Chapter 248: Only Solution!
The three remaining witches stood frozen, their faces a mix of shock and seething rage. Olivia had done it. And worse, she had absorbed the witch’s magic, something believed to be impossible, forbidden even among their own kind.
"You will regret this," the first witch finally rasped, her voice trembling with fury. "You’ve made an enemy of the coven, Olivia. You think yourself powerful now, but your strength will wane. And when it does, we will be there. And we won’t be merciful."
"You’ve chosen their side," the second spat bitterly. "So die with them."
"But not today," the third whispered as all three witches took a step back, their eyes darting to the frozen crowd behind Olivia. Then, without another word, their forms shimmered and dissolved into black mist, vanishing into the wind.
Silence returned to the village square. The villagers stared at Olivia in awe and fear. Whispers began to rise. Many eyes were filled with uncertainty, even dread. After all, they had seen what she could do. If a witch like her stood against them, they would be doomed. Their first instinct was to burn her but they were sure they were not strong enough to achieve that feat.
Olivia stood in the middle of the clearing. Her chest was rising and falling with exertion. The blood dripped slowly from the wound on her forehead. Her silver and crimson eyes dimmed, returning to their natural hue as she turned to face them. She could see the fear and confusion in their eyes and sighed. If only...
"Olivia," Rhistel stepped forward and hugged her. his tone loud and clear, so everyone could hear. "Thank you, Olivia. We would not have survived without you."
She turned, startled as she looked at him in confusion. Was he not angry that she had performed magic in the open?
"You protected us! all of us," he continued. "Even when we feared you, even when we doubted you, you stood between us and death. You saved this village. Even when we gave you nothing but hatred and you had no reason to help us."