"What is your relationship with that witch?"
Nolan and Malverna froze at the sudden question, clearly surprised. They exchanged glances before turning to face the speaker.
It was a middle-aged woman, around fifty, her face marked with faint wrinkles.
Short in stature, her sharp gaze bore into the two of them.
Nolan set aside his surprise and replied, "I don't know why you're calling her a witch, but she's the one I'm looking for. Can you tell me where she lives?"
"Humph!" The woman let out a cold snort. "Don't ever mention that witch again. We won't tell you where she lives. Leave now, or you'll regret coming here."
Her voice dripped with hatred and threat, making Malverna uneasy.
Just as Malverna was about to step forward, Nolan quickly stopped her.
"Alright, I understand. Sorry for troubling you," he said politely, turning to leave.
As their figures slowly faded from view, the woman and the other villagers simply shook their heads and returned to their conversation.
***
