Prologue – Black Hat’s Knight

  “Hey, witch! I’m trapped in your trap. Get me down. I’m not afraid of you.”

  A boy grumbled in annoyance as he hung upside down, his leg caught in a rope dangling from a tree branch.

  This was the Forest of Wandering Whispers, one of the most dangerous dark forests, ruled by the Moonlight Witch, Ataria. The witch in question gazed blankly at the boy, her deep, dark eyes reflecting a curious mixture of boredom and exhaustion. She wore a pitch-black dress, and a crooked black witch’s hat crowned her head. Her long hair cascaded like the darkness of the forest—mysteriously tempting yet ominous. A silver moon pendant rested against her chest, and in her right hand, she held a thick staff topped with a silver crescent moon.

  The boy, still swinging from the rope, continued. “The Holy Order was way scarier than you. If you’re here to pick a fight, I’m ready!”

  Ataria sighed inwardly. Another kid… she thought. This was the fifth one this week to trigger her traps. With a slight flick of her slender hand, the rope was cleanly severed, sending the boy tumbling to the ground. Fortunately, his bamboo basket cushioned the fall.

  “Go home, little bird. And don’t come back—unless you want to be my dinner,” she warned. Of course, it was a bluff. Witches didn’t eat humans. Too fatty. No real nutrition. And worst of all, it made them look fat and ugly.

  Seeing nothing of interest left, Ataria turned to leave.

  “Hey, witch! Wait up!” The boy scrambled to his feet and followed her. She ignored him, quickening her pace.

  “Hey, witch! You’re walking too fast.”

  Persistent idiot… Ataria sighed, turning to face him. “Kid, are you not afraid of me? I am the Moonlight Witch—Ataria Delune.”

  The boy crossed his arms, smirking. “The Holy Order is way scarier and more evil than you. Why would I be afraid?”

  Ataria let out another sigh and continued walking, this time even faster.

  Na?ve kid…

  “Hey, witch!”

  Just ignore him. He’ll never find my cottage anyway… she thought as she vanished into the forest's dark veil.

  ---

  Deep in the Forest of Wandering Whispers, a lone cottage stood. Its wooden roof was old and worn out, its walls covered in mold, and its surroundings cloaked in sinister darkness. The inside, however, was bright and warm—a stark contrast to the eerie surroundings.

  Ataria, sitting on a mushroom stool in front of a foggy mirror, was dolling herself up. Though she already had top-tier looks, now, with all the dirt and impurities removed, she looked even prettier.

  Click. Creak.

  The door behind her creaked open, putting her on high alert. She hadn't sensed any intelligent presence near her cottage.

  “Witch, I brought some herbs for you. Please let me stay here,” the boy from before said as he stepped inside, his basket filled to the brim with rare and common herbs.

  She had half hoped he would scram off to a nearby human settlement, but he turned out to be a persistent little lad.

  Seriously, how did he find this place?! she screamed internally.