CHAPTER 17

**AMY**

“No, with her, it's different; she has the power to enter people's minds and make them see what they desire; she doesn't manipulate anything; the visions are what people want.” 
The pain consuming me completely disappears, and I feel a wave of relief wash over my body. I silently thank Elara for using her powers to help me, recognizing her generosity and courage in sharing her supernatural gifts to protect me. As I watch the forest landscape pass by through the car window, my mind returns to the vision I had while Elara distracted me from the leader vampire's powers. I vividly remember the feeling of freedom and happiness I experienced while running through the forest alongside Aaron. In the vision, we were a loving couple, sharing a moment of pure joy and connection. However, I know that this vision is just that: an illusion. There is no love in our marriage; it is only an alliance based on circumstances and family duties. I glance at Aaron, who is focused on the road ahead, lost in his own thoughts. 
“What did you see in your vision?”, he asks. I remain silent for a moment, internally debating whether to share the truth with him. 
Should I say that I saw an idealized version of us, in love and happy together? Or should I keep this information to myself, preserving the fragile reality of our relationship? Finally, I decided not to reveal the whole truth. 
"I was in the forest. And I felt completely free, as if there were no worries or fears.", I reply vaguely, choosing my words carefully. I do not mention Aaron's presence in the vision, keeping that part of the experience to myself. I sigh, reminding myself that each vampire possesses a special power, a unique ability that sets them apart from the others. I fight the urge to ask Aaron what his power is, knowing that such a question might be indelicate or even dangerous. Instead, I keep my thoughts to myself, turning my gaze to the ever-changing landscape outside the car window. 
The hours drag on as we drive through the city streets, and I silently watch the nightlife unfold before us. People are living their lives, unaware of the hidden existence of the vampires surrounding them. As we pass a group of people walking and laughing on the streets, a pang of melancholy pierces my heart. They are so carefree, so unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows. Aaron continues driving, his expression serious and determined. I decide to break the silence, my curiosity manifesting in words. 
"Are we far from the witch's house?", I ask, my gaze wandering the swiftly passing streets. He shakes his head, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. 
"No, we're almost there. Her house isn't far from here." 
We continue driving through the busy city streets, the tall buildings, and the cars around us, creating an urban maze. Minutes later, we turn onto a more secluded street with a few scattered houses along the way. The car finally stops in front of a small, modest house on the street. Aaron turns off the engine and looks at me. "We've arrived.", I nod, stepping out of the car to face the cold night air. He joins me, and together we walk up to the witch's house. The house is modest but exudes an aura of mystery and power. The aged wood of the door creaks as Aaron knocks, and we wait in silence for what feels like an eternity. Finally, the door slowly opens, revealing an enigmatic figure inside. The witch greets us with a nod, her piercing eyes studying us with interest. 
"You have come seeking help.", she declares, her voice soft but laden with authority. We nod, aware that we are in the presence of someone who holds knowledge and powers beyond our understanding. We explain our situation, the threat of the vampire leader, and the need to protect ourselves and Elara. 
The witch listens attentively, her face impassive as she absorbs our words. Finally, she nods, indicating that she can help us. 
"There is much to discuss and prepare. But for now, come in and rest. The journey you will face will be long and dangerous." 
We enter the witch's house, and I am immediately enveloped by the comforting aroma of herbs and spices. Pots and jars containing a variety of plants and ingredients line the walls, creating an atmosphere of magic and mystery. I sit next to Elara, observing everything around me with curiosity. Aaron begins to explain our situation to the witch, while she listens attentively, her expressions changing as he talks about the leader vampire and the threat he poses to us. When he finishes, she turns to me, her piercing eyes studying me intently.
 "You need protection. The leader vampire has the power to control minds, but there is a way to prevent this."
I swallowed hard, the gravity of her words weighing on me. She gets up and starts moving around the room, collecting various ingredients and objects while murmuring words in a language I do not understand. Finally, she returns with a small silver amulet, studded with precious stones and adorned with mysterious symbols. She places the amulet in my hands, its energy pulsating under my fingers. 
"This is a protection amulet. It will create a barrier around your mind, preventing the leader vampire from manipulating you again.", I feel a mix of hope and fear as I hold the amulet, aware of the responsibility it represents. This small object may be the key to my safety and freedom, but it also carries the weight of my own choices and actions. 
With a lump in my throat, I thank the witch for her help, knowing that our journey is far from over. But now, with the amulet in hand, I feel a new determination rising within me. The amulet the witch gave me is made of special herbs with some spells that I do not understand, but she assured me that my mind would be completely safe from the vampire's powers. We stay for a while at the witch's house while Aaron talks to her about something. I sigh before placing the amulet around my neck, making it a necklace that I cannot take off. 
“We need to go now. Are you sure my wife will be safe?”, Aaron asks the witch, and I frown at hearing him call me that for the first time. 
“Yes, the amulet will keep him away from her mind, but it won't prevent him from using other ways to find her.”, she explains, and I nod, standing up. 
“Thank you for helping me; this was very important to me.”, I say, and she smiles at me.