In the master bedroom of the Harrington mansion, I was feeding the raven in its cage with ancient magic and drops of my own lifeblood. The raven, nourished by my sacrifice, pulsed with a faint golden glow. Years of blood loss had left my face pale. “Five years,” I whispered, my voice a mere breath. “The life-binding spell is finally almost complete. It’s just a shame… that I have to leave.” My gaze lifted to a framed photo of Julian and me on the bedside table. My eyes filled with a deep, bitter sadness. I was a descendant of an ancient magical lineage, revered by all in our ancestral village, entrusted with the sacred duty of protecting my people. Five years ago, Julian, gravely ill and clinging to life, unexpectedly stumbled into our hidden village. I didn’t just share a symbiotic, life-binding magic with him, intertwining our fates and lives; I also renounced my sacred calling, giving up everything in the village for him… After leaving our community, Julian and I pledged our lives to each other. I still remember our wedding night five years ago, in a cramped, rundown apartment. I wore a black wedding gown, dressed to the nines, sitting on the edge of the bed. Julian sat beside me in a simple suit, his gaze fixed on me, overflowing with deep affection. “Elara, you are the most radiant woman I’ve ever known, my beautiful savior. Meeting you was the greatest blessing of my life.” “I, Julian Harrington, swear to the heavens, I will never betray you. I vow to love only you for all my days, never to part, even when we’re old and gray.” My eyes, too, were filled with love as I gently replied: “As long as you love me as much as I love you, I will never disappoint you. Julian, as long as you don’t betray our bond, I will love you for eternity!” Julian held me tight, his young voice murmuring: “Elara, my greatest wish in life is to marry a wonderful woman and have a child of our own. Since I’ve already married the best woman, now… let’s have a baby.” Even then, I sensed Julian’s desperate longing for a child. But I knew his destiny was fragile. The severe illness five years prior had almost drained all his vitality, leaving him unable to father children. So, I secretly returned to my ancient magic, nourishing a special raven with my own lifeblood every day. Once the raven fully matured, it would shield Julian from misfortune and allow him to fulfill his dream of fatherhood. I firmly believed that with five years of dedicated care, Julian’s body would heal, and his wish to be a father would come true. Now, my ritual was almost complete. But human hearts are fickle, and vows are easily shattered. Just yesterday, when Julian returned home. I excitedly rushed out of the room, eager to share the good news. As I descended the stairs, I saw Julian walking through the front door, his arm around a heavily pregnant Skylar. I froze on the spot. Julian carefully supported Skylar, their movements intimate. The sight pierced my eyes like a sharp knife. Skylar glanced at me, then her face contorted in a fearful expression, and she leaned closer to Julian. Julian turned to look at her, his own expression visibly uncomfortable. “Elara, this is Skylar. She’s… six months pregnant.” My gaze slowly, involuntarily, drifted down to Skylar’s swollen belly. Guilt instantly flushed Julian’s face. I felt a surge of disorientation, then forced a weak smile, tentatively asking: “Is she… an employee from your company?” I then gracefully stepped forward, desperately trying to ignore the unsettling feeling in my heart, my voice tinged with a feigned annoyance: “Julian, really, how could you bring a pregnant woman to our home? Her baby’s father will be worried sick.” Julian hesitated for a moment before saying: “Elara, the child is… mine.” In that moment, I stood rooted to the spot, asking in disbelief: “You… what did you say?” Julian, looking utterly ashamed, explained: “I know what I’ve done is wrong, and I’ve failed you, but… I had no other choice…” He pulled out an ultrasound report, walked up, and opened it for me to see. “Elara, you know I’m an orphan. My greatest wish is to have my own bloodline, my own family.” Julian lowered his eyes: “But for five years, you… you haven’t been able to conceive…” His gaze then fell upon my stomach. I glanced at the ultrasound report, a sharp pain twisting in my chest: “So, you cheated?” Julian quickly defended himself: “This isn’t cheating!” He looked at Skylar’s belly, then back at me, choosing his words carefully: “Elara, after Skylar gives birth, I’ll immediately send her abroad and entrust the child to you to raise. Don’t worry, this child will absolutely not affect our relationship…” I laughed, a bitter, hollow sound, cutting him off: “Your solution is for me to raise a child for a mistress?” Julian’s brows furrowed, a hint of displeasure in his tone: “Elara, Skylar isn’t a mistress!” Perhaps sensing his tone was too harsh, he softened his voice and continued: “Don’t worry. As soon as the baby is born, I’ll announce to everyone that the child is biologically yours…” Announce the child was biologically mine! I felt a wave of raw humiliation wash over me. I shook my head without hesitation, my stance firm: “No way! I will never raise someone else’s child, nor do I need to!”
As the tension mounted, Skylar, feigning awkwardness, stepped forward and said: “Sister, please don’t blame Julian. I willingly offered to bear a child for you both.” I stared at Skylar, my voice cold: “Do I need that?” Skylar’s expression was one of pitiful innocence: “Sister is a witch. The elders say witches often struggle to conceive… Sister, I genuinely want to help you and Julian…” I angrily cut her off, my voice sharp: “Nonsense!” The words had barely left my lips when Skylar suddenly dropped to her knees with a soft thud: “Sister, I know you and Julian have a deep bond, and no one should interfere. I never intended to come between you two; I just wanted to bear a child for Julian!” I couldn’t believe such an absurd scene was unfolding in my own home. Skylar knelt without warning, her voice trembling with a hint of a sob, urgently continuing: “Sister, Julian is a prominent man in the city, with a brilliant future ahead. How can he be without an heir?” Seeing this, Julian immediately rushed to help her up, his face filled with concern: “Skylar, what are you doing? The floor is cold, get up!” But Skylar stubbornly shook her head, her voice resolute: “I won’t get up! Julian, if Sister can’t accept this child, I’ll stay kneeling until she does.” Watching their intimate exchange, my heart felt like it was being pricked by countless needles, a spreading, stinging pain. I looked at Skylar, my tone unyielding, leaving no room for negotiation: “Even if you kneel until you die, I will never accept this!” Julian looked at me in disbelief, his eyes wide with shock, as if the person before him was a stranger he’d never known. Then, anger surged through him, and he loudly demanded: “When did you become so heartless?!” His words stunned me into silence. I never imagined that in Julian’s eyes, I had become such a cruel person. I let out a bitter laugh: “I’m heartless?” Julian took a deep breath, trying to suppress his rage. His gaze fell to my stomach, his voice tinged with helplessness and disappointment: “Elara, you know… I’ve always wanted a child, but after all these years, you…” “Julian, are you so sure this child is even yours?” I cut him off, a cold sneer on my face. At that, Julian froze, and a flicker of guilt crossed Skylar’s eyes. Julian quickly recovered, anger sweeping over him again: “Elara, what do you mean by that?” My expression was cold, my voice terrifyingly calm: “Do you really think that after five years, we have no children because of *me*?” “Isn’t it?” Julian retorted without hesitation. My heart felt like it had been slammed by a heavy hammer. I couldn’t believe Julian actually thought that. I didn’t want a misunderstanding to create more distance between us. So, forcing down my heartache, I spoke in a voice that was cold, but resolute: “Of course not! Your destiny is fragile, you are simply not meant to have children. You are incapable of being a father!” Julian looked as if he’d been frozen in place, standing dumbfounded, muttering: “What did you say?” I pointed at Skylar again, repeating each word slowly and clearly: “I said, the child in her belly… it cannot be yours!” Julian was too stunned to speak, while Skylar, after a moment of panic, quickly composed herself, feigning distress, and whimpered: “Sister! Just because you can’t get pregnant, you can’t accuse me of such a thing! Julian is my only man, and the father of my baby!” I couldn’t help but sneer, looking at Skylar with utter contempt: “Is that so?” Julian took a step forward, admonishing me sharply: “Enough! Elara, Skylar is not like you; she’s pure and innocent, completely guileless. She would never deceive me! I know this is hard for you to accept right now, but you can’t use that as an excuse to defame Skylar!”
I stood there, stunned, unable to believe what I was hearing, murmuring: “*I’m* defaming her?” I thought that by revealing the truth, Julian would see the error of his ways. I never imagined he would turn around and accuse me of lying. Skylar feigned sorrow, rising from the floor with a tearful sniffle: “Julian, I… I truly only have you, my one man…” Julian gently comforted her: “I know, I know!” Skylar continued to sob. “Sister isn’t willing to accept this child. If born, it won’t be wanted, and its future will surely be bleak. If that’s the case, I might as well just die with the baby!” With that, Skylar suddenly spun around, rushing towards the wall, intent on colliding with it. This sudden move startled both Julian and me, leaving us aghast. Fortunately, Julian managed to stop Skylar in time, but then he furiously turned, glaring at me. “Elara! Skylar just wanted to help us have a child, what has she done wrong? Why must you complicate things? What will it take for you to accept Skylar, to accept this child?!” Julian’s voice trembled with rage. Hearing his words, I let out another scoff: “Accept *them*? Hah! Julian, have you forgotten your vows? Have you forgotten when you promised one life, one love, never to part even in old age?” After saying that, I glanced at Skylar, then tears I could no longer control streamed down my face as I glared at Julian. “Yet now, you’re forcing me to accept another woman? Julian, what was our five years together? A joke?!” A flicker of guilt crossed Julian’s eyes, and he was speechless for a moment: “Elara, I…” Skylar, nestled in Julian’s arms, opportunely feigned timidity: “Sister, I never intended to contend with you for Julian. To me, he is like the distant moon, untouchable. I… I’m simply blessed to be able to fulfill Julian’s dream.” Julian echoed her sentiment: “Elara! My promises still stand. My bond with Skylar is pure; she will never shake the foundation of *our* relationship!” “Pure? Pure enough to share a bed?” “Julian, I don’t blame you for falling for someone else, but if it’s for this child, I can only tell you, the child isn’t yours…” Julian furiously cut me off: “Enough! Elara, just because you can’t have children, you’re trying to push the blame on me, aren’t you?” “This child, whether you accept it or not, *will* be born.” He turned and took Skylar’s hand, “Skylar, let’s go!” Julian finished speaking, then pulled Skylar past me and headed towards the second floor of the mansion. I watched Julian’s retreating back with profound disappointment, a subtle ache in my heart: “Julian, are you truly determined to keep this child?” Julian’s ascent up the stairs faltered for a moment, but he didn’t look back, only stating firmly: “Yes!” In that moment, my hope utterly shattered. I nodded, saying: “Fine, then I’ll grant you your wish!” Julian immediately turned around, a relieved expression on his face: “Elara, I knew you’d understand me. Honestly, Skylar will be separated from her child after birth, so she’ll be far more upset than you. It’s wonderful that you’ve come to your senses!” Then, he turned to Skylar with a delighted smile: “Come on, I’ll show you to the room!” As they went upstairs, Skylar feigned a stumble. Julian quickly scooped her up in a princess carry, dotingly saying: “Be careful!” Then, he carried Skylar upstairs. I pulled myself from my memories, gazing at the raven in the cage. After a long moment, I finally let out a self-deprecating laugh. Then I pulled out my phone. After a brief hesitation, I dialed a number. “Grandma, I’m coming back to the village tomorrow…”
After speaking with Grandma Willow, I left the mansion and bought a few essentials for the journey. When I returned, I heard Skylar’s smug voice. “Careful, careful! These are precious things; if you break them, can you afford to replace them?” My brows furrowed, and I walked towards the second floor, filled with unease. Upstairs, in the master bedroom, Skylar stood in the center of the room, directing four of the Harrington servants like she owned the place. Her hand waved wildly in the air as she loudly instructed: “That one, that one, and that one… move all of them out; be careful, don’t break Sister’s things!” The four servants quickly nodded and began moving items out of the master bedroom. Skylar took advantage of the commotion to survey the room. Her gaze finally landed on the wardrobe. She turned to peek at the busy servants, then, when no one was looking, quietly opened the closet. She pulled a small yarn doll from her pocket and swiftly tucked it among the clothes inside the wardrobe. Just as she was about to close the closet, she looked up and saw the raven, covered by a black cloth, on the top shelf. Skylar couldn’t help but voice her confusion: “What is this?” Curiosity compelled her to reach out and pull the cage down. Just as she was about to lift the black cloth, I arrived. “Don’t touch it!” I yelled sharply. Instantly, everyone froze, turning to look at me in confusion. I rushed into the master bedroom, quickly snatching the cage from Skylar’s hands. Skylar was startled and stumbled back a few steps. Holding the cage, I let out a sigh of relief. Then, I turned to scan the bewildered faces, demanding: “What are you all doing?” The servants’ gazes unanimously shifted to Skylar. Skylar’s eyes fell upon the cage in my hands, a meaningful glint in them. She then lifted her head, flashed a sweet smile, and, touching her belly, said: “Sister, the Tarot Master said the child I’m carrying will bring good fortune. If I can live in a room facing east to carry the baby, my luck will surely grow, and I’ll give birth to a truly distinguished child.” I had no patience for her ridiculous claims, so I coldly asked: “And so?” “So I want Skylar to stay in the master bedroom for now.” Julian’s voice came from the doorway. He entered the room, carrying a fruit platter. As soon as Skylar saw Julian, she rushed to him, sweetly calling out: “Julian.” I looked at Julian in disbelief, asking: “Julian, what did you say?” Julian handed the fruit platter to Skylar, gently saying: “Skylar, these are the grapes you wanted; I’ve washed them for you!” Only then did he look up at me, offering a perfunctory consolation: “Elara, I’m doing this for the sake of the child. I’m sure you understand. For now, it will be a slight inconvenience for you to stay in the guest room!” I couldn’t believe these words came from the husband with whom my life was intertwined. Skylar, seeing this, seemed emboldened and immediately ordered the servants: “Julian has spoken, what are you waiting for? Hurry and move Sister’s things out!” The servants, hearing this, prepared to move my belongings again. I snarled: “Anyone who dares to touch anything in my room will be thrown out of the Harrington mansion immediately!” The servants instantly froze, hesitant and torn. Skylar, feigning fear, retreated a few steps. Julian frowned, about to admonish me: “Elara…” My gaze swept sharply between Julian and Skylar, cutting off Julian’s words as I slowly advanced on them: “I don’t care where you choose to stay, and I’m too tired to care. But my room is not for outsiders to trespass in. Get out!” Skylar flinched, a wave of fear washing over her as she saw my cold expression and unwavering approach.
She retreated in terror, hiding behind Julian. Feigning a pitiful expression, she whined: “Julian…” “Elara!” Julian’s brow furrowed, his voice containing an implicit warning. Skylar bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes: “Sister, I… I know I don’t have the right to stay in your bedroom, but… this was Master Crowley’s suggestion…” I cast a cold glance at her belly. Just then, aided by my magic, I saw a swirl of dark mist surrounding Skylar’s womb. I let out a sneer, my voice dripping with sarcasm: “Did that ‘Master’ not tell you that your fetus is a child of the damned, destined to die upon birth?” Skylar’s eyes widened, and her voice trembled as she asked: “You… what did you say?” Seeing Skylar’s expression, it was clear she hadn’t known. I spoke each word distinctly: “I said, this child… you are destined not to carry it to term!” Julian angrily stepped forward, shouting: “Elara!” Skylar immediately feigned terror, shrinking into Julian’s arms, crying pitifully: “Julian, I’m so scared… Sister said… said my baby won’t make it! Boo hoo hoo, I heard Sister is a witch; she must be able to see things; even if she can’t, what if she does something to our baby…” Julian hastily shielded Skylar in his arms, reassuring her gently: “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid, I’m here. She wouldn’t dare!” He turned to me, reproaching me with displeasure: “Enough! Elara, the child is innocent. If you have any grievances, take them out on me, why bully Skylar?!” I looked at Julian and Skylar, my eyes filled with bitter disappointment and pain: “Julian, after all these years, is this truly how you see me?” Julian flinched, a flicker of guilt in his eyes. He slowly began: “Elara, I…” He nervously glanced at the hushed servants, but continued anyway: “Elara, for the sake of the child, please move to the guest room for a while. I promise, after Skylar gives birth, the master bedroom will be yours again!” A sharp pain shot through my heart. I asked, utterly disappointed: “Julian, you… are you really making me give up my room for Skylar?” Julian’s eyes were filled with helplessness, a hint of pleading in his tone: “Elara, it’s all for the child… can you please be understanding?” My disappointment was complete. I stared blankly at Julian, who looked back at me expectantly. I forced a bitter smile and nodded. “Fine, I agree!” A joyful expression spread across Julian’s face. “Elara, I knew you’d think of the bigger picture.” He reached out to take my hand, continuing: “I’ve booked a French restaurant; I’ll take you out for a nice dinner later…” I subtly dodged Julian’s hand, refusing: “No need! I still have things to pack.” Julian glanced at the master bedroom. “Okay, then you go pack first…” He then turned and put his arm around Skylar: “Skylar, I’ll take you to dinner…” “Thank you, Julian…” Skylar said sweetly. As Skylar followed Julian out of the master bedroom, she suddenly looked back into the room. Seeing me about to pack my things, a faint, smug smile played on her lips. Finally, her gaze lingered meaningfully on the cage. Skylar then withdrew her gaze, a sinister smirk on her face, and followed Julian out.
I sighed softly, looking at the messy, displaced items. I lowered my head and opened the cage I held. The raven, radiating golden light, immediately caught my eye. Watching the raven, my heart was heavy with mixed emotions. Just one more day, and it would be complete. But alas, that man was unworthy. The next day, Skylar led Master Crowley into the mansion. Master Crowley was dressed in a Tarot Master’s costume, complete with a fake white beard. From his appearance, he looked like a man in his fifties or sixties. In reality, he was merely a young man in his thirties, playing a part. Julian, seeing Master Crowley in the mansion, wore a puzzled expression. “Julian, this is the Tarot Master I told you about!” Skylar introduced him, her face beaming with joy. Julian asked in surprise: “The one who said you’re carrying a distinguished child?” Skylar nodded, then, placing a hand on her belly, a distressed look appeared on her face: “But yesterday, Sister said… said my baby was a child of the damned, destined to die upon birth… that this child… wouldn’t make it… Julian, I’m so unsettled, so I invited the Tarot Master to take another look!” “Who speaks such nonsense?” Master Crowley’s gaze swept over Skylar’s belly. “This child of yours is a blessing from the Blessed Mother; it is truly distinguished. Once born, it will surely bring you wealth and prosperity, even elevate you to a prominent position. Just await your good fortune!” Julian’s face lit up with joy: “You mean it?” Master Crowley stroked his fake beard, feigning solemnity: “I’ve been practicing divination since childhood, and I’ve never been wrong.” “Thank you for your auspicious words, Master. On the day my son is born, I will surely invite you to celebrate!” Julian said happily. “Then I shall…” Master Crowley’s words trailed off as his gaze unintentionally swept across the mansion. He suddenly paused. In an instant, Master Crowley’s brows furrowed, his expression turning grave, and he mumbled to himself: “No, no… this isn’t right!” Julian and Skylar looked at Master Crowley in confusion. “Master, what’s wrong?” Skylar asked, feigning urgency. Master Crowley stared intently at the mansion, his brows still tightly furrowed, and said with a puzzled expression: “By all accounts, such a distinguished child should possess abundant good fortune. Yet, why is this mansion permeated with a dark aura, like a place of ill omen?” His voice was like a devil’s whisper, luring greedy hearts deeper into his trap. At his words, Julian was shocked. Skylar’s legs went weak, and she leaned against Julian. “Dark aura? Ill omen?! Master, what on earth is going on?” Julian supported Skylar, his voice tinged with panic. “Do not fret, let me divine it!” Master Crowley said, pulling out a deck of Tarot cards from his robes. He chanted under his breath to the cards: “Please grant me a clear sign!” After finishing his incantation, he drew three Tarot cards. All were ill omens. Master Crowley immediately cast a sharp gaze towards the second floor and loudly declared: “Found it! It appears someone is nurturing a dark entity, a creature from the underworld, to devour the child’s fortune and endanger lives!” Julian and Skylar looked at the master bedroom on the second floor in shock, exclaiming in unison: “What?!” At that moment, I, dressed in my witch’s robes, had neatly packed my belongings in the room and closed my suitcase. I then rose, picked up the cage from the table, and was about to leave. Just then, the door was violently kicked open from the outside with a loud bang.
Master Crowley burst in first, followed closely by Skylar and Julian. I looked up in surprise, a flicker of confusion in my eyes, and asked: “What do you want?” Master Crowley ignored my question, his gaze fixed on his Tarot cards. Finally, he looked directly at the cage in my hands. “Mr. Harrington, the demon is right here!” Master Crowley looked up, pointed a finger directly at me, and said to Julian. I froze for a moment, then my face darkened: “Demon? What demon?” Skylar feigned an expression of utter shock, covering her mouth, and insinuatingly said: “Master means… the demon is… is Sister?” Julian’s face was etched with shock, as if he couldn’t believe his wife of many years would try to harm his child. Master Crowley said nothing. He lowered his hand, then lifted his leg, intent on approaching me to snatch the cage from my hands. I instantly reacted, taking a step back. After dodging Master Crowley’s move, I asked coldly: “Old man, what do you think you’re doing?” Master Crowley, having missed, said with a somber face: “Raising a demon, devouring a child’s noble destiny, endangering lives… I never thought a young woman like you could be so vicious at such a tender age!” I frowned, refuting him sharply: “What nonsense are you spouting?” Skylar, seeing this, instantly panicked. Feigning fear, she collapsed against Julian. “Julian, I’m so scared…” Julian instinctively embraced Skylar, then looked at me. He then asked Master Crowley: “Master, what exactly is going on?” Master Crowley turned to look at Julian, explaining: “Someone is deliberately cultivating a demon, practicing dark arts, specifically to secretly harm pregnant women and their unborn children.” “Dark arts?” Julian was utterly shocked, looking at the cage in my hands in disbelief: “How could this be…” Master Crowley continued: “I have divined your son’s fate; the signs show he has an extraordinary destiny, a reincarnation of a great figure, noble beyond measure.” He cast a sharp glance at me: “Someone must have foreseen the child’s destiny and deliberately nurtured a demon to siphon away its fortune and steal its nobility.” Skylar gripped Julian’s clothes, feigning extreme surprise: “Siphoning… fortune…” Master Crowley nodded, looking at the cage in my arms, and continued: “Once the fortune is consumed by these dark arts, both the pregnant woman and the fetus will perish immediately. At that point, the practitioner of these dark arts will not only gain extraordinary fortune but also extend their lifespan and preserve their youth!” “Sister, you… how could you…” Skylar looked at me, feigning terror, while simultaneously stroking her belly: “The child is innocent…” I was first dumbfounded, then rage surged through me: “Utter lies! Everyone knows I am a witch; what’s so strange about me practicing ancient magic?” Master Crowley scoffed: “A witch practicing ancient magic is one thing, but you’re raising a demon to harm others! That’s unforgivable!” I retorted furiously: “You say I’m raising a demon, so I am? You charlatan, who are you to pretend to be anything but a fraud in front of me!” Skylar immediately feigned timidity, interjecting: “But… Sister, why did you say before that the child in my belly was destined not to make it?” Julian looked at me, shaking his head repeatedly: “No, it can’t be. I don’t believe… I don’t believe Elara would really do such a thing…” “If Mr. Harrington doesn’t believe me, this old man has proof!”
Master Crowley’s gaze swept across the master bedroom. “Generally, when raising a demon to harm someone, there must also be an item or hair from the victim near where the demon resides…” He looked at me: “Young lady, if you won’t admit it, do you dare let us search?” Julian glanced at the master bedroom, then looked at me, a troubled expression on his face: “Elara…” I scoffed, full of disdain: “While I’ve done nothing wrong and fear no investigation! You, however, are nothing but a charlatan. My room is not for you to search as you please!” Master Crowley sneered. “If you’ve done nothing wrong, what do you have to fear from a search?” He then made a sweeping motion in the air, then dramatically pointed a finger at the wardrobe: “Mr. Harrington, the demon… it’s in that closet!” Julian was startled by his words. He immediately strode towards the closet, intent on searching it. I stepped forward, asking through gritted teeth: “Julian, after five years of our bond, are you really going to search my room just because an outsider tells two lies?” Julian paused, seemingly realizing his actions were a bit extreme. He quickly recovered, trying to persuade me: “Elara, if you have nothing to hide, what’s the harm in a quick search?” His voice was gentle, yet it couldn’t hide the suspicion in his heart. As Julian spoke, without waiting for my reply, he suddenly pushed me aside. He violently yanked open the wardrobe. A yarn doll, clearly meant to represent a pregnant woman, tumbled out onto the floor. A sticky note was affixed to the doll, bearing Skylar’s birthday. Julian stared at the scene before him in utter disbelief. His hand trembled as he picked up the doll, then he turned, furiously demanding: “What is this?!” I looked up, seeing the yarn doll in Julian’s hand, utterly shocked. “That… that’s not mine…” Skylar quickly rushed forward, eyes wide, and shrieked, cutting me off: “My birthday! H-how could it be on there?!” Master Crowley took two steps forward, meticulously examining the doll, his face instantly turning to one of horror. “A voodoo doll!” “What’s a voodoo doll?” Julian asked, bewildered. “A voodoo doll is a malevolent curse, a dark art. By attaching the intended victim’s birthday to it and performing the appropriate ritual, one can inflict harm upon them.” Master Crowley said, his eyes wide with fury, pointing a finger at me: “You sorceress, not only do you use dark arts to harm others, but you’ve also created a voodoo doll! You… you intend to murder them!” I was shaking with rage: “What nonsense are you spouting? That’s not mine at all…” Before I could finish, I suddenly froze. A flash of realization struck me. I nodded in understanding, then let out a cold laugh: “So, it wasn’t about the baby needing the master bedroom at all, was it? You always intended to frame me? You… you set me up?” As I spoke, I slowly advanced towards Skylar. Skylar shrieked in terror, immediately hiding in Julian’s arms: “Ah! Julian!” Julian pulled Skylar into his embrace, roaring: “What do you think you’re doing?!” Skylar, trembling in Julian’s arms, tears welling in her eyes: “Sister, you… how could you frame me? You were the one who said my baby wouldn’t make it…” She glanced at the birthday written on the voodoo doll. Then, tears streamed down her face as she pitifully said: “Isn’t it *you* who wants me and my baby dead?” I scoffed: “A truly brilliant setup! Skylar, if I’m not mistaken, this is our first time meeting, isn’t it? I don’t even know your age, so how would I know your birthday?!”
Skylar’s face instantly turned ashen, and she nervously glanced at Master Crowley. Master Crowley immediately sneered: “For others, perhaps it would be difficult, but for a witch like you, knowing someone’s birthday is child’s play, isn’t it?” Skylar quickly nodded in agreement: “Exactly, exactly! That must be it!” Julian’s eyes widened with rage, and he roared at me: “What else do you have to say? After five years of marriage, I’m only now seeing your true colors!” I met Julian’s gaze without fear. “Julian, you don’t believe me, but you’d rather believe the lies of two conniving snakes?” Julian clutched the yarn doll, his eyes bloodshot, and roared: “The evidence is right here! What more do you have to deny?!” I remained utterly undaunted, stating clearly and logically: “If you wish to defame me, nothing I say will matter! Julian, I risked my life to save you, binding our fates together. To be with you, I even gave up my witch status, disappointed my Grandma Willow who raised me, and left the village I grew up in…” “Five years, a full five years of marriage, and now, it means less than the word of two schemers?” Julian was momentarily speechless by my words, his heart filled with conflict and struggle: “Elara, I…” Master Crowley, seeing Julian waver, suddenly pointed at me and bellowed: “Pah! Caught red-handed, and still you refuse to confess, you won’t give up until you see your own coffin! Fine, today I’ll make sure you understand your defeat! If you won’t admit it, do you dare reveal what you’re holding, and let everyone see?” I tightly hugged the cage, speaking with disdain: “Who do you think you are, to demand to see my familiar?” “If you have nothing to hide, why are you afraid to show it to everyone? Do you dare deny that what you hold is a dark creature like a raven? If my guess is correct, that thing must be emanating a dark, sinister aura!” I coldly confronted Master Crowley: “Witches often keep ravens as familiars! What ‘dark aura’ or ‘evil presence’? It’s utterly baseless!” Julian slowly advanced on me, his eyes bloodshot as he reached for the cage in my hands, saying through gritted teeth: “Give me the cage!” “Julian, this cage is linked to both our lives. How can I give it to an outsider to see?” “I won’t say it a second time. Give it to me!” “If you don’t want to die, I advise you not to try anything with it!” “Give it to me!” My voice was firm, each word pronounced distinctly: “Im-pos-si-ble!” Julian gritted his teeth, saying: “In that case, don’t blame me for using force!” Julian clapped his hands, and four servants immediately rushed up. I looked at the servants, my brows tightly furrowed. Julian directed the servants: “Seize the object from my wife’s hands!” The servants immediately advanced, attempting to wrest the cage from my grasp. I struggled desperately, clutching the life-bound creature, my eyes wide with disbelief, backing away and shouting: “Julian, you…” Julian’s face was grim, and he loudly declared: “Elara, if you truly have a clear conscience, what is there to hide from us?” Julian waved his hand, and the servants scrambled to snatch the creature from my hands. I fought with all my might, but I was outnumbered. Two servants held my arms tightly, and another seized the cage from me. “Give it back to me…” The servant ignored me, directly handing the cage to Julian. Julian took the cage, looked down at the raven inside, and his eyes instantly widened in shock. Inside the cage, the entirely black raven was glowing with golden light.
Julian turned, looking at Master Crowley, and cried out in alarm: “Master…” He wanted Master Crowley to explain. Master Crowley and Skylar both quickly stepped forward to examine it. Skylar, upon seeing the raven, exclaimed in surprise: “This raven… why is it golden…” Master Crowley glanced at Skylar, instantly understanding, and his face turned very grim. He stumbled back a step: “A raven that has fully absorbed fortune usually turns golden. This means… this means… the dark ritual is about to succeed…” Julian was aghast, and hurriedly asked: “Succeed… Master, do you mean…” He didn’t finish his sentence, instead turning to look at Skylar. Skylar immediately clutched her belly, her face filled with terror: “Julian, save… save our baby…” Julian looked helplessly at Master Crowley, wanting him to provide a solution: “Master…” Master Crowley sighed and shook his head, his face grave: “The dark ritual is almost complete, the fortune already stolen. Mr. Harrington, Ms. Skylar’s unborn child… its life is in grave danger…” “No, the child cannot die! Master, you must save my baby!” Julian cried out in panic. Seeing the opportune moment, Master Crowley looked at the cage, his voice laced with temptation, and slowly began: “If you wish to save Ms. Skylar, the only way is to destroy that raven!” Upon hearing this, I fully understood their intentions. I cried out in anger, trying to protect the cage. “You charlatan, shut your mouth!!” “Julian, our lives are bound together! If you destroy that raven, we both will die! Give me back the raven!” Master Crowley, seeing this, roared at me: “Nonsense! What ‘bound lives’? Do you think this is some fantasy story?!” Skylar spoke up at the right moment, her voice trembling with fear: “Julian, quick… quick, kill this raven, save the baby…” “Mr. Harrington, only by destroying the raven can the child’s fortune return to its body, and only then can everything be restored, and mother and child be safe!” I desperately tried to stop him: “Julian, they’re in this together, can’t you see? The raven in your hand is our only chance to live! If the raven lives, we live. If the raven dies…” “Enough!” Julian roared, cutting me off. He then turned to me, his voice low: “No wonder you couldn’t get pregnant these past five years.” Then, raising his voice, he angrily declared: “So you were making voodoo dolls, feeding ravens, doing such heinous things, provoking divine wrath and human resentment! And now, you still want to harm an innocent life!” “Since you are so utterly deluded, then I shall dispense justice and eradicate this evil!” Julian raised the cage high, then hurled it to the ground with all his might. I struggled, letting out a terrified scream: “No…” My voice, filled with fury and despair, echoed in the air. The cage hit the ground with a sharp crack, and the golden-glowing raven fell to Julian’s feet. Julian looked at the still, golden-glowing raven on the ground. Without hesitation, he lifted his foot and stomped down on the creature. Blue blood immediately splattered from the raven’s body. I, horrified, staggered backward. My finger trembled as I pointed at Julian, saying: “Julian, you…” Before I could finish, I suddenly vomited a large mouthful of blue blood, looking at Julian and saying: “You… will… regret… this…” Then I collapsed backward, unconscious. Julian cried out: “Elara!”
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