Zhan's Pov.
Liu's confusion was evident as he asked, "What do you mean, the curse his father placed on him?" The statement was laced with intrigue.
When I gave birth to Zhan, little did I know that our lives would be forever changed. The joy of welcoming a new life into the world quickly turned into a nightmare. It was then that I discovered the dark intentions of his father, who sought to use our child for a blood sacrifice. The very thought sent shivers down my spine, and I knew I had to act swiftly to save my innocent baby.
With a heavy heart, I decided to run away from him. Our escape had to be meticulous, leaving no trace behind. I knew my sister would be the only one I could trust to keep him safe. In the dead of night, I packed our belongings, leaving behind everything we knew. The fear and adrenaline coursing through my veins gave me the strength to carry on. As we made our way into the unknown.
Days turned into nights, and nights into weeks. We traveled quietly, avoiding any contact that could potentially lead his father back to us. Every step brought us closer to safety, but the weight of our secret burdened my heart. I constantly questioned whether I was doing the right thing and whether my actions truly protected him.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we arrived at my sister's doorstep. Tears of relief streamed down my face as I handed him over to her loving arms. I knew that he would be safe in her care, surrounded by the love and protection he deserved.
It was a bittersweet moment as I said my goodbyes and left, knowing our paths would forever be different. I had to ensure that I was far away from Zhan, creating enough distance to divert his father's attention.
"Your story doesn't add up," Liu and Jackson declared in unison.
I don't care if it adds up or not; I don't want anything to do with you. Your sister and her husband treated me like a slave. You should have allowed my father to use me. I was beaten and abused; you could have saved me from the agony they caused me.
She gently touched my arm and said, "I'm so sorry, Zhan. I wish I had been there to protect you from all the pain they caused you. But I'm here now, and I promise I'll do everything I can to make it better."
I shifted slightly and looked at her. "It's too late for all that now. I can't go back and undo the pain they caused me, no matter how much you apologize."
Wang, she looked at him and said, "I know you love him and want him to get better. Please let me take him with me. I will make sure he has the care and support he needs. I promise I'll do everything I can to make it better."
I'm sorry, but I can't let you take him. However, you are more than welcome to stay here and take care of him if you want. Wang said gruffly.
Meng's curiosity got the better of her as she asked, "What curse did his father place on him?" Being a witch, I could come up with a solution.
The curse of the moon had already begun to take its toll on him; the pain and suffering he was feeling would only increase until he was finally transformed into a beast, doomed to roam the earth and never find his freedom.
"You may think you have a solution," I replied, my voice dripping with disdain. "But I'd rather be a beast than go anywhere with you.
"That is enough," Wang interjected, his patience getting thin. "We will look for a solution before that happens. I'm sure we can find something that will counter the curse of the moon before it takes full effect."
"I am his only flesh and blood," Mom said coldly. "I mean well, Wang. And if you do not want to lose him, you will let me take him with me before his father finds us and kills us all."
"Then we will all die," Liu said calmly.
I am at the cottage nestled at the base of the dark mountains. You have until tomorrow before I come get him. Without looking at me, she left in a huff.
In a moment of desperation, I found myself standing before Wang, the person who held the power to determine my fate. As tears welled up in my eyes, I summoned the courage to speak, making a firm declaration: "You will not let her take me."
Wang replied, holding both my hands, "I will not, I promise." His voice was gentle and calming.
"Promise me, Wang?" I asked quickly.
He nodded and squeezed my hands. "I promise," he said. "I will not let her take you." I felt a wave of relief wash over me. I knew that Wang was a person of his word, and I could trust him.
Thank you so much. I love you. As I hugged him tightly, he held me back and kissed me.
Wang, are you sure you want to go to the "circle of the hallowed?" Jackson whispered softly to Wang.
"No, Wang, you know you can't be there," Meng replied sternly. "It's too dangerous. You don't know what lurks in the shadows. We should stay away from it."
Meng, "What does the "circle of the hallowed" mean?". I asked curiously.
Wang looked at me with a wary expression before finally replying, The Circle of the Hallowed is an ancient and mysterious place shrouded in mystery and fear. It is believed to be the home of powerful and malevolent creatures and a place of utter danger. It is forbidden for mortals to enter, and those who do often never return.
"The Circle of the Hallowed is a forbidden place," Meng said. "It's a place of dark secrets. It is believed to be a site of ancient magic and guarded by strange creatures. It is a place best left undisturbed."
"Hemfire entered the Circle of the Hallowed and came out unscathed. Jackson said lackadaisically, 'It wasn't that bad – just a few strange creatures and a bit of old magic.'"
Hemfire was invited before entering the realm shrouded in dark objects. It is said that those who enter its premises carry dark and enigmatic objects. However, there is a rumor that if any supernatural being comes into the realm without an invitation, their deepest desires will be granted. But beware; the guardians of the realm are known to be unforgiving and will not allow anyone to leave once they enter the realm. When people asked Hemfire about his experience inside the realm, he never gave straight answers. He only said that the place was full of mystery and secrets that one had to discover on their own. He also warned them to be careful. Some say that Hemfire does not remember what happened or why he was invited inside the realm. Others believe that Hemfire was possessed by one of the creatures from the realm, and the invitation was a ruse to lure him in. Whatever the truth may be, Hemfire's experience in the realm remains a mystery. Meng hissed.
I couldn't help but express my astonishment to Meng. "How did you know all this?" I asked, completely speechless at the speed and depth of her explanations.
Liu, with a mischievous grin on his face, chimed in, "Witches tend to be in everyone's business, you know." His comment caught me off guard, as I hadn't expected such a response. It was a lighthearted remark, hinting at the idea that witches have a knack for being well-informed about the happenings around them.
Meng, not one to be outdone, quickly retorted, "We just like to know what's happening. It's a part of who we are." Her statement carried a sense of pride, as if being knowledgeable about the world was an inherent trait of witches.
"Wang, please don't go to the Circle of the Hallowed," I implored, a note of urgency creeping into my voice. "Promise me we will look for another way." I moved closer, searching for a glimmer of understanding in his eyes.
Zhan, before Wang could continue, I cut him off, my determination fueling my words. "Promise me," I repeated, my voice stern and unwavering. "We must find an alternative path to break this curse."
"I promise," Wang replied, his lips smacking together as he contemplated our predicament.
We will search far and wide, leaving no stone unturned. There must be another way." Liu reassured.
"What about the Silver Sisters?" Jackson asked, raising an eyebrow. "They are a group of powerful witches known for their ability to cast powerful spells. Perhaps they can help us break the curse."
"No!" Liu and Meng yelled in unison. "We cannot risk involving them. We must find another way. We must be careful, for the consequences of our actions will be dire." Liu sight.