A cold wind swept through the forest, toying with withered leaves.
The trees trembled softly, their faint rustling brushing against Ethan's ears.
He walked in silence, following Luna Heart as she led him toward the witch's cottage—where the old Vanessa awaited.
After what had transpired between them earlier, Ethan deliberately kept his distance from Luna, wary that she might decide to crush him again on a whim.
The gap he left, however, became excessive.
After several minutes, Luna turned toward him, irritation plain on her face.
"Stop lagging behind and walk closer. If you stray too far, you'll lose me. This forest is enchanted, as you should already know."
The witches had layered formidable defenses around their territory .. ensuring that no intruder could wander freely.
It was so excessive that Ethan briefly wondered whether they were hiding something far more significant within.
