38 Caster's battle 1

The witch and the fox were rendered immobile. Without their consent, the both of them were taken to another room which served as storage.

Inside it, was a huge cage where as many as 10 children or five full grown men could fit in.

The witch harshly shoved the pair inside and locked the door.

"That hurt, old hag!" getting up and taking off the zipper on her mouth, Lily shouted at the witch with rage.

However, the witch ignored her.

She was quite happy to have gathered such ingredients for her meal. Lily's tantrum fell on deaf ears as the witch left them to prepare her sumptuous dishes.

Gathering her mana, Lily tried to draw a pentagram. The princess tried to break free from the cage using her magic but the structure seemed to have nullified her spell.

Rei, who had snapped out of his stunned state, also shook the cage but to no avail. "It wouldn't budge at all."

The pair just kept making such ruckus. Little did they know, they were not the only ones who were captured by the witch.

Due to the noises she and the fox were making, a young man who was huddling at the corner perked up.

He narrowed his eyes at the rambunctious pair.

Though the young witch was facing away from him, she definitely caught his attention.

"That voice…" he muttered as he got up.

He unsteadily made his way towards the unsuspecting girl.

As he neared her, his eyes flashed recognition. "Lily, is that you?"

Hearing her name being called, Lily stopped short. Her eyes widened as she turned and met him.

He looked a bit taller than the last time she saw him. His flaxen hair had also grown a bit longer. Though he still remained good looking, Lily noticed the dark circles around his eyes.

It made sense that he had changed a bit after all, they were not able to see each other for months.

However, disbelief was drawn on her face when she realized that the boy was able to tell it was her.

With the changes on her physic, Lily was quite shocked that Briar was able to recognize her.

"I am sorry. I am not Lily." She denied while trying to hide her face.

As the girl turned to disregard him, Briar suddenly caught her and engulfed her in a hug.

The girl struggled to break free but the prince refused to let her go. Instead he embraced her tighter.

"I can't believe I would see you here in all places." He said with relief. A sad smile somehow lit up his face.

He pulled away and looked at the girl closely. "Your hair and eyes… they may have changed but I could tell it is you. Your voice remained the same."

Still struggling, Lily tried to get away from the prince but he held onto her.

"How are you? Are you doing well? Where were you these couple of months?" were some of his questions.

Then he said. "I've been worried that you got caught or got into some sort of trouble."

Those words took her aback. Though Briar helped her escape before, still she had doubts whether he was an ally. But hearing these now…

Lily tried to back away and insisted. "I…I am not…Lily."

"Do not try to deny it. My instincts tell me that it's you." Briar added with utmost seriousness.

"So annoyingly persistent." she muttered. Tired and a bit drained, Lily sighed in resignation.

Though she wanted to argue with Briar, she did not have enough energy to do so.

Instead of debating with the prince, Lily made herself comfortable sitting on the floor.

"Lily…" Briar began as he advanced towards the girl.

Drawing a huge breath and glowering at the prince, she grumbled.

"Don't you dare come near me! I am not fine. As you can see, I got caught by a witch and locked up in a cage. I am not in the mood to bicker with you."

Considering her words, Briar stopped and gave her a once over. "Okay, I won't argue."

"What happened to you? Your hair and your eyes had changed color? And what was that temper?" the prince asked as he sat adjacent to the girl.

They both ignored the fox who was still trying to get the attention of the elder witch.

Although she did not want to reveal any information, she could not help but answer. "I've become a caster. I need to become strong and powerful. These changes are a part of the spell."

"But why?"

"I am going to exact vengeance and I will take my kingdom back. That is why I am going to be a full-fledged witch."

Her eyes widened after the words left her mouth. It was as if she had drunk a truth potion. She even covered her mouth to stop the words from pouring out.

After learning such things, Briar then pleaded. "Lily. Please forget about taking revenge. Come and run away with me."

Just like earlier, she could not help but answer. "You know that I can't. You may have helped me but it does not change the fact that you are the son of the person who took away my family."

Briar cringed.

Lily then added. "Also, I wanted to get what was taken away from me. They were rightfully mine. If I run away, it would be like I have failed those who had sacrificed their lives to save me."

Briar was silent for a time. Thinking things through, he shared, "Lily, my father wanted the Larmes. It was the reason why he had attacked Marjoram without defiance sent."

"The Larmes de Lumierre?" her brows creased.

"Do you know where it is?"

Shaking her head, the girl answered. "I do not know."

"My father wanted me to take you back to the palace. He wanted to know where the Larmes is. He will never stop until he finds it." he provided.

Lily's frown deepened.

He continued. "Almost a month ago, he discovered that you were able to escape. He ordered people to look for you. So, you have to expect that a lot of Azalean knights will be tracking you down."

"Even if they will find me, they will not get the Larmes. The larmes had been stolen a few years ago."

Once again, the prince tried to convince her. "Lily, come with me. Let's run away. You will not be safe on your own. Forget your plans for revenge. We can escape to other kingdoms."

"I'm sorry Briar." She declined his offer. "I just can't. My people's blood cry for vengeance."

He was quiet for a time but eventually he decided to persuade her to change her mind.

"If you are not willing to come with me, then you better come to the Enclave… they will protect you. The kings had been asking where you were. They will provide you the protection you need if you come to them."

The girl shook her head. "Briar, I am a witch fledgling. If I pass, I will become a full-fledged witch. The Enclave will not spare me. They detest witchcraft." She reminded him. "They will hang me or burn me on the stakes if I approach them. You need not to worry. I can fare on my own."

"But-" before Briar could finish his sentence, Salem entered the chamber.