Just as she came out of the tunnel, she saw various scratch marks on her body and some deep wounds. Blood was still oozing from them. But it did not stop her. She ran through the shadows as the manor behind her collapsed, swallowed by flames and fury.
And when she emerged into the night, into the forest beyond, her dress scorched and her hands trembled yet she smiled.
"Let them think that she had died like her father in there. From today onwards, I am not a clondoire anymore. I am their doom."
In a forest clearing several miles from the village, moonlight barely filtered through the branches.
She stumbled deeper into the woods, toward the only place she knew they wouldn't follow.
The barrier shimmered faintly before parting like mist. She stepped into the hidden grove where the coven lay. They all looked at her warily as she entered the hidden doors. But they still did not stop her from entering. But their eyes were full of hostility.
