Chapter 97: Where Are You Touching? - I Forged Them in Darkness, and They Buried Me in It

**Chapter 97: Where Are You Touching?** Witches... Selina's eyes gleamed with light. She turned to gaze out the window, where a new moon hung high in the sky. The moonlight cascaded down, both pure and elegant. Aileen, of course I know we are witches, and there can be no good outcome between us and Lord Loxu... But do we have any other choice besides this path? Selina thought with a self-mocking smile. At the youthful age of twelve or thirteen, Selina had already witnessed far too much of the world's harshness and endured countless cold stares. It was precisely because of this that her mind was far clearer than her peers. This unexpected glimmer of hope in the narrow gap was something she felt compelled to grasp with all her might. For herself, and for Aileen. Unlike the straightforward Aileen, Selina was more mature. She didn't voice these thoughts, knowing it would only add to Aileen's anxieties without serving any purpose. Instead, she simply smiled and gently shook her head. Furthermore, Selina actually held quite a bit of fondness for Loxu. The man's thoughtfulness and attentiveness didn’t waver with Aileen’s indifference, showing he wasn’t a person with a terrible temper. Thinking of this, Selina patted the back of the girl in her arms, "Aileen, can you promise me something?" Aileen blinked her pretty eyes, "What is it?" "Promise me first." Selina insisted. Though puzzled, Aileen nodded earnestly, "As long as it's something you ask of me, Selina, I will do it!" With the girl’s promise, Selina smiled once more. "Then treat Lord Loxu a bit nicer from now on, and stop being so unreasonable." Hearing this, Aileen’s little face immediately fell. She grumbled, "Selina, but I don't like him. He may seem elegant now, but deep down, such people are real perverts! I don't want him defiling my body." She paused, then silently added in her heart, if it’s for Selina, maybe that’s an exception. "Uh, Aileen, what are you thinking? How could I force you to do such things?" Selina’s tone was gentle. "I just want you to stop being so harsh with him, not to deliberately please him." Such things, I will handle myself. Selina left the latter part unsaid. It must be said, regarding this matter, the two girls' intentions were surprisingly aligned. They were willing to offer their bodies, but only for the other, not for themselves. Selina then said, "And think about it, Lord Loxu hasn’t done anything improper to us, he’s been helping us, hasn’t he?" Aileen’s delicate brows furrowed; she hesitated to retort but couldn’t find a valid excuse. For the reality was as Selina said—until now, the man hadn't forced them in any way, showing even a degree of indulgence. But she still couldn’t hurdle over the barrier in her heart, shifting uncomfortably, pouting. "Selina~" Selina was amused by her antics and was about to speak when a knock sounded at the door. Exchanging glances, the two of them got out of bed to open the door. Instead of the man they expected, they found a tall maid with red-brown, slightly curly hair, standing gracefully in the moonlight. It was evident she was a maid by her attire. This was the first meeting between Selina and Anna. The girl’s expression grew wary, instinctively shielding Aileen behind her. Anna noticed their tension and offered a slight smile. Given the special attention their host paid to them, she assumed the two young witches were quite significant. Naturally, possessing a kind temperament and being aware of her master’s attitude, she wouldn’t mistreat them. "Hello, nice to meet you, I’m Anna, head maid and housekeeper of this manor," Anna introduced herself. Seeing no malice from the visitor, Selina's expression relaxed, and she gave her name. "What’s the matter?" Selina asked. Anna softly replied, "Lord Loxu has prepared hot water for you earlier. I’m here to ask if you’d like to have a bath. If so, I can take you there." Upon hearing this, Aileen, previously behind Selina, suddenly stuck her head out. Her eyes sparkled, "Really?" Selina, too, felt a small thrill of excitement. After all, given their life of constant evasion, indulging in a comfortable hot bath was a distant fantasy. They nodded eagerly and followed Anna. As they walked through the serene manor, the exquisite rock formations and meticulously maintained gardens prompted the girls to tighten their clasped hands. Compared to their experiences in the slums, this was like a different world. Once Anna led them to the bathing area, she tactfully left. Beside the steaming large wooden tub, their black dresses slid off, revealing two crystalline bodies. Their skin was pale and alluring, radiating an enchanting beauty. However, one had bandages at her chest, marring this unique allure slightly. Living in filth hadn't coarsened their bodies. Their skin remained as smooth and tender as a newborn, as if a light squeeze might yield moisture. "Ugh... Selina, I’m sorry." Suddenly, Aileen's eyes reddened, and she rubbed them. Whenever she saw Selina's wound, she was overcome with guilt. The sword wound that should have struck her was forcibly intercepted by Selina. She extended her hand to gently touch the injury, nearly in tears. "Selina, does it still hurt?" Selina grasped her hand, her face bearing a gentle smile. "It doesn’t hurt anymore, thanks to Lord Loxu’s spell." She spoke softly, her thoughts inevitably drifting to the man. Recalling his words at the dinner table, her face involuntarily flushed. "I want your heart more." That calm tone echoed in her ears. Aileen, unaware that her friend was on the brink of betrayal, saw that Selina seemed genuinely fine, finally dipping a cautious white foot to test the water temperature. Her eyes brightened with glee, and she slid in. Then she called to her best friend, "Selina, come here." "You’re hurt, so let me wash you." Selina, lost in thought, nodded and let her do as she pleased. A minute later, from the tub came an indignant yelp. "Aileen, where are you touching?"