Note: Thank you to all those who voted previousl, I'm so sorry I had to delete that part due to a glitch and repost it as a new chapter. For some reason pieces of my sentences kept missing and wouldn't show up. Again sorry!

Deep in the dark forest, where creatures howled and spirits roamed, small cottage rested soundly. This lonely cottage wasn't one for ordinary, although it's outside showcased a normal home...on the inside was completely different. Glass cases, wooden shelves, and antique boxes held glowing vials, crystals, and many other assortments. Each item held a special purpose and could only be granted by the witch who owned the cottage, a famous witch who was sought out by many of the nearby town's folk.

When a mortal was in need of quick gold or a sickly sweet potion, they ventured out into the forest. Their hearts filled with fear, they all feared the eery forest but most of all they dreaded the sight of the witch. Many old tales spoke of witches, one's wretched faces and the stench of decay engulfing them like a perfume.

Speaking of fearful mortals, a young golden-headed girl trekked towards the small cottage. She clutched a small pouch in a white-knuckled grip, her body shook as the cold wind caressed her exposed skin. Yet, she held her head high, not allowing her determination to fall.

The young girl's small frame entered the lit cottage and she was greeted by the intense gaze of a woman. Wavy black hair flowed over the woman's shoulders and her reddened lips curled into a smile. A twinkle shone in the woman's golden gaze but behind that twinkle, something lurked deep within.

Resting her palms along the flat surface of the counter, the witch tilted her head curiously."Sweet little Harriet, what brings you to my shop so late at night?" She purred, her voice flowing from her lips sweetly.

Harriet widened her eyes in shock, she was completely marveled by the woman's beauty and her knowledge. She quickly shook her head and narrowed her eyes and dropped the small pouch onto the counter."I wish to purchase a love potion from you, a strong one at that. I believe there is enough coin there for me to retrieve one." She beamed, feeling all too proud of herself.

Picking up the pouch in her hands, the witch dropped the coins onto her countertop and shifted through them with her forefinger. Glancing up at the girl, she tapped Harriet's nose and chuckled."Oh, sweet little girl, I do appreciate the coin but I won't be giving you one drop of a love potion." She said firmly.

Anger filtered through Harriet's small frame and she threw her small hands onto her hips. How dare this witch deny her, she had brought the proper coin and yet she planned on giving her nothing. A million thoughts raced through her mind, she knew there would be no way for her to convince the witch but perhaps she could get revenge

The woman slowly leaned over the counter and tilted her head to the side, her once calm demeanor now switching to annoyance."You won't be able to accept the price little girl, tell me what you'll do when that boy goes mad with love. When he'll do anything to get to you, not to hold you in his arms but just to claim you as a trophy. Do not play with what you don't understand." She hissed, her eyes blazing with the power that stirred within her.

Both women stared at each other with hard gazes, when the door to the cottage suddenly slammed shut, poor Harriet to jumped in fright. She glanced at the Witch once more before backing away from the counter and heading towards the door, it was obvious the With wasn't going to budge and she didn't want to get herself cursed. She shifted passed the beautiful stranger who had entered the home and as she walked out she wondered what it was he would need from the Witch.

Standing inside the small home stood a man, a cloak rested around his shoulders and a playful smile tugged at his lips."Elanor, my it sure has been a long time hasn't it?, It's good to see your still looking beautiful as always, how have you been?"

Elanor looked at the man with her cat-eyed gaze and smirked."Lorik, what are you doing wandering around these parts so late at night?, I certainly know you're not here for some kind of friendly gathering." She teased.

Nodding his head in agreement, he let out a low chuckle."You always could read me like a book Elanor, well since there's no reason to bore you with my chatting I'll just get right to it. My wife is pregnant with my heir, word around is that you're also with child, a girl to be precise." He said with a small grin.

Elanor walked around from behind the counter and rested her hands on her growing belly, she smiled lovingly as she felt a small kick against her hand. Turning her attention back to her old friend she tilted her head in curiosity."What does my child have anything to do with this visit Lorik?" She questioned, suspicion evident in her voice.

Lorik glanced down at her belly before resting his gaze on her face."This is my only heir were talking about, with all my enemies placing bounties on my head I could die tomorrow. I know for a fact your daughter will be powerful but I also know she will be in danger. I know who her father is and if his leader found out...well we both don't want that to happen. She could be my future son's bride and his protected." He chirped.

Elanor's eyes slightly narrowed, her arms wrapped protectively around her stomach and she watched Lorik like a hawk. She knew her daughter would be born different, the poor girl would always have a target on her back but was this the right decision.

Extending her shaky hand towards Lorik and shut her eyes when she felt his strong grip on hers, a sudden wave of guilt flooded within her. She had just bound her unborn daughter to a lifetime agreement.