Chapter 42: Nevena

“I know,” I said. “She told me.”

“Help me up, please,” cried Baba Roga behind us. “I can’t use my powers when I’m down on the ground. It drains me.”

But both me and Ivan ignored her, now that she obviously wasn’t a threat.

“She told you that you were the Forbidden Child?”

I thought back. I was still hurting and dazed and confused. But I distinctly remembered Baba Roga using the exact same term: the Forbidden Child.

“Yes, she did.”

Ivan turned towards Baba Roga now. “Get up,” he said and helped her up.

“Ah, thank you, son, thank…”

“Shut up,” Ivan cut her off. “You made an oath to Beregov and that applies to his children and fledglings. It will do you well to remember that oath next time.”

Baba Roga suddenly looked very comical. Like a naughty child caught in mischief and scolded by their parents. I suppressed a laughter.

“Now, tell me, how do you know she’s the Forbidden Child. And don’t even try to lie to us.”