Olivia I squared my shoulders, a renewed sense of purpose and determination burning in my core. “No,” I said firmly. “I will not agree to your monstrous deal.” The witch c****d her head to the side, a hint of genuine surprise flashing across her eyes. “You would risk everything over this?” “Do you still think my mother was foolish?” I asked, holding the witch's gaze. “You told me that she had the choice to take a deal with one of your kind to cure her cancer. She refused, and she died. You said that she was naive, foolish even. But I don’t think so. She was wise. She knew the dangers of tangling with your kind, the impossible costs, the unbearable sacrifices.” The witch’s face twisted in anger. “Your mother’s choices are of no consequence to me,” she spat. But I sa

