Chapter 18: Luna's Alliance
The forest was quiet, save for the rustle of leaves as the wind whispered through the branches. Luna sat alone near the edge of the woods, her gaze fixed on the distant village path. Her chest still burned with frustration and resentment, watching Mia, Mike, Jaro, and Lina succeed at every turn despite the subtle obstacles she had planted.
They think they can walk the world untouched… they think their laughter and friendship make them safe… Luna's hands clenched into fists. They don't see me. They can't see the shadow that follows.
She had tested them, delayed them, and whispered doubts into their path. Yet despite her efforts, the Farmer Warriors persevered. And deep down, Luna realized she needed more than cunning and stealth alone.
The Witch's Observation...
Far above the treetops, the Witch watched Luna. She had sensed the girl's bitterness long ago, but now it had solidified into a dangerous, potent force. Luna's hatred was no longer aimless; it had direction, strategy, and ambition.
This child… she has fire, the Witch murmured. Anger, cunning, and patience. Perfect tools. I will guide her… and together, she will become my instrument.
The Witch descended, moving unseen through the forest, her presence ethereal but undeniable. Luna shivered as she sensed it not fear, but recognition.
"You feel it, don't you?" the Witch's voice flowed like silk, carrying authority and temptation.
Luna looked around, eyes wide. "Who… who's there?" she whispered.
"I am here because you are ready," the Witch replied. "I have seen your heart, your anger, your frustration. You have watched them succeed while you were left behind. You feel it, don't you? The injustice of it?"
Luna's lips trembled. "Yes… yes! They… they don't see me… they don't care… but I… I will make them see!"
The Offer...
The Witch stepped fully into view, her presence both mesmerizing and terrifying. "You are clever, patient, and strong… but cleverness alone will not be enough. Power… true power… comes when you align with someone who understands the shadows."
Luna's heart raced. "You… you mean you can help me?"
The Witch smiled, sharp and knowing. "I can guide you, teach you, shape your fire into a weapon. You can make them struggle, make them doubt, and one day… you will surpass them. But only if you follow me."
Luna swallowed hard, excitement coursing through her veins. Yes… yes, I will follow. I will no longer be the one left behind.
The Pact Begins....
"Stand," the Witch said, extending a hand. "I will not force you. You must choose this path yourself."
Luna rose, chest pounding. She looked at her own hands, imagining the power she could wield, the revenge she could take, and the world she could shape.
"I… I choose," Luna said, her voice trembling but resolute. "I will follow you. I will learn… and I will make them see me."
The Witch's smile widened. "Good. Patience, cunning, and hatred these will be your tools. And when the time comes, the Farmer Warriors will learn that even the brightest light casts a shadow."
A soft wind blew, rustling Luna's hair and carrying the Witch's words deep into her mind. You are ready. The world will bend to those who walk in shadows… and you, my little shadow, will be my greatest instrument.
A Shadow Born...
That night, Luna lay under the stars, her mind ablaze. The events of the day, her schemes, the near-misses, and the Farmer Warriors' perseverance all seemed smaller now. She had a purpose greater than simple sabotage: she had a teacher, an ally, and a path to power.
I am no longer just a shadow behind them, she whispered to herself. I am becoming something they cannot ignore… something unstoppable.
The Witch watched silently from the darkness, a faint smile on her lips. Luna's journey had officially begun, and the Farmer Warriors had no idea the dark alliance forming in the shadows, shaping the challenges they would face on the path to the Kingdom of Kings