CHAPTER 69: FIRM CHOICE

Shirley huddled behind Zack, her heart racing as she listened to Drakon's conversation with the witch. She couldn't see them, but their words carried clearly through the air. As she heard the witch's desperate pleas and Drakon's skeptical growls, she realized she believed the woman. Something in her told her the woman was being sincere. Zack's grip on her arm tightened, sensing her tension. "Stay back, Shirley," he whispered. But Shirley shook him off, stepping forward. "Wait," she called out, her voice trembling. "Don't hurt him." Dahlia's eyes snapped towards her. "I don't want to. I swear it." "I know," Shirley said, and the woman's eyes widened in surprise. "You believe me?" Her surprise was almost palpable, making Shirley believe she wasn't easily trusted. No witch ever was. "Yes, I do. Now let him go." Her hands were stretched forward the entire time like she was trying to take Shirley nodded, taking another step forward. "Yes, I do. Now, please, release him. He won't hurt