SWNOVELXO Chapter 13: Witchy *
Warlock Ch 13. Witchy
Damian stepped inside, blinking as he took in the sight. The interior was cozy, warm, and definitely not what he imagined a witch's house to look like. The furniture was modern—sleek couches, dark wood bookshelves filled with neatly arranged tomes, a small dining table near the window. There was a faint glow of magic in the air, but it wasn't overwhelming. Just... comforting.
He looked around, still half-expecting to see a cauldron bubbling in the corner or a broomstick leaning against the wall. But what really caught his eye was the vacuum cleaner sitting near the front door.
"You have... a vacuum?" Damian asked, raising an eyebrow.
Evelyn laughed, the sound light and genuine. "What, did you think witches are too old-fashioned for modern technology? I don't fly around on broomsticks, if that's what you were hoping for."
Damian shrugged, feeling a bit ridiculous now. "I don't know what I was expecting. I guess... something a little more 'witchy.'"
Evelyn smiled as she moved to hang her coat by the door. "Witchy, huh? Well, I hate to disappoint you, but we live pretty normal lives. I mean, as normal as it gets in this world."
Damian looked around the room again, taking it all in. It felt safe, grounded—like a refuge from the craziness of the night. For the first time since this whole ordeal started, he felt like he could finally breathe.
"So," he said, sitting down on one of the couches, "you're really going to explain all of this, right? What I am, what this 'Warlock of Eternal Bonds' means... everything?"
Evelyn sat across from him, her expression serious again. "Yes. You need to understand what you've gotten into. What you are now."
Damian leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, still trying to process everything. "I get that I'm a warlock, but you keep saying I'm special. What does that even mean? How am I different from any other warlock out there?"
Evelyn's eyes locked onto his, unwavering. "Your strength—your power—comes from the connections you form. Deep, intimate bonds."
Damian raised an eyebrow. "Bonds? Like friendships or something?"
Evelyn shook her head, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Not quite. These bonds go much deeper than that. They're... romantic. Intimate. The closer you get to someone, the stronger the bond becomes. And the stronger the bond, the more powerful you become."
Damian blinked, trying to wrap his head around what she was saying. "Wait, so... you're telling me that my power grows through relationships? Like... marriage?"
Evelyn smiled, but it wasn't just any smile. There was a hint of something deeper in her eyes, something that made his pulse quicken. "Yes. Marriage, pacts, intimate connections. The bond isn't just emotional; it's magical. It ties you and the woman together, making you both stronger. The power flows in both directions. You gain strength from the bond, and so does she."
Damian leaned back, letting out a breath as he processed that. "So, this whole 'Warlock of Eternal Bonds' thing... that's why you came looking for me? That's why Malthus is after me?"
Evelyn didn't hesitate. "Yes. Your potential is enormous. Every supernatural being out there—every warlock, every witch, every creature that understands what you are—they all want a piece of that power. Malthus isn't the only one targeting you. He's just the beginning."
Damian's stomach twisted. The idea of being hunted by one warlock was bad enough, but all supernatural beings? "Wait, you're telling me everyone is after me? Every... creature? Oh God. Please, have mercy on me."
Evelyn nodded solemnly. "That's why you need to get stronger. Fast. You can't just rely on what little magic you've learned tonight. You need to train, learn to control your power, and most importantly, form bonds."
Damian exhaled sharply, his thoughts racing. "So, I just... start training tomorrow? That's the plan?"
Evelyn smiled faintly. "Yes, I'll teach you. But training is only part of it. You need to understand how important these bonds are, how far the pact goes for you. It's not just about becoming stronger—it's about survival."
Damian frowned, leaning forward again. "And how exactly do I form these bonds?"
Evelyn stood up slowly, her movements graceful, almost predatory, as she closed the distance between them. Damian watched her warily, unsure of where this was going. She stopped in front of him, looking down with a soft smile that sent a shiver through him. He couldn't deny how beautiful she was, but the intensity in her gaze unsettled him.
"What are you—?"
Before Damian could finish, Evelyn leaned down and kissed him.
His mind went blank for a moment, his body frozen in place. It wasn't that he was inexperienced, not by any means. He wasn't some clueless virgin who had never been kissed before. But this? This was... different. Unexpected. And completely confusing.
Evelyn's lips were soft, warm, and for a brief second, Damian found himself kissing her back before his mind caught up with the situation. He pulled back, eyes wide, breath coming in quick, shallow gasps.
"Wait, what—what's happening?" Damian stammered, wiping his mouth as if to clear his head. "What are you doing?"
Evelyn's smile was calm, almost reassuring, as she knelt in front of him, her face close to his. "I'm showing you how to form a bond. It's the first step."
Damian blinked, still reeling from the kiss, his brain trying to catch up with the whirlwind of emotions and sensations. "You... you kissed me. That's part of this?"
Evelyn's gaze didn't waver. "Yes. A bond is intimate. It's not just about magic—it's about trust, connection, desire. All of that feeds into your power. The deeper the bond, the stronger you become. And it starts with moments like this."
Damian's heart was racing. He knew Evelyn wasn't lying—everything about her was serious, focused. But the kiss, the suddenness of it... it threw him off balance. She was beautiful, no doubt, and part of him couldn't deny the attraction, but this was all so fast.