The theater remained silent.
The wine had already been served. The witches held their positions — serene, still, like trees that knew when to bloom.
Kael, now seated among them, observed without urgency.
Otrho stood at the back, leaning against a column, like a silent sentinel.
The first to speak was her — the leader.
Her presence was calm, yet unwavering.
— My name is Helena Duarte.
I was born in Brazil, in 1968.
I was an actress. I lived through the stage, through words, through presence.
In time, I began to have visions — feelings that time wasn't fixed, that something was calling me.
That call led me to the Valley of the Forgotten.
The other witches looked at her with quiet respect.
— There, I met these women. We remembered nothing at first. But with time, we began to recognize each other.
Together, we crossed a portal that opened without warning.
And we arrived here.
She paused. Breathed.
— Upon arriving, I felt drawn to the Northern Marker. I walked there.
There, we met Otrho, who told us about you, Kael, and the League's mission.
And now, we are here.
Kael nodded gently, and the next spoke.
—
Number 2.
— I am Constança Silva, from Lisbon, Portugal.
I lived in the 18th century. A housewife, married to a fisherman.
I died young, during a harsh winter. I woke in the Valley.
And found these sisters. I've never walked alone since.
—
Number 3.
— My name is Reina Abramovich.
From Buenos Aires, Argentina.
I was a market vendor. Jewish. My life was simple — stall, market, family.
I don't know how I died. But I remember the weight of being unseen.
Here, I was seen.
—
Number 4.
— I am Nikita.
I lived in China, long before time was counted — before 5000 B.C.
I was quiet. An observer.
I still am.
But now… I speak when needed.
—
Number 5.
— I come from North Africa.
Morocco. 16th century.
My name is less important than my trade: merchant.
I learned to deal with kings and peasants.
Death took my gold, but not my voice.
—
Number 6.
— My name is Marie.
Paris, Belle Époque.
I sang in cabarets. Drank too much.
But on stage, I was untouchable.
In death, I lost my audience — but gained silence.
—
Number 7.
— I'm Claudia, from Venice, 14th century.
A merchant, like my mother.
I sold fabrics, maps… and secrets.
The water of Venice still calls to me in dreams.
—
Number 8.
— My name is Patricia.
Rome. 9th century.
I was married to a lord.
And good at pretending.
Life asked for masks. Death gave me mirrors.
—
Number 9.
— Elizabeth Kline, American.
New York, 1952.
Archaeologist.
I searched for the past my whole life.
Never imagined I'd become part of it — while still alive.
---
When the last voice fell silent, the theater remained still.
Kael looked at each of them.
— Now I know who you are.
He rose slowly.
— The mission is beginning to change.
And without another word, he left the theater.
The witches remained seated. The fire still danced.
The world had not yet changed.
But it was beginning to listen.