Chapter 5 The trap is set

As Sophy and Ravenna entered the cottage, they were met with an eerie silence. The air was thick with tension, and Sophy could feel the weight of unseen eyes upon her.

Ravenna's eyes scanned the room, her gaze lingering on every shadow and corner. "Something is not right," Ravenna whispered, her voice barely audible.

Sophy nodded, her heart racing with anticipation. She knew that they were in danger, but she was not afraid. She was a powerful witch, and she was ready to defend herself.

Suddenly, the door to the cottage burst open, and a group of heavily armed guards stormed in. They were led by Lord Ravenswood, his eyes gleaming with malice.

"Ah, Sophy," Lord Ravenswood said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I've been waiting for you. You're just in time to join me for a little... chat."

Sophy's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. She knew that she was in danger, but she was not going to go down without a fight.

"I don't think so," Sophy said, her voice firm. "I'm not going anywhere with you."

Lord Ravenswood smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, I think you are," he said. "You see, I have a little surprise waiting for you. A surprise that will make you... cooperate."

Sophy's eyes flashed with anger, but she kept her cool. She knew that she had to think clearly if she was going to get out of this situation alive.

"What is it?" Sophy asked, her voice calm.

Lord Ravenswood smiled again, his eyes glinting with malice. "Why, it's a little spell I've been working on," he said. "A spell that will make you... forget."

Sophy's eyes widened, her mind racing with horror. She knew that she had to stop Lord Ravenswood, no matter what it took.

But before she could react, Lord Ravenswood raised his hand, and a blast of magic shot towards Sophy. She tried to defend herself, but the magic was too powerful. She felt herself being lifted off the ground, her mind spinning with confusion.

And then, everything went black.

As Sophy's world went dark, she felt herself being dragged away by Lord Ravenswood's guards. She tried to struggle, but her body felt heavy and unresponsive.

Ravenna's voice echoed in her mind, "Sophy, no! Don't let him take you!" But it was too late. Sophy was already being dragged deep into the castle, further and further away from Ravenna's rescue.

When Sophy finally came to, she found herself in a cold, dark cell deep within the castle dungeons. The walls were made of damp stone, and the air was thick with the smell of mold and decay.

Lord Ravenswood stood in the corner of the cell, a smirk on his face. "Welcome to your new home, Sophy," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "You'll be staying here until you agree to cooperate with me."

Sophy's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with anger and determination. She knew that she had to escape, no matter what it took.

But as she looked around the cell, Sophy realized that escape wouldn't be easy. The walls were thick, the door was locked, and the windows were barred.

Lord Ravenswood seemed to sense her despair, and he smiled again. "Don't worry, Sophy," he said. "I'll make sure you're comfortable. You'll have food, water, and even a few... luxuries."

Sophy's eyes flashed with anger, but she kept her cool. She knew that she had to think clearly if she was going to escape.

And so, Sophy waited, her mind racing with plans and strategies. She knew that she would have to be patient, but she was determined to escape, no matter what it took.

As the days passed, Sophy settled into a routine. She ate, slept, and waited, her mind always focused on escape.

But despite her determination, Sophy couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. She would catch glimpses of a figure lurking in the shadows, only to disappear when she turned to look.

And then, one night, Sophy heard a faint whispering in her ear. "Sophy, don't give up," the voice whispered. "Help is on the way."

Sophy's heart skipped a beat, and she turned to face the speaker. But there was no one there.

Was it just her imagination, or was someone really trying to communicate with her?

Sophy's mind was filled with questions, but she knew that she had to keep her hopes up. She was a powerful witch, and she was determined to escape.

And so, Sophy waited, her heart filled with hope and determination. She knew that help was on the way, and she was ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.

As the days passed, Sophy grew more and more desperate. She had been trapped in the cell for what felt like an eternity, with no sign of rescue in sight.

But then, one night, Sophy heard the sound of footsteps echoing down the corridor. They were light, stealthy footsteps, and Sophy's heart skipped a beat as she realized that someone was coming for her.

The door to the cell creaked open, and a figure slipped inside. It was a young woman, dressed in a hooded cloak, with a look of determination on her face.

"Sophy, come quickly," the woman whispered, grabbing Sophy's arm and pulling her to her feet. "We have to get out of here, now."

Sophy didn't need to be told twice. She followed the woman out of the cell, down the corridor, and through the winding tunnels of the castle.

As they walked, Sophy realized that the woman was using magic to evade the guards. She could feel the subtle hum of magic in the air, and she knew that they were being protected by a powerful spell.

Finally, they emerged into the cool night air, and Sophy saw that they were standing in the castle gardens. The woman led her to a small gate, which she unlocked with a quick flick of her wrist.

"This way," the woman said, pushing Sophy through the gate. "We have to get you to safety."

Sophy followed the woman through the dark streets of the town, her heart pounding with excitement. She had no idea where they were going, but she knew that she was free.

As they walked, Sophy realized that the woman was taking her to the forest. They walked for what felt like hours, the trees growing taller and darker around them.

Finally, they emerged into a small clearing, and Sophy saw that they were surrounded by a group of figures. They were witches, dressed in long robes, with looks of welcome on their faces.

"Sophy, you are safe now," one of the witches said, stepping forward. "We have been waiting for you."

Sophy's eyes widened as she realized who these women were. They were the witches of the forest, the ones who had been hiding in secret for so long.

And they had come to rescue her.