Journey of Liffel: the Life Witch into Deep Darkness

Chapter 5 THE BLOOD PACT

Liffel staggered slightly again as she tried to stand up, and Lesky, without hesitation, helped her. After she rested for a few more minutes, the two left the cabin, with the forest stretching out like an ocean of shadows and twisted branches. However, they had barely taken a few steps when a familiar figure blocked their path.

The warlock emerged from the shadows, his face marked by an expression of deep distrust and displeasure.

-STOP! Did you think you could get out of here so easily? -he snarled in his authoritative voice. At last I sensed your aura... The dark aura you try to hide. Liffel, the Witch of the End, as the legend prophesies. I cannot allow such a dangerous creature to roam free, and now that you are weakened, it is the perfect time to stop you.

Lesky stood on guard and stepped forward, stepping between the warlock and Liffel.

-Let her go," he said firmly, his gaze fixed on the warlock.

The warlock looked at him incredulously, then let out a bitter laugh.

-Let her go, Lesky? Are you crazy? She's a menace to this world. She is manipulating you, and when she is strong enough, she will not hesitate to destroy everything in her path. Don't be fooled, her weakness is only temporary.

Liffel, pale but determined, looked up and stepped forward.

-Let's make a pact," she said, her voice firm despite her obvious exhaustion. Lesky will come with me, and if at any time I become a threat, he will have the right to kill me.

The warlock frowned, clearly distrustful.

-A pact? -he repeated, skeptical. You think I don't see through your lies? You'd kill Lesky at the drop of a hat. That pact is worthless.

Liffel held the warlock's gaze with an intensity that seemed to tear the air.-Not if it's a pact of magical blood.

The warlock looked at her silently, considering the proposal. Finally, he nodded with a slow, distrustful gesture.

-All right. If Lesky has the power to stop you at any time... perhaps we can take the risk," he agreed, though his tone was still laced with suspicion.

Lesky nodded, and without another word, pulled out a small dagger and slashed his palm. Liffel mimicked him, and as both bleeding hands joined, a warm energy surrounded them. The ancient words Liffel muttered were barely audible, and yet each syllable seemed to encapsulate an ancient force. A deep glow rose from her chest, connecting their hearts with a faint light that then faded.

A dark mist appeared behind the sorcerer, spreading through the trees. Out of the mist emerged armed, hostile silhouettes: bounty hunters. Their faces were impenetrable, and the ferocity in their eyes reflected a single objective.

The warlock stepped back, cursing under his breath.

-It seems our troubles are just beginning," he muttered, not taking his eyes off the newcomers.Lesky and Liffel prepared themselves for what was to come, sensing that in that blood pact they were bound together not only by a promise, but by the need to survive together in the midst of that unforeseen threat.