Crimson Heart

30

As the crew of Beidou's ship gathered in the dimly lit briefing room, the atmosphere was tense with anticipation. Beidou stood at the front, her arms crossed, her expression serious as she addressed her crew.

Beidou: "Listen up, everyone. We've received reports of a coven of witches terrorizing a town on the planet Salem. The locals are scared, and we can't let this continue."

The murmurs of concern rippled through the group. Keyleth shifted uneasily, her green hair framing her face as she looked at William with a mix of skepticism and curiosity.

Beidou: "Keyleth, William, I want you two to check it out. Gather information, assess the situation, and see if you can put a stop to whatever is happening there."

William nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. He was ready to face this new challenge and prove himself once more. The thought of helping people, especially after what he had done for the Wren Clan, ignited a fire within him.

As they boarded the smaller vessel—the same one Han and William had used previously—Keyleth remained cautious. The ship's systems hummed to life, and they set it on autopilot toward Salem.

Once they were airborne, Keyleth turned to William, her brow furrowed in thought.

Keyleth: "I still have my reservations about you, William. Helping someone in the past doesn't guarantee you're ready for this. You have dangerous powers, and we don't know what we'll be up against."

William met her gaze, a steely resolve setting in.

William: "I understand your doubts, Keyleth, but I've changed. I've proven to myself that I can help others. This is another chance for me to show what I'm capable of."

Keyleth's expression softened slightly, though the caution remained.

Keyleth: "Just be careful. Witches can be unpredictable, and you don't know what you're getting into."

William took a deep breath, focusing on the control panel.

William: "I'll be fine. We'll work together and figure this out. I promise."

As the ship glided through the stars toward their destination, William felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was ready to face whatever awaited them on Salem, determined to prove himself not just to Keyleth but to himself as well. The weight of his past was heavy, but he was ready to forge a new path and embrace the challenges ahead.

The ship descended onto Salem, a planet veiled in mist and shadows. As William and Keyleth stepped out, they were greeted by an eerie silence. The town sprawled before them, looking like it had been lifted directly from the 17th century. Cobblestone streets wound between old timber-framed houses, each building flickering with the warm glow of candlelight as dusk settled.

They walked toward a group of townspeople who were clustered together, speaking in hushed tones. One elderly man, his face lined with worry, noticed their approach and stepped forward.

Keyleth: "We've heard reports of witches terrorizing this town. Can you tell us more?"

The man nodded, his gaze wary but desperate.

Elderly Man: "Aye, they come at night, like shadows creeping through the town. They don't show themselves, but their presence... it's felt. We all wake up from nightmares, haunted by things that can't be real. And every morning, someone is missing."

William: "Have you seen where they go? Any idea where the witches might be hiding?"

The man shook his head, looking back toward the village as if expecting the shadows to reveal something dark and sinister.