#Chapter 401: The Witch’s Gaze

Nina I must have drifted into a light slumber at some point because the sound of persistent knocking on my door pulled me from the haze of dreams. I blinked, disoriented, and glanced at the clock on my nightstand. It was past two o’clock in the afternoon. I hadn’t realized I had been asleep for so long. “Come in,” I called out, my voice still groggy from sleep. The door swung open, and my mother entered the room. “Honey,” my mom said, blocking my view of the hallway behind her, “it’s time for your checkup.” My heart began to race, and I sat up a little further, hurriedly smoothing my tangled hair down with my hands. “Um… Okay,” I murmured, swallowing. “I’m ready.” A moment later, the door was opening a little wider. My mother stepped in, and behind her was a figure of a woman that sent a shiver down my spine. My mother cleared her throat and gestured towards the mysterious visitor. “Nina, this is the witch I told you about, the one who’s been helping your brother w