The witch nodded nervously.
"Y-Yes."
"First, what's your name?"
She blinked.
"My… name?"
"Unless you'd prefer that I keep calling you 'the witch.'"
Her ears immediately drooped.
"N-No! Please don't!"
"Then tell me."
She hesitated before answering.
"My name is…"
She paused, as though saying it aloud after her isolation felt strangely unfamiliar.
"...I'll tell you my name in a moment."
Aiden tilted his head.
"You're not ready to share it?"
"It's not that."
She hugged herself.
"I just… haven't spoken to someone properly in a long time."
Her expression turned embarrassed.
"Especially someone who came all the way here to see me."
Aiden nodded.
"Fair enough. We can take our time."
He leaned back.
"Now, the important question. Why did the villagers throw you out?"
The witch's smile disappeared.
Her gaze fell toward her hands.
For a while, she said nothing.
The cottage seemed to grow quieter around them. Even the crackling fire sounded distant.
