Heart of a rogue

* Chapter 20

The sun dipped lower, casting a golden hue across the clearing and the crystalline lake that lay at its center. The air grew cooler as evening approached, and the ethereal glow of the lake mirrored the forest's magic. Tall trees formed a natural barrier around the space, their ancient trunks and branches creating an almost cathedral-like enclosure. The soft rustling of leaves and the distant murmur of a stream were the only sounds that punctuated the serene quiet of the clearing.

By the edge of the lake, the sorceress stood, her silhouette framed by the shimmering light of the setting sun. Her long, black hair cascaded down her back, glistening like dark silk in the fading light. She wore a flowing robe of deep indigo, its hem brushing the grass and blending seamlessly with the surrounding greenery. Her presence seemed to harmonize with the forest, as if she were both a part of it and apart from it, an integral piece of its enigmatic beauty.

As the group approached, the sorceress slowly turned to face them. Her movements were fluid and deliberate, a reflection of her timeless grace. Her black eyes met Lucille's with an intensity that seemed to pierce through the layers of her being. There was a flicker of recognition in those eyes, a knowing look that spoke of ancient wisdom and hidden knowledge.

"Lucille," the sorceress said softly, her voice a low, melodic whisper that carried across the clearing. "I see you've grown since you were that tiny babe, so innocent and full of potential. How much you've changed, and yet, how much remains the same."

Lucille's heart skipped a beat at the sorceress's words. She brushed aside the unsettling familiarity in the sorceress's tone and stepped forward, her gaze fixed on the enigmatic figure. "Are you the sorceress of this forest?" she asked, her voice steady despite the undercurrent of tension.

The sorceress's lips curved into a faint, enigmatic smile. "Ah, I am known by many names," she said. "Sorceress, witch, hexer, necromancer... and, on occasion, a less flattering term like bitch. But I'm juse a servent of the spirits. Yes, I am the one you seek, or else you wouldn't have found me so easily. But tell me, my dear child, what troubles you so?"

The question hung in the air, heavy with unspoken meaning. Lucille, feeling the weight of the sorceress's gaze and the significance of the moment, took a deep breath. The forest seemed to hold its breath as well, the magic in the air crackling with anticipation.

"We're here because the packs are cursed or well, the lands are cursed and it's spreading," Lucille began, her voice firm. "We've been told that you might be able to help us lift it. We need your assistance to break the curse that has ravaged our land. People are starving."

The sorceress regarded Lucille with a contemplative expression, her eyes reflecting the soft light of the setting sun. "Ah yes, that curse," she repeated, her voice tinged with a note of intrigue, but also sadness. "And you come to me, seeking a remedy. The path you walk is fraught with difficulty, but it seems you are prepared to face whatever lies ahead."

Declan, Abel, and the others remained silent, their expressions a mix of hope and caution. The atmosphere was charged with the gravity of their quest, and each member of the group felt the weight of the sorceress's words.

Lucille stepped closer, her determination unwavering. "We've traveled far and endured much to find you. We're willing to do whatever it takes to lift this curse and save our pack. Will you help us?"

She approached Lucilly, who waited patiently. Their eyes never leaving each other. The sorceress reached out and gently trailed Lucille's cheek with her nails and then the back of her knuckles. Almost lovingly touching her. It felt strange to her, for somehow she felt it, love. Behind her, she heard Declan growl in warning. He didn't like this otherwordly creature touching his mate. ''My child, keep your vile excuse of a mate in check. I don't appreciate such behavior.'' She whispered.