"But you know better than where the truth would lead if I investigated the death of my family." Olivia narrowed her eyes and fury danced in them.
She knew that Olivia did not try it. But she could feel the oppression. If she was feeling the aura so strongly when she was the strongest witch here as her position as head priestess. How much the other witches would be suffering. She looked around only to see their faces covered with sweat and fear.
"You did not know anything, so do not accuse us falsely." It was hard to speak, but the dia still showed strength. The responsibility of the coven lies on her shoulders. She could not be weak in front of an enemy.
"You know better if I am accusing falsely or stating the truth." Olivia sneered. The pressure increased again and dia’s back dranced into cold sweat. ridia did not react imdiately to Olivia’s pointed words about her mother’s death. Her face remained unreadable. She knew if she argued with Olivia, many would kneel on the ground and it would prove to Olivia that they did not have the strength to stand in front of her.
her eyes narrowed slightly, but her voice, when it ca, was devoid of emotion.
"And what exactly is it that you propose in this so-called negotiation?" Olivia sneered when the dia did not have the courage to continue the discussion. She knew the witches were hiding sothing. But she was not here to know the truth. She was here to save lives even if it burns her soul. One day, she would co to know about the trust behind her parent’s death too.
Olivia clenched her fists behind her back to hide the fury coiling in her chest. Her voice remained calm. "I only want one thing. No more deaths. the witches would never attack the humans again. No more raids or bloodshed. If anyone crosses that line..." her gaze swept across the circle of faces, "I will protect the humans. Even if it ans killing more of my own kind. And at that ti, I hope none of you would accuse for being too ruthless."
The air split with outrage. A dozen witches stood abruptly, ignoring thep pain they have been feeling for a while. Olivia might be stronger but they have not learnt to bow down. Even if they die, they would die with their head held high. Their magic crackled in their palms as they glared at Olivia collectively. Their voices rose like a storm.
"Traitor!"
"You speak like a human!"
"You would kill us for them? For the ones who hunted us? You have no sha. Leave our grounds at once!"
"Your mother’s blood should weep for what you have beco! It was great that she left or she would have been humiliated."
They all cursed her with force. Their magic dancing on their palms. But they did not dare to attack without the permission of the head priestess, for they knew they could not handle it if Olivia decided to attack too.
"Did you not hear us, leave already." it would be best if she left before they lose their composure.
But Olivia only scoffed, her voice cutting through the noise. "And you think you are innocent? You think slaughtering children and burning villages makes you righteous? You speak of pain, but you have turned it into vengeance. You protect no one but your grudges. Do you think all of them are your enemy? A kid who had not even learnt to walk could have killed you in the past!" her voice was so cold that it made them flinch. It was hard to hide their fear for what she had beco.
"Enough!" dia’s voice rang out, silencing all of them at once.
The witches settled slowly after getting a leeway. though many still glared at Olivia with fury.
ridia’s gaze remained steady. "And what," she asked, "do we gain in exchange for this peace you ask for?"
Olivia breathed out slowly, choosing her words. "Rhistel will offer you land. A safe place where you live freely and feel protected. If you want more, like participation in trade or even recognition, you can state your demands. We will sit at a table and discuss it. As long as it is not too much, we will fulfill it. It would save lives from both sides. I am sure you do not want to fight on a battlefield too."
A murmur spread through the coven again. They all looked at the dia with different thoughts.
But Olivia tilted her head slightly, her eyes now fixed on ridia. "But I have one curiosity. You have lived in the heart of these woods for generations. You are hidden by barriers and protected by nature. Why do you even want to leave this heaven of yours? What changed?"
A beat of silence followed and Olivia noticed the change on their faces.
ridia’s face finally showed sothing like a flicker of tension, but she shut it down quickly. "That is not your concern, blood witch. You do not deserve to know our secrets when you do not show loyalty to us."
Olivia didn’t press it further but just shrugged.
ridia continued, her voice low but firm. "If Rhistel wants peace, he will co himself. He will sign a contract, one that binds him and his people with us so that he could not betray us like the last ti."
Olivia nodded slowly. "Then I will take your ssage. But if you attack before the contract is made, I will protect them."
"You still think you are one of them," one of the witches sneered.
Olivia turned to her with cold eyes. "No. I think I am the only one here who rembers what rcy ans."
ridia stood. "We will consider the terms. But let Rhistel know, we are not as foolish or weak as the last ti. He will be bound by blood and oath. If he breaks it, not even you will be able to stop what cos next."
"Understood,"
Reviews
All reviews (0)