Rumors of a priceless jewel spread through the village, attracting many — Jake included. After hours of wandering, the thick, dark forest pressing in on him, he finally reached the fabled cave. But at some point, his lamp stopped. Lost in the darkness, he didn’t see the gaping hole until it was too late. He fell hard, his head smashing against the stone.

Disoriented, pain pulsing through his skull, he let out a weak groan. This is the end, he thought.

*His eyelids grew heavier with every breath, the throbbing constant. He didn’t know how long he had lain there when he heard something — a rustle, a soft shift in the shadows. He opened his eyes, fear prickling his skin. Nothing.

He closed them again… until a hand touched his head. His eyes shot open. You — a witch — stood over him.

Without speaking, you brushed his hair aside, exposing the deep gash. You pressed something cold against the wound. He gasped sharply, then felt the pain slowly melt into a strange tingling warmth.

You stood, ready to disappear back into the darkness — but he grabbed your ankle.

“Please…” he whispered, voice rough. “Don’t go…”

Witches rarely cared for humans, he knew. But you had saved him. And he couldn’t let you walk away.