Chapter 53 - The Prize

The next evening, the wood witch was once more in front of her cauldron. The familiar sound of the cauldron bubbling softly filled the tiny cabin, calming her restless heart. Her face was glowing uncannily in the flickering light from the fire below as she stood in front of it. The contents of the cauldron swirled and shimmered, and she could smell the subtle scent of magic and herbs. The normal serenity that surrounded her during her rituals, however, was absent tonight. Ramin was yet to show up, and his quiet had grown unbearable. She inhaled deeply before starting to chant in a steady, low voice. She infused each phrase with intent as the summoning spell's words flowed from her tongue like water. With her hand hovering over the cauldron and her fingers making exquisite patterns in the air “Ramin... come to me” she whispered. Tonight the air around her felt still, too still, but she waited for the magic that bound them together, the usual rush of energy that always followed