Changeling Witch

A Bit Of Hope

"'The Boiling Isles,'" King read aloud, flipping through the massive history book. "'Born from the flesh and bones of a fallen Titan, this original magic was so potent, all life on the Isles evolved to wield magic, too. For years, we explored these powers freely, until..."

He turned the page. "'A mysterious witch appeared who claimed that he, and he alone, could speak to the island. He said that we were using magic all wrong. His teachings took hold, his strength grew, and he became Emperor Belos. Belos said that mixing magic was wrong, that only he had that right. So he created the coven system, and there our knowledge was restricted, our potential sealed away. Those who resist are called wild witches, and they face harsh punishment. Emperor Belos has since retreated to his castle---and there are whispers that say he's planning something big.'"

King looked up. "Maybe catching Eda was part of his big plan! What do you think, Hunter?"

Hunter didn't respond.

He looked down at the little note on top of the gold-and-black cape in his lap, willing himself to not have a breakdown right then and there.

To a young witch from his proud mentor! ---Eda

"I don't care what Belos is up to," he finally said, standing up and putting the cape on. "Because today? I'm saving Eda."

He ran downstairs and threw open the door to Eda's old weapons closet, starting to look for ones he could use.

"Hunter!" King shrieked, running down after him. "What are you doing?"

"Eda used her powers to save me, and she got caught by Lilith, and she's the Owl Beast, and now she's being taken before the Emperor," Hunter reminded him, discarding a too-heavy axe. "I don't know what he's planning on doing with her, but I'm going to rescue her."

"Weren't you listening? He's the Emperor! He's the most powerful witch alive!"

Hunter kneeled down in front of him. "King, Eda is in this situation because of me. Because of my stupid choice. I have to make up for it."

"But she's in her Owl Beast form!" King protested. "How will she even recognize you?"

He didn't think about that. "I don't know. But I'm gonna try anyway."

"Well, then..." King gave him a look of determination. "I'm going, too."

"King---" Hunter started.

"Look, me and Eda don't always see eye to eye, but I think of her as family," the little demon told him. "I want her back as much as you do."

Hunter nodded. "All right. Then we've got no time to lose."

...............

In the Emperor's throne room, Owl Beast Eda was throwing a fit.

She'd struggled plenty when Lilith had brought her in, but since Lilith had made the mistake of removing her bonds, she decided that the best thing for her to do was to completely trash the place. And she was only partially succeeding.

"Eda, stop that this instant!" Lilith shouted, running after her. "You're making a scene!"

Owl Beast Eda ripped down one of the tapestries of Belos and started chewing on it.

Letting out a sigh of exasperation, Lilith drew a spell circle and trapped Owl Beast Eda in a bubble. She let out a low growl in response.

"Don't look at me like that. This is for your own good." Lilith tried giving her a smile. "Emperor Belos will heal you, and then we'll be in his coven together---just like we dreamed about when we were girls! Isn't that wonderful?"