Resonance - Witches tale

Chapter 18

I add more wood to the fire and settle onto the couch. I stare at the flames, reflecting on the events of the day. So many emotions swirl inside me; fear of the future and gnawing guilt for having to lie to everyone. If it weren't for Caedes and the rare chance to be honest with someone, I'd probably lose my mind. But what else can I do? Maybe it would be better if I went somewhere far away and spent the rest of my life living alone in the forest. Caedes comes home. He sets down his cloak and walks over to me, looking at me with concern.

"I'm sorry about what happened today. Thinking about it, not a single day has gone well for you in Mortisora so far."

"I'm scared. That's the truth." I avoid meeting his eyes, choosing instead to keep staring at the flames. Somehow, it feels easier to be honest with him this way. "It's one thing what they'll do to me if they find out who I really am, but they'll definitely hold you accountable too. Then we'll both end up swinging from the gallows together. Or you'll hang, and I'll be left as a healer slave until it kills me."

"I think you're overthinking this a little," he says gently, his voice soft and soothing. "You should get some rest. You'll see, by tomorrow morning, things will look different."

Maybe he's right, but that doesn't make my doubts any less real.

I stare at the ceiling, unable to sleep. Hexen. Why was he kind to me? I doubt he's actually worried about me. Until now, he could've practically killed me with just a look. Or maybe he realized he'd been unfair?

We first-year students are supposed to gather in the dining hall because one of the professors is about to make an announcement. There's a lot of noise, everyone's curious. Nadhir, Bastian, and I are sitting at a table together. Dante has taken a seat not far away, arms crossed, waiting to see what will happen. As soon as the professor glides through the door, the students fall silent.

"Welcome, everyone!" the professor stands in the middle of the dining hall. I haven't had the chance to meet him yet. Excitement radiates from him.

"I'm Kedar Felron, in case we haven't met before," he introduces himself. "I am delighted to announce our annual competition, held exclusively for first-year students," the professor begins, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "It's a playful contest conducted within the school grounds—at night. Your task is to find a hidden relic, placed somewhere in the school. This relic could be hidden anywhere, including the restricted areas."

I feel the air grow tense in the room.

"Of course, these areas are usually off-limits to you, but for this exceptional occasion, you'll be allowed entry. The protective spells currently in place will be adjusted to make them a little more manageable for that one night. You will be divided into four teams, selected randomly," the professor continues. There are 20 of you in the two first-year classes, so each team will consist of five members. Each team will be assigned a second- or third-year student as a leader," he adds. "They will supervise you, but they are not allowed to assist in finding the relic. The winning team will get to go on a special trip, the details of which are still a secret, but I guarantee it will be worth giving your all to win the competition!"

"By Freya's name, this is so exciting!" Nadhir nearly falls out of her chair, completely overtaken by the spirit of competition.

"The competition will be held Friday evening, starting at 8 PM and lasting until one of the teams finds the relic," the professor announces.

Suddenly, a black, ornate, double-edged dagger materializes in his hand. Its hilt is simple yet elegant, ending in a crescent moon design.

"This is the dagger you'll need to find. Who can tell me exactly what this is?" he asks, glancing around the dining hall.