Eternal Undying Chronicles

Chapter 146 This Is A Kidnapping

Marian was a very sheltered witch, beloved by all in her village. She was cherished by the elders and especially by Cassandra, the acting high priestess—at least, that's what Marian believed.

The village elders and Cassandra herself showered Marian with affection, teaching her every spell they knew, gifting her high-quality potions, and keeping her safe within their circle. But as time went on, some of the elders, who should have thrived for many more years, began to weaken and die. Rumors spread that these deaths were somehow linked to Malefica, a dark figure that quickly became a source of terror for Marian. She shuddered at the thought of Malefica's power, wondering what chance she or anyone had if even the mighty elders succumbed.

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Then Cassandra spoke to Marian and the others, suggesting that the only way to stop Malefica's "curse" was to bring back Lady Diana—a feat that could only be achieved through sacrifice. It was only now, standing in the shadow of Alicarde, clad in his reaper's vestments, that Marian realized she was to be that sacrifice.

'I'm going to die, but...its for the coven'

Taking a deep breath, Marian accepted her fate, whispering,

"I... I accept. If it saves the coven, I don't want the elders to die anymore."

Malefica's gaze sharpened.

"Elders... what have you done? You used the blood of the elder witches as the foundation for your ritual," she said, horror and disgust mingling in her voice.

Cassandra merely sneered, unfazed.

"They offered themselves for the greater good—it was their wish."

Malefica's eyes narrowed.

"And Marian? You would use her, too?"

Cassandra's expression grew cold.

"Do you hear her refusal? No, you haven't. Marian is doing what's best for the coven... unlike you."

Clenching her fists, Malefica saw through Cassandra's ploy. She knew the young witch had been manipulated, indoctrinated into believing that her sacrifice would save everyone, even when no true danger threatened the coven at all.

"The girl knows nothing, and this ritual will not happen," Malefica declared firmly, her resolve unshakable.

"Hmph," Cassandra sneered,

"You think you can stop it?" She crossed her arms, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes.

"With your powers, weakened as they are, you're in no condition to stop us. You're outside the city's protection, and even there, you could barely cast three spells a day. You're not capable of stopping us."

Her smile turned icy.

"But neither will you."

"What do you mean?"

Cassandra asked warily, beginning to understand as she examined the black moon symbol. The symbol was engraved on all their foreheads including Malefica's.

"You weakened us all... including yourself?"

Malefica nodded.

"The spell affected everyone in the coven, and since I'm part of it, that includes me too."

Cassandra's mouth twisted in a mix of frustration and realization. Her eyes fell on Alicarde, the only one unaffected by the spell.

"So, you're expecting him to fight all of us?"

Malefica turned to Alicarde, her voice firm.

"Incapacitate them if you must, but do not kill any member of my coven."

Alicarde nodded.

"So I can cut of limbs and break some bones."

Malefica bit her lip.

"Yes... you can"

Cassandra scoffed.

"He'll die before he even gets close."

Ignoring her, Alicarde moved forward—but instead of confronting Cassandra, he seized Marian, holding his sword to her throat.

The witches gasped in shock as Alicarde's voice rang out.

"Okay bitches. I don't fully get what's happening here, but if this girl's important to you, any funny business, and she's gone. Consider this... a kidnapping."