Words from the Mirror

Despite being just a simple number, it sent Jason's heart pounding as if he had taken a fierce blow, leaving him gasping for air. After more than a century of aimless wandering without a single clue, he had finally found a thread to follow. Who was this witch? And what was his connection to her?

"Hey, mate, could you tell me about this ring and Denise's mother?" Jason asked, sitting by the window ledge, taking out the mirror which had now shrunk to a size of an ordinary portable vanity mirror.

"Of course, I can certainly tell you what I know about the ring and her mother," the mirror replied with a smug tone. Ever since it had been freed from the witch's control, it seemed to have gained a playful demeanor.

"Just cut to the chase," Jason demanded.

"The ring was made in the 19th century by a witch-hunter," the mirror stated. "This witch-hunter specialized in hunting witches. I believe that Denise's mother's death was probably his doing. Yes, you heard it right, it was him."

Jason frowned, "I've never heard of a witch-hunter living that long before."

"I know, because witch-hunters also have descendants. Just like Hill Steven and Lily Steven," the mirror chuckled. "Well, you've asked enough questions for now. I need a rest. You should know... finding answers drains a lot of energy. At least for a few days, don't disturb me."

"One last question… How can I find Denise's mother?"

"Why not ask Denise herself?" The mirror finished, then fell silent. No matter how much Jason questioned it, it remained unresponsive. It seems it had indeed expended a lot of energy.

Jason spent the entire night examining the ring. The black cat lay quietly in the corner, keeping him company. When he woke the next morning, he found Denise had already set the table in the dining room. Upon hearing his movements, she smiled at him, "I made breakfast, fried eggs, toast, and milk. There's also a portion for Annie." The black cat meowed softly and jumped onto a chair.

Denise had already composed herself, despite the shocking revelations. She was an optimist, and although she knew many shocking things, she had already adjusted her emotional state overnight. However, her resolve remained strong. She had her own opinions.

"I've made up my mind, I'm coming with you!" Denise stated firmly.

Jason smiled and hit the road with Denise, just as casual as if he were taking the black cat along for a journey. After breakfast, they packed up and set off.

Driving in Denise's car, Denise herself at the wheel, Jason sat beside her, guiding the way. The black cat lay quietly at Jason's feet, purring as he stroked its fur.

"See that bird ahead?" Jason pointed to a white bird in the distance. "Follow it, and I'll find the person I'm looking for."

A white bird flew ahead, not too high, but still visible in its white purity. Regardless of the speed of the car, the bird maintained a steady distance.

Having witnessed many of Jason's magical abilities, Denise was no longer surprised. She believed that a person like Jason should possess abilities beyond the ordinary.

"I want to ask, are you a wizard?" Denise inquired, using the long drive to learn more about Jason.

"No, I'm not a wizard. I possess a unique key that opens the door to this magical world," Jason replied with a smile. "Trying to understand me will be futile. I am not as simple as you might think."

Denise nodded, "That's true. Every magical person has their unique experiences and personality traits. You must be the same. Can I ask another question? About the girl you are searching for... Sofia, right? You've told me a lot about her. Given her beauty... have you fallen in love with her? Why are you so persistent in finding her?"

Jason nodded, "She carries a secret that I want to uncover. Just like now, how I am very eager to find out the truth about your mother. Perhaps finding your mother is more important to me, but it is not urgent. Sofia is the urgent matter."

"Is she in trouble?"

"Not yet. There might be some minor issues in the future, but... I should be able to handle it," Jason nodded. He glanced at the white bird flying ahead, glowing subtly in the moonlight. As long as this bird was fine, Sofia should be okay.

Speeding down the road, they followed the bird. The bird had no intention of stopping. They rested for the night in a small town, both staying in the same room. According to Denise, there was no need to waste money, and since Jason wouldn't take advantage of her, she decided to be a little more liberal.

But Jason did pose a question: "Are you sure you have no idea where your mother might be?"

This seemed a little redundant. Denise gaped at him: "No, sir, I have no idea. If I did, I would have asked her why she left me all alone, without any care. I swear, I would've... never mind, she is my mother after all, I wouldn't kick her ass or anything."

"But... why ask?" Denise finished, looking at Jason in surprise again, "What are you implying? That I'm a liar? Do I look like a liar? As if I know where my mother is and I'm not telling you? Oh, you're such an ass."

Jason remained silent, feeling like the mirror had indeed deceived him. The omniscient mirror from Snow White shouldn't exist, yet he had naively believed in it. This was a fairytale world, and fairytales can create illusions.

Having lived for over a century, he still had much to learn about the world. It was testament to how vast and mysterious the world was.

When they retired for the night, each had their own bed. Ever since Denise had received the talisman from Jason, she no longer had episodes of running out at night for no reason, at least not since the previous night. She slept soundly, a testament to the calming effects of the talisman.

The night was deep.

The moon was hazy, its half-lit form reminiscent of a foggy veil, its image somewhat indistinct and eerily quiet.

The room was in darkness, only Denise's steady breathing could be heard. Jason's breathing was almost imperceptible and could easily be missed even if one listened carefully.

Suddenly, a hazy white light emerged from the edge of the bed, struggling to rise, then it fluttered towards the window. The white bird flew out clumsily, heading for the open night sky.

As soon as the bird took flight, Jason sat up with a flip, leaped out of the window in an instant, followed by a dark shadow. When he disappeared into the night, the window closed itself.

The bird was not in its normal state.

Its flight was clumsy and uneven, swerving up and down, left and right.

Jason chased after the bird, like a dark shadow moving swiftly through the night. By his side, a black cat ran and leaped, keeping pace with Jason flawlessly.

Jason had made a deduction. The bird, made from Sofia's hair, shared a bloodline and spiritual connection with her. If Sofia was in danger, the bird would lose its normal state.

Sofia must be nearby.

Jason followed the bird from the main streets to alleyways, into the woods, and finally to a river bank. The bird stopped flying and hovered mid-air.