Something hidden - Part 4

Luke raked through his hair, clearly frustrated at the situation, but he knew very well what we should do now. We needed to figure out what had happened to the villagers and how to help them. 

"You're right," he sighed, looking at our entwined fingers. "This time, I'm going to save them. I'm not going to let anyone die." When he looked up at me, his eyes burned with rage and determination. "Except the witches—I mean, black witches."

I let out a chuckle, pulling him to continue our search. While Luke searched the papers, I went to the cauldron, curious as to what was inside. It was huge—the biggest one that I've ever seen. I lifted the lid but released it almost immediately when I smelled something absolutely horrific. It was even worse than those hearts. 

"Hell, what was that?" Luke gagged.