âLetâs do that.
â
I nodded in agreement.
Stepping out into the open, we were greeted by a view that arrested us in our tracks.
In the midst of handling the carâs chaos, I hadnât noticed our surroundings.
Now, it became clear that we were perched on the cusp of the two worlds.
We stood enveloped by an untamed forest, where the paths branched out like veins, each direction as enigmatic as the next.
Ivyâs voice, laden with dread, broke the silence.
âThis is it.
Whatâs our next move?â
I found myself at a loss, my mind a blank slate.
It was then, amid my uncertainty, that a taunting voice sliced through the stillness.
âSo, Debra, youâve shown up at last!â
It was Shirley, her tone unmistakable.
A chill ran through me, rooting me to the spot.
Turning, I faced Shirley and her entourage stationed at a nearby fork, their attire a stark contrast to the forestâs somber hues.
Debraâs POV:
I stared intently at Shirley and asked in a cold tone, âMiss Harrison, why did you trick me into coming here? What are you planning to do?â
As I talked, I moved backward secretly.
Shirleyâs motives werenât clear, but given her past hostility towards me, I sensed this wouldnât be a friendly chat.
Shirley fixed me with a hostile glare.
Baring her teeth, she snapped, âDebra, you stole Andrew from me, and you dare to question me? Have you no shame?â
Her accusation made my heart race.
The hostile looks from her group told me that aggression wasnât the answer.
I tried to keep my voice even and replied, âAndrew isnât something to be stolen.
How can anyone steal a person?â
âJust stop playing with words!â Shirley, with clenched teeth and anger in her eyes, approached me.
âDebra, Iâve done so much to bring you here.
Iâll ensure you, a lowly mixed-blood witch, never see Andrew again, disappearing from this world forever.
â
Her tone was sharp, prompting Ivy to mutter, âSheâs as loud as a megaphone and just as irritating.
Canât we just leave? Theyâre all witches.
They definitely canât keep pace with us.
â
I disregarded Ivyâs suggestion.
âNo, we donât know the way.
This place seems very dangerous.
If we get lost and canât find anyone, it would be even riskier.
â
I turned to Shirley and talked with genuine concern.
âAfter all these years, you ought to know if Andrew has feelings for you.
If he did, he would have shown it by now.
Itâs not worth it to resort to violence over someone who doesnât return your love.
â
However, my attempt to reason with her backfired.
She looked as if she had been slapped, and snapped back, âThatâs ridiculous.
If you hadnât shown up, I would have been engaged to Andrew by now.
This is all your fault.
â