“Er, I’m actually looking for a person,” I said.
“You’ve come to the right place,” the witch said.
“I have?”
“Of course. When you want something urgently enough, the passageway will lead you to it,” he said with a wink.
I spun around. This clearly was not where Lana lived. Perhaps she was somewhere here?
“I should get going,” I said.
“Very well. But you should take your ration of produce before everything is gone.”
I began to shake my head until I caught a glimpse of my own face in a puddle on the ground.
My eyes were purple.
I leaned in. A glimmer of something flitted over my cheeks. My freckles had turned gold.
The old witch gave me a strange look as I rubbed my face. “I-is this puddle enchanted?” I asked.
“Well, technically everything here is enchanted—”
A stiff figure emerged from behind a stalk of corn, hair streaked with gray. Lana.
“Sorry, I have to go!” I said to the witch before darting off. I thought I heard him grumble something about “witches these days” but wind rushed through my ears as I weaved through the rows of vegetables.
“Lana!”
She did not turn around. My view of her was obstructed by the heads of several people walking about. I dodged a few swinging baskets.
“Lana! La—Oof!”
Someone crashed into my shins, nearly toppling me over. Pain shot up my knee. I barely bit back a curse. After regaining my balance, I looked down at the person I had run into. It was a little witch girl, hardly more than twelve. She stared at me, her silver eyes a glaring contrast to her midnight skin.
“I’m sorry,” I panted. “Are you alright?”
She nodded, but continued to stare. “I’ve never seen you here before,” she said. “Are you new?”
“I’m sure you haven’t seen loads of people here,” I said. I didn’t have time for small talk. Lana’s head was getting further and further away. I rushed forward again, limping.
“No. I’ve seen everyone here. And I remember them too.”
I glanced down. The little witch had followed. There was something familiar about her, but I couldn’t quite place my finger on it.
“Alright. I am new. What of it?” I said.
“There’s never anyone new.”
“Shouldn’t you be with your parents or something? Before you get lost?” I said, narrowly avoiding another collision with a young witch.
“I never get lost.”
“You’re awfully sure of yourself for someone so young.”
“I’m Elowyn. What’s your name?”
I exhaled loudly. Lana had disappeared. “I’m Amarante. And also lost,” I muttered. How was I supposed to find my way back now?
