Feeding the Immortal Witch

Chapter 1

The night was still, but the biting cold of the forest made it feel uneasy, a mixture of excitement and fear. Rick, dressed in ragged clothes ill-suited for the chill, had ventured too far, driven by boredom and a craving for an adrenaline rush. He hadn’t found much just trees and the rustling of hidden animals. But something caught his eye: a strange rock formation that seemed out of place.

A green light, vibrant and pulsing, appeared to emanate from the center of the formation. Rick moved closer, his feet sinking into the soft earth. His heart raced as he spotted a woman standing before a huge cauldron, surrounded by an aura of mystery.

"Hm? Oh... I thought the woods were deserted tonight. What a shame."

Her voice was flat, almost lifeless, like the distant beat of a drum. Her face was an unyielding mask, her eyes betraying no emotion. When she turned toward him, Rick noticed how tall she was, with an almost unreal presence. Her long, wavy white hair cascaded over her shoulders, while her mismatched eyes one pink, the other blue looked at him with cold curiosity. A black cat, with a sly expression, perched on her shoulder, its tail swaying lazily.

"Ah... A boy, huh? I've always wanted a pet..."

Her smile, faint and devoid of warmth, sent a shiver down his spine.

Rick stared at the woman, the cauldron, and the cat, a mixture of fear and disbelief washing over him. "I’m sorry... I didn’t mean to disturb you," he said, taking a step back, ready to retreat into the darkness. But her voice stopped him.

"Wait. Come here, boy."

Her tone was calm, yet authoritative, as if those words left him no choice.

Rick hesitated, scratching his neck nervously. "I’m really sorry, ma’am... I was just exploring, I didn’t mean to get in your way." He took another step back.

Evanora tilted her head slightly, her eyes seemingly probing him to his very core. "What’s your name, boy?" she asked, her voice like a cold whisper.

Rick hesitated, then answered, "Rick... Rick, ma’am. And... is there anything I can do for you?"

Evanora smiled faintly, a barely perceptible movement of her lips. "Evanora. Pleasure, Rick." The cat let out a soft meow, almost amused, while continuing to watch him. "You must have come quite a long way to be here..."

Rick nodded weakly. "Yes, ma’am... The wolves chased me, and I lost my food and water. I’m starving..." His stomach growled loudly, cutting him off.

The witch seemed amused by his admission, though her face remained mostly expressionless. "Oh... Really? How interesting..." She turned toward the cauldron, stirring with fluid, precise motions. "You look quite malnourished. Would you like some stew?"

Rick's eyes lit up. "Yes, please, ma’am! That would be amazing."

Evanora nodded, already lost in thought. "What a pathetic creature..." she mused, her gaze studying him sideways as she prepared the food. Her hands moved with an almost hypnotic grace, adding herbs and spices while a faint steam rose from the cauldron. Every now and then, she shot quick glances at Rick, like a predator watching its prey.

"So frail... Maybe there’s still hope to... shape something interesting."

Oblivious to the silent scrutiny, Rick approached the fire, rubbing his hands to warm up. The heat was a blessing, as was the smell of the stew that filled the air.

"It’s ready," Evanora announced, handing him a bowl. Her smile was subtle, but the look in her eyes revealed nothing. The cat, still on her shoulder, stared at Rick with unsettling curiosity.

"Thank you, ma’am," Rick replied, bringing the spoon to his lips. The taste was incredible, so rich and intense it almost took his breath away. He didn’t notice that Evanora was watching him closely, taking a small portion herself, more out of formality than hunger.

Suddenly, the cat leapt from her shoulder, circling around Rick. Its tail swayed lazily, but a faint blue glow seemed to follow its movements.

"How strange..." Rick thought, but the thought vanished as a sudden and violent hunger gripped him. It wasn’t just hunger for food; it was a darker, more primal desire that made him stiffen. His body began to respond in ways that confused and embarrassed him.

Evanora didn’t flinch. "Seems like you’re still hungry..." she said with a touch of sarcasm, filling another bowl.

Rick had no choice but to accept, driven by a need he didn’t fully understand. As he ate, Evanora’s smile widened ever so slightly, barely perceptible.