Chapter 25

Noime walks up to her with the snake wrapped around her hands. Isolde knows she’s in trouble, even if her body isn’t here. Noime could kill her without much effort.

“I need a doctor!” She shouts, finally deciding the truth; well, a half-truth would be better than a lie.

“You’ve been watching my house for two months because you need a doctor? I’m not a doctor; I’m a vet, and since you’re a witch though you lack some skills, you look capable enough to heal yourself.” Isolde arteries tighten; it feels as if something is pulling blood from her body—blood bending? How? Pain rips through her as it continues, but her face is relaxed when she looks at Noime.

“You can tell me the truth, or I’ll bleed you dry. I promise to make it as painful as possible.” She smiles at her, and the pressure in Isolde’s left hand increases. She screams in pain as her blood tries to force itself out of her body.

“Why are you here?” Noime repeats as Isolde writhes in pain.  I