CHAPTER 219: CHAPTER 219 WEREWOLVES’ OR WITCHES’ REALM? (BONUS)

I blinked against the soft morning rays filtering in from a crack above. Knowing it was dawn brought a soft peace in my heart.

My head ached, and for a second, I stayed still, hoping the heaviness pressing down on my chest would fade.

But it didn’t. Instead, all I could think about was the dream. Or whatever that nightmare was.

That forest. Those chains. The way the wolf looked at me was like I had done something unforgivable. Its eyes... I could still see them when I closed mine. They were purple and full of rage. And then there was that voice..."You betray us."

A shiver ran through me.

I pulled the thin blanket tighter around my shoulders, letting out a shaky breath. It didn’t make sense. Why was I dreaming about that again? And more importantly... Why did I find golden dust where I was lying?

It was the same in the fae realm. And it only happened when Golden was with me. ’Does that mean Golden was the one inducing the dream?’

I shook my head. ’It is just a butterfly, there is no way it could do that... Maybe Golden slept close to me, that was why there was golden dust left there... that must be it.’

I glanced at the spot where I had woken up. There was nothing there now, not even a speck. But I remembered it clearly, it was there... Where did it go?

A frown formed between my brows.

’Where is Golden?’

I turned my head quickly, scanning the cave. But there was no trace of Golden.

’Where did it go?’

Before I could gather my thoughts, footsteps approached me.

I turned just as Rhydian stepped into view. His hair was messy, but his eyes were sharp as always. He crouched near me and handed me a piece of bread.

"Morning," he said gently.

"Morning," I murmured, taking it from him.

His gaze lingered. "How are you feeling?"

I hesitated. Then forced a small nod. "Better."

He didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t press it either.

"We’ll be leaving the cave soon," he added, sitting back on his heels.

My grip on the bread tightened slightly. "Where are we going?"

"To the lower plain," he said. "The witches’ realm."

I blinked. "What?"

Before he could say more, Damon, who had been silent by the wall, rose to his feet. His jaw was clenched as he walked over.

"To the witches’ realm?" he repeated, his voice flat but sharp.

Alaric and Mr. Four Eye looked up too, both frowning. The peaceful quiet from earlier disappeared in seconds.

Rhydian stood up slowly, facing Damon without flinching. "Yes."

Damon narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

Rhydian’s tone stayed even. "It’s the safest route for now. We need to pass through it eventually. It’s better if we get it over with."

"That’s a lie," Damon said coldly. "The werewolf realm is closer. And safer."

"I can’t teleport us there," Rhydian replied, folding his arms. "The fae would be able to track us if we use a direct portal. We have to go on foot, so we won’t be detected by them. I know it makes us vulnerable but it is the best option we have."

"You are wrong," Damon said. "The witches’ realm is a trap waiting to happen. You know that, they hate Fae as much as they hate the werewolves."

Rhydian’s expression didn’t change. "We’ll draw less attention this way. The witches aren’t interested in fae politics. The werewolves, however, will immediately ask questions."

Damon scoffed. "So what? You’d rather we deal with witches who can curse us, drain us, or bind us to contracts...or use us as an ingredient in their concoction?"

Alaric cleared his throat. "I’m with Damon on this. Witches aren’t exactly known for hospitality... it will be difficult to go through their realm without getting caught by them."

Mr. Four Eyes pushed his glasses up. "He’s got a point. They don’t forget their grudges either. They hate the fae for fighting against them, making them lose the battle with the werewolves."

Rhydian shrugged. "It’s not ideal. But it’s necessary. We’ll only be passing through."

Damon took a step closer, his gaze darkened. "Why are you so desperate to take her there?"

Rhydian raised an eyebrow. "And why are you so desperate to take her to the werewolf realm?"

The tension crackled between them.

I stayed quiet, my eyes darting between both of them. My stomach twisted uncomfortably. This wasn’t about what was safest anymore. It was about something else.

Control.

Damon’s voice dropped, barely above a whisper. "Because the werewolf realm is the one place she’ll be protected."

"Or killed?" Rhydian shot back.

Damon’s gaze darkened dangerously.

Alaric stepped between them. "Enough," he said. "Arguing won’t help her."

Mr. Four Eyes nodded. "She’s not a package to be passed around. Let her speak."

They all looked at me.

I swallowed hard, my hands tightening around the bread. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t trust either option. The witches’ realm scared me, and the werewolf realm... scared me differently... if not more.

So I looked down at the bread and whispered, "I just want to get somewhere safe."

Rhydian’s expression softened. "I’ll keep you safe. I promise.

Damon didn’t say anything, but his eyes never left mine.

I looked away.

Because in that moment, I wasn’t sure who I trusted more.

Or if I trusted either of them at all.

"So what will it be? The werewolves or the witches’ realm?" Damon’s hoarse voice echoed through the room with overbearing authority. His eyes narrowed at me... almost like he wouldn’t forgive me if I chose the witches’ realm.

But then, I remembered that Golden had once mentioned that its home is in the Witches’ realm.

’If I go to the werewolf’s realm now, I won’t be able to take Golden home, there is nothing wrong with taking a detour.’

I opened my mouth, but no words came out at first. I looked at him. Then at Rhydian. Then at the fire.