For now, don't think of that. Let's focus on saving her first."
Natalie nodded.
Ellis returned moments later, holding a small wooden box bound with crimson threads.
"Take us to the Demon Realm," she said firmly.
Ravion eyed the box.
"What's that for?"
Ellis's expression hardened.
"Harper will never willingly marry Kael again. Not unless…" her voice dropped, "…her memories were erased."
Vaelthor and Natalie stiffened—but both slowly nodded.
Ravion raised his hands.
"Very well."
A swirling black portal cracked open behind him.
"Let's go."
With a final determined breath, Ellis stepped through—and the others followed.
---
Harper's POV — Demon Realm
Marielle brushed powder along my cheek as I stared blankly at my reflection. Everything looked perfect. Every hair in place. Every ribbon tied. Every jewel shining.
But something inside me felt… wrong.
I blinked when I suddenly heard it—
"Harper…"
My name. Whispered softly. Almost like it was carried by the wind.
I turned sharply.
"Marielle… did you just call my name?"
She paused mid-brush.
"No, my Lady. I didn't say anything."
I swallowed. My heart hammered strangely.
"Ah… I must've imagined it."
Marielle smiled sympathetically and placed a warm hand on my shoulder.
"You're just nervous for your wedding, my Lady. Anyone would be."
"…yes," I forced myself to agree. "You're probably right."
But deep inside, something clawed at me.
Nothing made sense. My dreams. The strange emptiness in my memories. The feeling that something terrible was coming.
I took Marielle's hand.
"Stay with me, Marielle. Don't leave my side today."
Without hesitation, she nodded.
"I promise, my Lady."
---
Author's POV — Demon Realm, Elsewhere
The portal closed behind Ellis, Ravion, Natalie, and Vaelthor. They stood silently among towering black trees and glowing crimson stones—Kael's territory.
Ellis scanned the area, ensuring no demon was nearby, before lifting her hand to cast a spell—
But Ravion grabbed her wrist again.
"No. Don't. Kael will sense any magic used in his realm."
Ellis cursed softly under her breath.
"What do we do then? We can't reach her without magic!"
"We wait," Ravion replied. "We cast nothing until daylight—when demons rest and their senses weaken."
Ellis's shoulders sagged.
"Then we can only watch… as my daughter gets engaged?"
Ravion gave a reassuring but grim nod.
"For now. But don't worry—when morning comes, we will find a solution."