Embodied Hearts

A WITCH'S WARNING

Chapter 6: A Witch's Warning

Azriel stepped from the shadows, his tall frame draped in flowing black, his amber eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. "You've gotten sloppy, Lysander. Leaving her so exposed… careless, even for you."

Lysander's stance shifted, his body tense and coiled like a spring. "You don't belong here, Azriel. Leave."

Azriel's grin widened. "Oh, but I'm not here for you." His gaze slid to Amara, sending a shiver down her spine. "The Catalyst and her mark… such potential. And yet, she clings to you. Tragic, really."

Lysander raised his hand, shadows rippling outward as if alive. "One more step, and you'll regret it."

Azriel chuckled, a low, menacing sound. "Regret? That's your domain, isn't it, Lysander? Forever bound to watch as your precious Catalysts burn out." His voice dropped to a venomous whisper. "How many more must die because of you?"

Before Lysander could respond, Azriel lunged. Shadows exploded in all directions, shrouding the clearing in darkness. Amara stumbled backward, her wrist burning as the mark flared to life.

"Stay close!" Lysander shouted, grabbing her arm and pulling her into the cover of the trees.

Azriel's laughter echoed through the night as the shadows writhed and twisted, forming tendrils that lashed toward them. Lysander countered with bursts of dark energy, each strike buying them precious seconds to escape.

"Where are we going?" Amara gasped as they ran through the forest.

"To someone who can help," Lysander said grimly.

They emerged from the forest into a small clearing where a stone cottage stood, its walls covered in ivy. A faint glow emanated from the windows, casting an otherworldly light.

"Who lives here?" Amara asked, catching her breath.

"A witch," Lysander replied, striding toward the door.

He knocked twice, and the door swung open on its own. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of herbs and burning candles. Shelves lined the walls, filled with jars of strange ingredients, and a cauldron bubbled in the fireplace.

"Lysander," a voice called from the shadows. "It's been a long time."

A woman stepped into the light. She was striking, with raven-black hair that fell in waves down her back and piercing green eyes that seemed to see right through Amara. She wore a flowing black dress adorned with silver runes, and her presence was both commanding and unnerving.

"This is Selene," Lysander said, his tone cautious. "She's… an ally."

"Ally might be too strong a word," Selene said with a smirk, her gaze flicking to Amara. "So, this is the Catalyst. I see why the shadows are so interested."

Amara shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny. "You know about me?"

Selene arched a brow. "I know more about you than you do. Sit."

Amara hesitated but sat at the small wooden table as Selene began gathering ingredients, muttering under her breath. Lysander stood nearby, his arms crossed, watching the witch with a wary eye.

Selene placed a small bowl in front of Amara and handed her a silver dagger. "Prick your finger."

"What? Why?" Amara asked, recoiling slightly.

"To see the truth," Selene replied impatiently. "Unless you'd rather remain in the dark."

Amara glanced at Lysander, who gave her a small nod. Reluctantly, she pricked her finger and let a drop of blood fall into the bowl. Selene added a pinch of powdered herbs, and the liquid in the bowl began to swirl, glowing faintly.

"You're marked," Selene said, staring into the bowl. "Not just as a Catalyst but as part of a curse that's older than you can imagine."

"A curse?" Amara repeated, her voice trembling.

Selene nodded. "The bond between you and Lysander—it's no accident. The mark ties you together, but it's also a tether to something far darker. Every Catalyst is drawn to their shadow guardian, and every time they fall…" She looked at Lysander. "You've watched it happen, haven't you?"

Lysander's expression darkened. "Enough, Selene."

Selene ignored him, her gaze fixed on Amara. "Each life ends in tragedy. The mark ensures it. And unless you break the cycle, you'll suffer the same fate.