Maximus’ POV~~

“My help? Tell me, what did you need me to do?” She probed as the corners of her eyes crinkled.

“Don’t mind my manners, healer; let’s go inside my cabin so we can have a proper discussion,” the old witch said as she took the lead and walked us to her cabin.

The cabin hunched over like a crooked old crone, its roof thatched with a patchwork of moss and wild grasses. Smoke curled from a chimney that leaned like a drunken sailor, disappearing into the thick, twilight sky.

Twisted branches of ancient oak clawed at the sagging walls, half-embracing the ramshackle structure. Carved symbols, weathered and strange,...