Chapter 45: 45. Warning of Calamity "The witches of the ancient world are unwilling to listen to you, Victoria," the witches said in unison, their eerie voices echoing through the dark cave.
"You have not visited the caves for about two decades. We will not heed your words."
Falling to her knees, Victoria bowed her head low in desperation.
"I plead with you in the name of my mother, Vanessa. Please, let my words not fall on deaf ears!" she cried, her voice shaking.
There was a brief silence. Then the witches murmured amongst themselves.
"Hmm... Vanessa, a loyal servant who gave us her all. We cannot deny a request made in her name," they finally said, their tone softer. "For her sake, you may speak."
"My husband and my son..." Victoria began, her voice thick with fear. "They are going to war against a reincarnated werewolf. The chances of surviving are slim. These enemies... they are not of our kind or even human. They come from the world of the dead!" Her words tumbled out as the weight of her fears overwhelmed her.
The witches turned their blind faces away. "So what do you request that the witches of the ancient world do for you?" they asked.
"I seek victory and safety for my husband and son," Victoria said earnestly. "I want our worries to vanish. You have the power to make this happen. Please, help us survive these troubled times!" Her hands trembled as she clasped them together in desperate prayer.
The witches’ reply was chilling. "To receive, a price must be paid. You know this."
"I am aware," Victoria responded immediately, determination flashing in her eyes. "I will do whatever is required."
The witches nodded solemnly. "We will look into your request. Afterwards, we will reveal the price to you."
They joined their hands, stretching their faces toward a massive, boiling cauldron at the center of the cave. Their mouths began to utter strange, guttural words—the ancient language of spirits.
Minutes passed. Suddenly, they shrieked, as if struck by some unseen force. Their heads snapped toward Victoria.
noveldrama Shocked, Victoria stiffened but remained in her kneeling position.
"What have the spirits revealed?" she asked, her heart pounding.
The witches’ voices turned grim.
"What you seek is not the true danger. A greater calamity looms over your household and your kind... We see death. We see blood. We see destruction."
The words hit Victoria like a dagger. She trembled violently.
"Please... speak clearly. I am but a child to the tongues of the spirits," she begged, struggling to understand.
The witches responded with booming voices, their faces emotionless.
"The battle you came here to ask about is not your real concern. A calamity approaches—one you and your kind have unknowingly summoned. It is inevitable."
Fear gripped Victoria’s soul.
"Is there no way to stop it?" she cried. "Please, how can we prevent this disaster?"
"There is only one way," they replied. "Find the source. Find the carrier of the calamity. Only then can we aid you. The spirits reveal not who or where—they have hidden it from even us."
Desperation filled her.
"But how do I find the cause? Who could it be?" she asked, her voice almost a whisper.
"Search through your past," the witches advised harshly. "Let your deeds guide you. Only then will you know. Until then, leave this place!"
Their voices thundered in unison, and the hidden door creaked open behind Victoria.
With legs barely able to hold her, Victoria staggered out of the cave, her mind a whirlwind of fear and confusion.
As she stepped into the dying light of day, she mumbled to herself, "I must sit and think... I must do everything I can to protect my family!"