Boiling Isles: The Next Generation - Act I.

Chapter XLIII. - Out of Control

"Mom! Mom!"

Five-year-old Azura ran over to Amity excitedly, her eyes shining, her little feet barely touching the ground as she jumped happily with each step. She clutched a colorful book in her hand, the cover of which depicted a brave warrior witch.

Amity was sitting in one of the armchairs in the living room, a mug of hot tea steaming on the table next to her, as she used her magic to make her scroll float in front of her. Hearing her little girl's excited cry, she immediately looked up and smiled.

"What is it, my dear?" she asked gently, setting the scroll aside and holding out her arm for Azura to jump into her arms.

The brown-haired girl laughed as she climbed onto her mother's lap and held out the book.

"Please read to me from Azura's book!"

"You know very well that we only read to you when your Mama is here." Amity stroked her little girl's hair.

"Please, Mom," Azura begged the lavender-haired witch. "Mama won't be home for hours! I can't wait until then!"

"Well, you'll have to wait," Amity said firmly.

Azura then folded her hands, pursed her lips, and looked up at her mother with sparkling eyes. Amity tried to hold herself together, but as soon as she looked into Azura's eyes, her determination immediately shattered into pieces.

"Alright, fine," sighed the lavender-haired witch in resignation. "I can read a small part, but only if you promise to read it with Mama later."

Azura nodded and nestled herself comfortably in Amity's lap while her mother carefully opened the book.

"Okay, let's see... " Amity gently ran her fingers through the pages, then began to read:

"Azura stood in the moonlight, her magic wand casting a sparkling light in the dark forest. She knew that her mission would not be easy, but she could not back down. Her loved ones were in danger, and she had to save them."

Little Azura listened to the story with rapture, her face almost beaming with excitement.

"Mom, when I grow up, I will be a powerful witch like Azura!" the brown-haired girl declared determinedly. "Then I'll save you too!"

Amity smiled and hugged Azura to her.

"You're already strong enough to save me, little one. And believe me, one day you'll be a wonderful witch."

Azura glanced at Amity gratefully and snuggled even tighter to the lavender-haired witch. Who knows how long Amity had been reading when little Azura yawned and slowly closed her eyes, still listening as her mother's voice filled the room.

"Azura took a deep breath and looked into the monster's eyes. Although the monster was terrifying, Azura knew that her opponent could not defeat her as long as her courage was stronger than her fear."

Azura smiled and mumbled sleepily:

"I will be that brave too... always..."

At that moment, Azura felt her mother press a small kiss to her forehead.

"I know, my little one. You are the bravest witch I know."

Azura didn't answer. Her eyelashes fluttered, her breathing became slow and even as she slowly sank into the realm of dreams. Before she was completely overwhelmed by sleep, she heard her mother's soothing words:

"Dream sweetly, my little witch. I love you."

***

Azura's hand trembled convulsively as she slowly pulled it away from Amity's neck. Her fingers felt icy cold, as if the touch of death had left them. The brown-haired girl's breathing was labored, her chest heaving with suppressed sobs as her gaze involuntarily slid to her mother's motionless face. The once lively features now radiated a frozen peace, as if she were merely asleep, but Azura knew that wasn't true. Her mother wouldn't wake up, and it was her fault.