Chapter 54: Oak of Darkness

The dim corridors of the witches' lair stretched endlessly, bathed in the soft glow of enchanted torches. The stone walls pulsed faintly with magic, carrying whispers of secrets older than time.

Deep within one of the chambers, three figures sat in a loose circle—Liora, Sylvra, and Kaida.

The three witches sat on plush cushions arranged in a crescent formation, a faint trace of incense curling through the air. Their conversation had started light, almost casual.

"Do you remember the Blood Moon ritual?" Sylvra mused, tapping her nails idly against her knee. "When we tried to call upon the Devourer's hunger?"

Kaida sighed, swirling a goblet of dark liquid in her hands. "Don't remind me. That was a mess. The blood river boiled, half the sacrifices turned inside out, and we still didn't get the full manifestation."

Liora smirked slightly. "It was still progress. The hunger lingered. Some of those poor fools are still feeling its effects."