CHAPTER 159

Lily’s POV

I ducked into a nearby store, pulling Raymond and Fiona along with me. My heart pounded as I glanced around the market, scanning for any sign of Leila. The bustling crowd provided some cover, but I couldn't shake the feeling that she was close by.

"Mother, what's wrong?" Raymond asked, his voice tinged with worry.

"The witch is in the market," I whispered urgently. "We need to be careful and head back now."

They both opened their mouths to protest, but their words died on their lips as they spotted Leila dismounting her horse with Smithson and another mean-looking lady. Fear flickered in their eyes, and I could see their initial defiance dissolve into thin air.

"Can we go back now?" Fiona asked, her voice trembling.

“Yes,” I replied, trying to put on some courage, but I did not actually know how we would leave.

We made our way through the store in search of any exit, but none was taking us away from her, we seemed to be dancing right into her hands. We hurried towards a doo