#CHAPTER 27: The One

FELIX As our Great Witch, Esmeralda, entered the room, the magic in the air shifted, as if bowing to her presence. Esmeralda carried a great, deep, ancient magic in her bones, the sort of power that could make kingdoms fall with a single snap of her fingers. She always wore her red velvet witch’s robes, even when it was summer–and Fresonia could get quite hot during those months. Despite her overwhelming persona, she was kind. She had always looked after me while I was a kid, and still to this day was not above slipping pieces of candy into the pockets of my suits. Through our emotional connection, I could feel Mila’s intimidation at Esmeralda’s entrance. Mila might not have had magic of her own, but due to our bond, I knew that she could sense the power around the witch, even if she did not know what it was. Esmeralda practically floated across the floor to greet Mila, kissing her on the cheek and taking both of her hands. “You must be Mila,” she said grandly. “It is such