77 " John"

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""They hunted most of them because of Alice," Luke said, his voice heavy with sorrow. "She betrayed them. Once, she was a trusted ally, someone they all believed in. But she deceived them, gathering the witches in one place, and then they were killed. The scenes were horrific."

I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. "How many pure witches are left?" I asked, urgency creeping into my tone.

"We don't know," Luke replied, shaking his head. "But we do know the king has ordered the deaths of their children and grandchildren. According to him, even half-bloods can't be allowed to live."

"This is abnormal. This isn't only because of Elenore, right?" I asked, searching their faces for clarity.