“Future witch?” I echoed, my heart pounding. “Are you saying… I’m the next witch?”

Tanya nodded, her expression calm yet knowing. “Yes. The markings on your body will become complete when you officially take my place.”

My excitement froze.

The inheritance of a witch’s power meant one thing.

Tanya’s impending death.

A heavy silence filled the cottage.

Gabriel shifted beside me, his voice unusually quiet. “How long have you known?”

Tanya’s gaze softened. “Since the moment you went to receive the Moon Goddess’s blessing.”

She reached out, patting my hand gently. “Don’t be sad, child. Disappearance is just another form of rebirth. You should be happy.”

Happy?

How could I...