Whispers in the Hollow

The Witch Sanctuary

The old house emerged from the trees like a ghost, weathered and worn. Its rickety wooden porch sagged under the weight of time, and the peeling paint gave it a haunted look. As Dani, Mya, and Jayden stumbled out of the car, the nighttime chill cut through them, but the warmth of the bracelet around Mya's wrist gave them some comfort. The driver turned to face them, concern etched across his face.

"This is it," he said, eyeing the house warily. "This is where you're supposed to find the old lady. Just... be careful. Whatever you do, don't anger her."

"Why? What's she like?" Jayden asked, glancing back at the imposing figure of the house.

"The stories say she has a way of seeing the truth," he replied, lowering his voice. "But some say she can be temperamental. Just... treat her with respect, alright? And if you encounter Marcus again... well, I'd prefer not to be around for that."

Mya nodded, rubbing her wrist as they stepped away from the car. "Thanks for bringing us here."

The driver nodded and glanced at the road uneasily. "Good luck." With that, he slid back into the car and drove off into the dark, leaving the trio standing just outside the threshold of the old lady's domain.

"We should go inside," Dani said, her voice resolute despite the nagging doubt in her heart. "The longer we stay out here, the more likely he'll find us again."

Mya agreed, visibly shaking from a mix of fear and cold. "Let's do it. Besides, that bracelet protected us from him for a while. It must be special."

Jayden approached the creaky wooden door and knocked hesitantly. The sound echoed eerily, swallowed by the darkness around them. Just as they were about to knock again, the door swung open with a creak that matched the groans of the trees.

The old woman stood there, her wild gray hair cascading down her wrinkled shoulders. Her eyes were sharp, piercing, and they seemed to see right through them. "You've come seeking answers," she said, her voice raspy but filled with an undeniable strength.

"Uh... yes," Dani stammered, caught off guard by the woman's intensity. "We... we need help. We were chased by—"

"By Marcus," the old woman interrupted, stepping aside to let them in. The interior was dimly lit, filled with odd trinkets, jars of herbs, and strange paintings on the wall. "I already know. You're lucky you arrived when you did. He was quite angry."

As they crossed the threshold, Mya whispered to Dani, "How does she know?"

"Come, sit," the old woman beckoned, gesturing toward a rickety table surrounded by mismatched chairs. "I'll brew us tea, and we can talk."

Once seated, the air felt thicker, charged with energy. The old lady moved around the small kitchen, her movements graceful despite her age. "What you seek is knowledge, is it not? Knowledge about Marcus, about what he desires."

Dani looked at Mya and Jayden; they all exchanged glances before Dani replied, "Yes. We need to know how to stop him. He followed us; he almost caught us."

The old woman nodded knowingly, her hands steady as she poured hot water into three mismatched cups. The aroma of herbs filled the air, prompting Dani's stomach to rumble softly. "He is a remnant of a dark power. A soul not at rest—fueled by rage and sorrow. He once cherished something but lost it, and now he seeks to reclaim what he cannot."

"What did he lose?" Jayden asked, leaning forward. "Is there a way to help him?"

The old woman set a cup in front of each of them before taking her own seat across from them. "His anguish binds him to this realm. Knowing what he lost may not help him; he has gone too far down a dark path. But you may have an advantage."

Mya raised an eyebrow. "What kind of advantage?"

"The bracelet," the old woman said, her sharp eyes focusing on Mya's wrist. "It bears a mark of protection. Tie it to the truth you wish to uncover."

Dani felt a surge of curiosity. "How do we do that?"

"Speak the memories aloud," the old woman instructed. "The bracelet will help you reveal what is hidden, but truths can be heavy. You will need to be steady and brave."

"Why can't you help us?" Mya asked tentatively. "Aren't you the one with the power?"

The old lady closed her eyes, an expression of pain flickering across her face. "I have my own battles, children. My time is limited, and Marcus cannot be vanquished in a traditional sense. You must confront him on your own terms."

Jayden frowned, the weight of the task pressing in on him. "What if we can't? We almost didn't escape him tonight."

"Still, you will try," the old woman said, her voice firm. "Your courage led you this far. I can teach you the invocation, but the instinct within you must lead the way."

"The invocation?" Dani asked.

The old woman leaned forward, her eyes glimmering with intensity. "It calls forth the essence of what has been lost. You must invoke the memories of Marcus and share the burden of his sorrow. That who has lost may yet remember how to feel."

Mya's grip on the bracelet tightened. "What kind of memories?"

"Those of joy or despair; the moments that shaped him," the old woman replied. "You may recall the boy he once was. But heed my words: there is no guarantee it will work."

"Where do we find him?" Dani pressed.

"Just outside the threshold of dreams and nightmares," the old woman answered, her gaze faraway. "He waits in the trees, angry and lost. If you choose to confront him, do it at the stroke of midnight when the veil is at its thinnest."

The trio fell silent, absorbing the weight of the old woman's words.

"Okay, let's do it," Jayden said finally, determination shining in his eyes. "We have to try. We can't leave things like this."

The old woman studied them, a hint of approval in her expression. "Very well. But first, drink your tea. You will need your strength."