Eternal Undying Chronicles

Marian was a very sheltered witch, beloved by all in her village. She was cherished by the elders and especially by Cassandra, the acting high priestess—at least, that's what Marian believed.

The village elders and Cassandra herself showered Marian with affection, teaching her every spell they knew, gifting her high-quality potions, and keeping her safe within their circle. But as time went on, some of the elders, who should have thrived for many more years, began to weaken and die. Rumors spread that these deaths were somehow linked to Malefica, a dark figure that quickly became a source of terror for Marian. She shuddered at the thought of Malefica's power, wondering what chance she or anyone had if even the mighty elders succumbed.

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Then Cassandra spoke to Marian and the others, suggesting that the only way to stop Malefica's "curse" was to bring back Lady Diana—a feat that could only be achieved through sacrifice. It was only now, standing in the shadow of Alicarde, clad in his reaper's vestments, that Marian realized she was to be that sacrifice.

'I'm going to die, but…its for the coven'

Taking a deep breath, Marian accepted her fate, whispering,

"I... I accept. If it saves the coven, I don't want the elders to die anymore."

Malefica's gaze sharpened.

"Elders... what have you done? You used the blood of the elder witches as the foundation for your ritual," she said, horror and disgust mingling in her voice.

Cassandra merely sneered, unfazed.

"They offered themselves for the greater good—it was their wish."

Malefica's eyes narrowed.

"And Marian? You would use her, too?"

Cassandra's expression grew cold.

"Do you hear her refusal? No, you haven't. Marian is doing what's best for the coven... unlike you."

Clenching her fists, Malefica saw through Cassandra's ploy. She knew the young witch had been manipulated, indoctrinated into believing that her sacrifice would save everyone, even when no true danger threatened the coven at all.

"The girl knows nothing, and this ritual will not happen," Malefica declared firmly, her resolve unshakable.

"Hmph," Cassandra sneered,

"You think you can stop it?" She crossed her arms, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes.

"With your powers, weakened as they are, you're in no condition to stop us. You're outside the city's protection, and even there, you could barely cast three spells a day. You're not capable of stopping us."

Alicarde stepped forward, his gaze cold.

"I think I've heard enough. Can I kill this bitch now?"

Malefica raised a hand to stop him.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"Not yet..."

Turning back to Cassandra, she spoke in a steely tone.

"You're right, Cassandra. I cannot cast a spell strong enough to stop you outright. But I can even the playing field."

Malefica closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and when she opened them, her gaze fixed on Cassandra.

"Do not force my hand. I can't guarantee anyone's safety if you push me too far."

Cassandra's confidence faltered, a flicker of fear passing over her face. She knew all too well what Malefica was capable of, fifty years ago, she had brought the entire coven to its knees with a single spell, proving she was indeed the granddaughter of the Witch of the Dawn. But now, after so much sacrifice, Cassandra couldn't back down. The shattered statue of Lady Diana, despite its brokenness, could still be salvaged. If she performed the ritual on the full moon, with Marian as the sacrifice, there was still a chance it would work.

'I can still salvage the situation, its not too late'

Taking a steadying breath, Cassandra glared at Malefica.

"Malefica... you will pay for your sins against the coven. I'll see to it that Lady Diana herself judges you." She turned to address the witches around her.

"Sisters, this is our moment! We must do whatever it takes to bring back Lady Diana, even if it means facing the Great Witch of the Night!"

With a fierce determination, the witches in the front row cast a volley of fireballs at Malefica. She raised a hand, effortlessly blocking them with a shimmering barrier. The strength of the barrier stemmed from her true name, untouched by the curse that limited her other spells.

Raising her hand, Malefica chanted softly, and the air pulsed with energy. A powerful light swept over the village, marking every witch present, including Cassandra, with a black moon symbol on their foreheads.

The spell took effect, or at least it seemed so but the witches didn't look like they took any damage from it. But Cassandra could tell otherwise.

"What have you done to us?"

Cassandra demanded, biting her lip as she felt a strange weakness settle over her.

Malefica swayed slightly but stood firm, her expression calm.

"That spell took everything I had... You're right; I won't be able to cast anything significant for the next three days."

Her smile turned icy.

"But neither will you."

"What do you mean?"

Cassandra asked warily, beginning to understand as she examined the black moon symbol. The symbol was engraved on all their foreheads including Malefica's.

"You weakened us all... including yourself?"

Malefica nodded.

"The spell affected everyone in the coven, and since I'm part of it, that includes me too."

Cassandra's mouth twisted in a mix of frustration and realization. Her eyes fell on Alicarde, the only one unaffected by the spell.

"So, you're expecting him to fight all of us?"

Malefica turned to Alicarde, her voice firm.

"Incapacitate them if you must, but do not kill any member of my coven."

Alicarde nodded.

"So I can cut of limbs and break some bones."

Malefica bit her lip.

"Yes… you can"

Cassandra scoffed.

"He'll die before he even gets close."

Ignoring her, Alicarde moved forward—but instead of confronting Cassandra, he seized Marian, holding his sword to her throat.

The witches gasped in shock as Alicarde's voice rang out.

"Okay bitches. I don't fully get what's happening here, but if this girl's important to you, any funny business, and she's gone. Consider this... a kidnapping."