Meanwhile, far away from Maria’s peaceful morning, Victoria drove alone down a deserted, winding road. The journey was long and strange, the landscape growing wilder with every passing mile.
After more than an hour, she parked at the side of the road and entered the dark woods on foot. The forest was dense and eerily quiet.
Ten minutes later, she reached a hidden cave, its mouth covered in shadows. Inside, the cave was pitch black, save for the faint dripping of water echoing from unseen walls.
Victoria approached the entrance. She stamped her foot on the ground three times. Instantly, part of the stone wall shifted, revealing a secret door.
From within, a chorus of voices greeted her.
"Welcome, O daughter of the Eyes of Great Evil... The witches of the ancient world greet you," three blind witches said in eerie unison.
Without hesitation, Victoria dropped to her knees and bowed low to the ground.
"I have come seeking help," she said, her voice trembling with desperation. "A raging storm threatens my household... Witches of the ancient world, come to my rescue!"