Olivia’s POV
"What’s wrong?" I asked anxiously, my voice trembling. The witch stood over Lennox, her wrinkled hands hovering just above his chest, her eyes glowing faintly with that strange golden light again.
He had moved just moments ago, his fingers twitching, his lips whispering my name. For a heartbeat, I thought he was waking up. But then... nothing. He’d gone completely still again.
Now, watching the witch silently examine him, panic clawed at my chest.
"Why isn’t he moving anymore?" I asked again, louder this time. "He said my name; he spoke! Why would he go still again?"
The witch didn’t answer. Her expression remained unreadable as her fingers traced. I could hear my heart thundering. "Please, talk to me! Is something wrong with him?"
Finally, she exhaled long and tired. "Something is changing," she said quietly.
I blinked. "Changing? What does that mean?"
The witch’s eyes met mine, sharp and serious. "His soul has started to return, but the passage is unstable. The pull between realms isn’t complete yet."
I frowned, stepping closer. "So he’s... stuck?"
"Not stuck," she corrected softly. "Fighting. His spirit is trying to merge with his body again, but there’s resistance." 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮
My heart clenched. "Resistance from what?"
She hesitated, glancing briefly toward the faint glow around Lennox’s chest. "When a soul returns after being disconnected from its bond, it no longer knows which thread to follow. His heart seeks you, but the bond that used to guide him is gone. Without it, he’s wandering between life and something else."
Tears welled in my eyes. "So what do I do? Tell me what to do!"
The witch looked at me long and hard. "You keep doing what you’ve been doing. Your blood is anchoring him."
I turned back to Lennox, brushing my hand gently across his face. His skin was still pale, but beneath my touch, I could feel the faintest warmth beginning to return.
"Come back to me," I whispered. "Please."
Behind me, the witch murmured another spell under her breath, and the air shimmered faintly. "He will wake," she said. "But the question, Olivia..." her voice dropped to a whisper, "...is who he will be when he does."
Her words brought a chill to me, and I frowned. "You sound as if you know what will happen. Why don’t you tell me?"
The witch shook her head. "I have no idea, but all I know is that a price will be paid for the return of his soul. You all should just be ready."
I swallowed hard in panic and stared at Lennox, wondering what would become of him when he wakes up. But one thing I know is that nothing could be worse than his death, so I am willing to risk it all.
Before I could ask more, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hallway. I turned toward the door just as it flew open.
"Lennox!"
It was Sir Damon and Lady Fiona, Lennox’s parents. Their faces were pale, their expressions a mix of panic and exhaustion.
Fiona rushed past everyone straight to the bed, her trembling hands hovering over Lennox’s still body. "My boy..." she whispered, her voice cracking. "What happened to him?"
I swallowed hard, standing back to give her space. "He’s... he’s fighting to come back," I said softly.

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