Deep within the heart of the witch's cottage.
Luna slowly straightened, drawing a steady breath as she regained her composure after restraining Ethan's curse.
The black-haired witch wrapped a simple strip of cloth around her injured finger to stop the bleeding.
She had bitten it repeatedly during the ritual—so many times that her nail had cracked and part of her fingertip had worn raw.
It had hurt.
But Luna had endured it without complaint.
In truth, she was happy.
She had successfully completed the task her mistress entrusted to her.
"Master !… I've successfully restrained his curse…?"
She turned toward the place where Vanessa had stood overseeing the ritual.
But by the time Luna regained full awareness ..
Vanessa was already gone.
Luna took a step forward, intending to follow her teacher ..
Only to stop when she sensed someone standing behind her.
It was Ethan.
He had risen.
And his face looked ten years older than the last time she had seen it.
