**Chapter 8: The Witch’s Bargain**
The narrow streets of the human kingdom felt both alive and suffocating as the trio—Azaryon, Ragnor, and Liora—moved carefully through the throng of people. Disguised as ordinary humans, Ragnor and Liora kept their beastly features hidden, their forms indistinguishable from the masses around them. Azaryon, with his natural human appearance, fit in well, though his sharp eyes noticed the tension brewing within the kingdom.
After gathering information from the locals, it became clear that the kingdom was burdened by the actions of corrupt nobles, and the people were suffering. Whispers of unrest, poverty, and an upcoming war loomed in the air, but there was one crucial obstacle: they needed a way to speak directly with the king.
“I doubt we can just walk up to the palace gates and request an audience,” Liora muttered under her breath, her keen eyes scanning the crowd for anything suspicious.
“We’ll need to find someone with influence or inside connections,” Ragnor said, his voice low but commanding.
Azaryon nodded. "There must be another way—someone who knows how to bypass the politics and bureaucracy."
As if summoned by his thoughts, a figure appeared before them in the bustling crowd. Draped in a cloak that concealed all but the faintest glint of golden eyes, she moved with an ethereal grace that caused the busy street to part without anyone noticing.
“You’re looking for the king, aren’t you?” Her voice was soft, like a whisper carried on the wind, but it held an unmistakable weight of power.
The trio stopped in their tracks, their gazes locking on the mysterious woman.
“And who are you?” Ragnor asked, his hand instinctively moving toward the hilt of his weapon.
“I am someone who can help,” she replied, lowering her hood to reveal the face of a woman so stunning it felt as though the world had slowed down around her. Her beauty was unlike anything Azaryon had ever seen, and for a moment, even his draconic wisdom was caught off guard. The floral scent that drifted from her was intoxicating, reminiscent of ancient magic and a forgotten time.
Liora tensed beside him, her sharp instincts sensing the power radiating from this stranger. “She’s no ordinary human,” she whispered.
The woman’s golden eyes met Azaryon’s, and in that gaze, he saw centuries of knowledge and experience. There was no doubt—this was the Witch of legend, the woman who had lived through countless eons, mastering magic and arts beyond comprehension. She, too, recognized something in Azaryon, something that bound them in a way even he didn’t fully understand yet.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
“My name is Elaria,” she said, her voice carrying a strange sense of familiarity. “And if you wish to reach the king, you will need my help.”
Azaryon raised an eyebrow. “Why would you help us? What’s in it for you?”
Elaria smiled, a slow, knowing expression that only deepened the mystery surrounding her. “Let’s just say I’ve been waiting for you, Azaryon. You are not the first to seek change in this world, but perhaps... you might be the one to succeed. In return, I ask for nothing more than to serve you.”
Her words hung in the air, and for a moment, neither Ragnor nor Liora spoke, waiting for Azaryon’s response.
“Why would someone of your power wish to serve me?” Azaryon asked, his tone careful, but his eyes filled with curiosity.
“Because I see in you the future of this world,” Elaria replied, her voice firm and unwavering. “And because I’ve foreseen your arrival in my dreams—centuries before you were even born. You are the one destined to unite the kingdoms, to create a nation where all races can live in harmony.”
Azaryon’s gaze softened, sensing no deceit in her words. He knew that aligning with her could greatly benefit his cause. Her power and knowledge could open doors they hadn’t even considered.
“We accept your help,” Azaryon said after a moment of silence, his tone decisive.
Elaria’s smile widened, but her eyes remained calculating. “Then follow me. There are things I need to show you, secrets that will make the road ahead much clearer.”
As they followed Elaria through the winding streets, Azaryon couldn’t shake the feeling that this was the beginning of something much bigger. The Witch had revealed herself, and with her, an entirely new chapter in their quest to change the kingdom’s fate had begun.
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They reached an ancient, forgotten part of the city, far from the grand palaces and markets. Here, in the quietest corner, stood a small house, barely noticeable. Elaria pushed open the door, revealing a room filled with books, scrolls, and artifacts of immense power.
“This is my sanctuary,” she said, gesturing to the countless relics. “It’s where I have studied the flow of magic, time, and fate for centuries.”
Azaryon examined the room with curiosity, his eyes drawn to an old map pinned to the wall, showing the entirety of the kingdom—and beyond.
“The king is a puppet,” Elaria said, her voice filled with quiet frustration. “His court is ruled by greedy nobles who care nothing for the people. But I have a way to get to him, to show him the truth.”
Liora looked at her, intrigued. “How?”
Elaria smiled knowingly. “With a spell only I possess—a spell that can reach into the mind and show him what he needs to see. But it requires precision, timing, and most importantly... someone like you, Azaryon.”
Azaryon’s eyes narrowed. “And what do you expect in return?”
“Nothing, but to serve you,” Elaria replied, her golden eyes glowing faintly. “I believe in your vision. Together, we can reshape this kingdom, and perhaps, the entire world.”
Azaryon glanced at Ragnor and Liora, who both nodded in silent agreement. They were in this together. With Elaria’s help, they would have their audience with the king—and soon, the kingdom would know the power and wisdom of the one destined to unite all races under his banner.
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And thus, the trio’s journey took an unexpected turn. With the Witch on their side, the stakes were higher, the path more dangerous, but the potential for success was greater than ever. The next step was clear: they would meet the king. But how much they could trust Elaria, and the lengths she would go to fulfill her role, remained to be seen.
The kingdom’s fate hung in the balance, and with it, the future of Azaryon’s vision. The journey into the depths of power had only just begun.
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**End of chapter 8**