Klaus had finally found it—a tiny house nestled deep within the woods of France. Whispers had led him here, tales of a witch said to be the most powerful of her time. In his centuries of existence, he had encountered many formidable witches, yet the allure of this one intrigued him.

But as he approached the quaint cottage, he quickly realized he couldn’t get any closer. An invisible barrier pulsed around the house, clearly warded with powerful spells. Klaus’s brow furrowed, annoyance creeping into his expression.

“Hello? Is anyone home?” he called out, his voice resonating through the trees with an edge of sarcasm.

His supernatural senses picked up the steady thrum of the witch's heartbeat, a reminder that despite the barriers, she was very much present—and perhaps ready for a conversation.