The Island

Chapter 16

Erika's POV

I get to the shoreline and sit on the sand to let my footrest. It still throbs as I set my leg out to rest it in the sand. I know I should keep moving because they could still be coming after me but I don't want to move. I need to sit and rest.

After a while, I sigh and get up before turning around to face the trees and move forward. I know that whatever lies in the darkness ahead isn't going to hurt me. I don't know how I know that but just do.

As I walk, I notice the trees get thicker above which makes it dark and misty at the bottom of the trees where I walk. With no sun peeking through, I can feel the cool air against my skin, causing me to shiver.

I start to hear hushed tones as I walk and decide to follow the voices. I walk through bushes and trees before coming to a dark clearing where the voices are the loudest.

Looking around the clearing I notice the same darkness as before. I hear a river nearby and bubbling like something's cooking. A large tree that had fallen is on the edge of the treeline. Two figures stand beside a large dark pot.

The figures have the same cloak as those in my dreams. Green and maroon, but this time they had their hoods down. The woman in the green has bright red hair and the one wearing the maroon one has dark brown hair that's almost black. They haven't noticed me standing behind them yet. So, I listen to what they are talking about.

"It was her choice. Her heartbroken decision to make his life miserable. Yet, she says she's tired of that now." The red head says before looking in my direction and a surprised expression crosses her face before turning into a smile. I look at the dark-haired woman and notice that she's frowning.

"Are you lost my dear?" The red head asks as she walks over and takes my hand leading me towards the large black pot before dropping my hand. I notice that she looks at my injured ankle.

"I am, but I'm not sure I want to be found." I say and the two women share a look before the dark-haired woman nods.

"Erika, are you hurt?" the red head woman asks.

How does she know my name? I never gave it.

"I never said my name." I say as I take a step away from them.

The red head smiles kindly. "You didn't need to. I already know it." I look over at the dark-haired woman as she picks up a branch and it starts bending without her touching it.

I back up too quickly for my ankle and pain explodes up my calf. "Who are you? What are you?" I ask through gritted teeth from the pain.

"My name is Blythe, and this is Cresentia, we are witches." The red head says gesturing to the dark hair woman. "And if you'll let me, I can heal your injury."

I look from Blythe to Cresentia. "Witches?" I question, trying to process it in my mind. Witches are real. How? Do the murder children for their blood? Do they still burn witches? Oh, Gregory would have a field day with this one.

I suddenly remember what else she said. "Uh, ya, sure." I say hesitantly. I'd give anything to not be in this pain anymore.

Blythe comes over and takes my hand again and leads me to the fallen tree. She lets go of my hand and sits down on the tree, patting a spot beside her. I sit and extend my leg. Blythe inspects my ankle before waving her hand over it, whispering in a language I don't understand. The swelling in my ankle slowly diminishes and the pain disappears.

I marvel at the fact that I no longer have any pain as I inspect my ankle.

"Thank you." I tell her and Blythe nods before getting up and walking towards the dark bowl. As Blythe reaches the dark soup bowl, a blonde appears next to her wearing a navy cloak.