LThe heavy door creaked open, revealing a tall, middle-aged witch with tired, proud features. Her hair was silver white, tied loosely at the back, and her deep blue eyes still carried the arrogance of someone used to being obeyed. But the faint wrinkles on her face told another story—years of bitterness and envy carved into her skin.
When she saw who stood at her doorstep, her expression froze, then twisted into disbelief. Her sharp eyes landed on Adrian first, and her voice broke through the morning air like a whip.
"YOU!" she shouted, her hand tightening around the doorframe. "What are you doing here? Didn't I tell you never to leave Ruby's side?"
Her tone was filled with outrage, but beneath it was a flicker of fear—one she tried to hide behind authority.
Adrian's face stayed cold. He didn't move or blink. "You still talk like you have a right to order me around," he said, his voice calm, but the chill in it made the air heavier.
