Lidiya Witchain - the forgotten bride

Zidane Witchane

As she stared into the water, lost in her thoughts, Evelyn, a local herbalist and a trusted friend, approached.

"Lidiya?" Evelyn called softly, noticing the girl's troubled expression. "What's wrong?"

"I just... overheard something I shouldn't have," Lidiya confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Oswen's father was involved in robbing the merchants in the palace. I can't believe it. What kind of trouble have we walked into?"

Evelyn frowned, her brow furrowing. "You need to be careful about what you speak of regarding the palace, Lidiya. It's not just gossip; it's dangerous territory."

"Why is it dangerous?" Lidiya pressed, curiosity getting the better of her. "What's going on in Roxana that makes it so terrifying?"

"Things you shouldn't be discussing," Evelyn replied, her tone urgent. "Roxana has seen dark days, especially since the fall of King Kaster and the rise of the queen. There's a history here that you must respect."

"What do you mean?" Lidiya asked, her heart racing as she leaned closer. "Please, tell me."

Evelyn hesitated, casting a wary glance around as if ensuring no one was listening. "King Kaster fell in love with a woman named Aquitane, a powerful witch who was partly from Roxana. They had a son out of wedlock-Zindane Witchane. He is the eldest son, but he has been missing for the past two years."

"Zindane?" Lidiya echoed, intrigued. "What happened to him?"

"His mother was the last of her bloodline-a pure-blooded witch," Evelyn explained, her voice low. "Zindane was destined for the throne after his father, but he was always seen as the bastard son. The queen, his stepmother, never accepted him, and he was cast aside. Since then, he has been involved with the underworld, often associated with outlaws and evil entities."

"Outlaws?" Lidiya repeated, her mind racing with the connections. "What do they have to do with Zindane?"

Evelyn's expression darkened. "They say he has a mysterious background, and rumors abound that he's been gathering power in the shadows. People fear him-he's known to be vengeful and exceptionally skilled in battle. Yet no one has seen him in years. He stays hidden, lurking in the shadows, plotting who knows what."

Lidiya's heart sank as she connected the dots. "So, if Oswen's father was robbing merchants associated with the palace, and Zindane is involved with the outlaws..."

"Exactly," Evelyn said, her eyes wide with understanding. "You must be cautious. Roxana is no longer under the protection of the palace, and the queen has forbidden speaking of these matters. It's best if you keep quiet."

"I can't just ignore it, Evelyn," Lidiya replied, her voice rising in frustration. "We're in the middle of something dangerous, and I need to help Oswen. He deserves to know the truth about his father's actions!"

Evelyn reached out, grasping Lidiya's arm gently. "I understand your desire to help, but tread carefully. The truth may be more dangerous than you realize. If Zindane is as powerful as they say, crossing paths with him could mean your end."

Lidiya felt a chill run down her spine, her resolve wavering. "What if Oswen is right? What if we need to confront this darkness before it consumes us all?"

Evelyn sighed, her expression softening. "Then you must be ready for the consequences. You're brave, Lidiya, but bravery can lead to peril. You must protect yourself and those you care about."

As the weight of Evelyn's words sank in, Lidiya looked back at the pond, the water reflecting the moonlight like a mirror to her fears. The darkness was closing in, and she knew they were standing at the edge of a precipice, about to plunge into a world where danger lurked in every shadow.

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A glimpse of the mysterious and dangerous Zidane Witchane.