Evan: The Doom Witch Is Dead. You're the New Witch! (Please Vote!)

Evan leaned back on the sofa and studied Aiden's posture. He could tell Aiden was holding something back; Aiden's hands were clasped in front of him.

"You've researched witches so thoroughly that you must know some of their secrets."

"I trust your character, but I want the situation to remain under control."

"If you're the one who might become a witch, I can offer some help."

"If you're looking into this for someone else, I neither know nor trust that person. I don't want a stranger to have the chance to become a witch."

"After all, we hope to work with you over the long term."

At those words, Aiden clasped his hands tighter. Conflicting emotions flickered through his eyes.

He remained silent for a full two or three minutes before taking a deep breath and raising his head.

"If I have the chance—if I qualify—I'm willing to become a witch!"

A trace of relief entered Aiden's voice as he said it.

"I may seem well-off now, but there are things in my past I'm ashamed of."

"I long to leave my current identity behind and embrace an entirely new life."

"That was what first drove me to seek out the witches."

His voice held the weight of wounds buried so deep that even he was unwilling to touch them.

When he spoke of his "shameful past," pain and darkness flashed across his delicate face.

Evan looked into Aiden's eyes and asked, "How can I be sure of your resolve?"

After a brief pause, Aiden produced a glowing drop of blood on his fingertip. "This is my Spiritual Blood."

Evan was surprised. "You trust me that much?"

Aiden smiled. "If I was going to work closely with you, I naturally had to investigate you from several angles."

"Your reputation is