_Lyla’s POV_
“A witch?” I whispered, staring at Aaron like he had just spoken in another language. My heart raced, pounding in my chest like it was trying to escape.
Aaron’s jaw clenched tight. He nodded slowly, his blue eyes darkening with something I couldn’t quite place—fear, maybe? Or worry?
“No,” I blurted out, shaking my head hard. “That is not true. Witches aren’t real. They’re just stories, fairy tales for scaring pups.” My voice rose a little, but I couldn’t help it. The word witch sounded ridiculous.
Aaron didn’t laugh or tease me like he usually did. His face stayed serious, his expression tight with tension.
“They’re real, Lyla,” he said softly but firmly. “Rare, yes. But they exist.”
I swallowed hard. My mouth felt dry, like I had been walking through a desert. “But… how
