The wicked path: the chronicles of a witch

Chapter 14: A Bitter Farewell

The grand hall of the Emerald City felt colder than ever as we processed the Wizard's offer. The façade of glittering enchantment was now a veil over the unsettling reality of his deception. Glinda, Elysia, and I exchanged glances filled with determination and unease. We had resolved to refuse the Wizard's offer, unwilling to perpetuate his charade.

"No," I said firmly, my voice echoing in the chamber. "We won't be part of your deception. We will find another way to confront the entity and clear our names."

Elysia nodded in agreement, her expression resolute. "We cannot support a lie, no matter the price."

The Wizard's demeanor shifted dramatically. His previously composed façade cracked, revealing an anger that was as palpable as it was unexpected. His eyes narrowed, and a cold fury seeped into his voice. "Very well," he growled. "If you choose to defy me, you will face the consequences."

With a dramatic wave of his hand, the Wizard summoned his Emerald Knights—an imposing force clad in gleaming armor, their eyes glowing with a menacing green light. They marched forward, their presence intimidating and their intent clear.

Glinda's face paled, her usual composure shattered by the sudden turn of events. She looked at us, a mix of fear and resolve in her eyes. "We need to leave, now," she said urgently.

Without waiting for further instructions, I signaled to my flying monkeys. They swooped down, their wings flapping urgently as they prepared to carry us away from the impending danger. Elysia and I climbed onto their backs, ready to escape the treacherous situation.

Glinda hesitated, her eyes locked with the Wizard's as if searching for some shred of hope or mercy. The Wizard, sensing her hesitation, took advantage of the moment. He spoke to her in a tone that mixed charm with menace. "Glinda, if you choose to stay, I can make you like your parents—the Good King and the Witch of the North. You will become Glinda the Good Witch, revered and powerful."

The promise was a powerful temptation. Glinda's eyes filled with tears as she weighed the choice before her. Her gaze shifted from the Wizard to me and Elysia, her emotions a turbulent mix of sorrow and anger.

"I'm sorry, Demi," Glinda said, her voice trembling. "I... I have to do this. I want to be like my parents. I can't pass up this chance."

With a final, pained glance at us, Glinda stepped away from the flying monkeys and approached the Wizard. The sorrow in her eyes was mingled with a growing anger, as if she were both betrayed and enraged by the choice she was forced to make.

As Glinda accepted the Wizard's offer, the Wizard's expression softened into a satisfied smirk. "Welcome, Glinda the Good Witch," he said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "You have made a wise choice."

With Glinda now in the Wizard's grasp, Elysia and I had no choice but to take to the skies. My flying monkeys carried us high above the Emerald City, the grandeur of the palace shrinking below us as we soared away from the danger.

Glinda's tearful farewell was a heavy weight on my heart, her decision casting a shadow over our departure. As we flew further from the Emerald City, the anger on the edge of my emotions mingled with a deep sadness. Glinda's choice was a blow that cut deeply, and the road ahead seemed even more uncertain.

The journey continued, but the betrayal of our friend and the looming threat of the Wizard's wrath cast a long shadow over our path. With Glinda now aligned with the Wizard and the Emerald Knights hunting us, we were left to confront our challenges alone. The weight of our situation was heavy, but with each beat of my flying monkeys' wings, I knew we had to press on. The fight against the darkness was far from over, and our resolve would be tested like never before.