CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

Horace stared at me with a mixture of surprise and concern. Even though we haven't been together for a long time, I'm sure he never expected me to say such a thing.

Matteo and the other warriors turned as they stared at me in bewilderment. There was a moment of stunned silence as they tried to process what I had just said.

I looked down at the witch, her eyes were stuck on me.

I wondered how I would explain to them that she was innocent without being asked if I knew her.

The warriors stood, their weapons at the ready, ready to take action. I hesitated, my eyes not leaving the witch. There was something in the witch's eyes—a hint of sadness and fear—that touched a nerve within her.

"I mean, we should hear her out, right?" before taking any action," I suggested, pushing some strands of hair away from my face.

Suddenly Horace held my hand, walking out to the edge as I followed behind him.

"Calm down, talk to me, Nora," Horace said, placing his hand on my hair and caressing it softl