The Witch in the Woods: The Transmigration of Hazel-Anne Davis

Snow fell in slow spirals, so fine it looked like it could disappear with just a touch. But it was now officially winter, and the snow wasn't going anywhere any time soon.

I stood just outside the southern watchtower, my eyes fixed on the winding road beyond the lower gate, where the Baiguang banners were beginning to appear one by one—green cloths were held high over silver poles, like living trees walking upright through the snow. The horses moved slowly, deliberately, and the riders made no effort to disguise their pace.

They wanted to be seen.

But did they want to be seen as a threat or something else?

"They've already crossed four provinces," said Mingyu coming up beside me. "The northern ridge patrols reported their arrival two days ago. We allowed them in."

"I noticed," I snorted, looking up over my shoulder at him. "They are a bit hard to miss."

Another gust of wind scattered ice across the stone ramparts. Behind us, Shadow paced in the half-melted snow, his tail stiff, and his ears were flat against his skull. He didn't seem to like what was coming either.

Shi Yaozu stood silent a few steps away, his scarf drawn up over his mouth, his eyes narrowed as he watched the procession wind through the valley. Lin Wei was currently asleep against his chest, bundled thick in my old green cloak. The boy hadn't said much since the mountain. He hadn't needed to. The way he clung to Yaozu like the man was carved from bedrock said enough.

"How many couriers?" I asked.

"Seven," said Yaozu quietly. "Two are scribes. One is a eunuch bearing seal. The others are soldiers or escorts. No obvious assassins, but I wouldn't assume any of them are clean."

I nodded.

"They came heavy for a peace delegation," I murmured.

Mingyu tilted his head. "Or they came with backup, in case peace wasn't accepted."

That was fair.

But they wouldn't need backup.

Because peace wasn't on the table.

I started down the steps from the tower wall, Shadow trailing at my heels like smoke in the snow. Yaozu fell in beside me immediately, shifting Lin Wei's weight gently to one side. The boy didn't stir.

"Are you receiving them personally?" Yaozu asked.

I didn't answer right away.

When we reached the inner gate, the Empress was already waiting in a thick wool robe, her hair twisted up into a crown of bronze pins. She wore no jewelry, no cosmetics—just the seal of her office tied at the waist in red cord.

"They brought wine," she said mildly, watching the procession from beneath the shade of the awning. "And ink sticks. Gifts meant to flatter scholars and bureaucrats."

"Then let them give them to scholars," I said.

She smirked faintly. "I thought you might say that."

"They want a negotiation," I said, nodding to Yaozu, who passed Lin Wei gently to the Empress's arms. The boy shifted slightly but did not wake. "But they don't get to choose the battlefield. Not this time."

"You'll meet them where?"

"Below the ridge. Let them taste the snow we buried their people under."

Mingyu's jaw tightened. "If this is a trap—"

"They wouldn't dare," I said. "Not now. Not after they watched three of their provinces turn to bone."

He didn't argue further.

I stepped through the final gate as the couriers slowed to a halt near the lower flags. Soldiers stood ready on both sides—not with weapons drawn, but with their hands visible, their stance alert.

The first to dismount was the eunuch.

He was pale, sickly, and clearly not used to the cold of being outside in winter. His fingers shook as he pulled the scroll from his satchel, bowing low enough that his breath hit the snow.

"To the ruling court of Daiyu," he said formally. "On behalf of Crown Prince Li Xuejian of Baiguang, we humbly request—"

I raised a hand.

His voice stopped.

"You'll not be meeting the court," I said. "Just me."

The eunuch blinked. "You are…"

"The Witch," I said flatly.

He flinched.

Good.

I walked toward them slowly, the silence of my steps louder than a trumpet call. The wind shifted again, and behind me, the evergreen trees rattled in their roots. The mist had long since faded, but its memory lingered.

"You may read the letter," I said, "but understand that I am not bound by your etiquette."

He swallowed once, then unrolled the scroll with shaking fingers.

It was short.

A formal invitation, cloaked in trade language, offering 'restoration of cross-border alliances,' and 'an opportunity to align visions for the coming year.' Pretty words for desperate men. The seal of the Crown Prince was stamped in silver and green.

I held out my hand.

The eunuch hesitated only a moment before placing the scroll into my palm.

I didn't look at it.

"I'll consider it," I replied with a brief smile.

"But we were instructed—"

"I said I'll consider it."

The air grew heavier.

I stepped closer.

The man tried to hold my gaze, but he was trembling now. His companions—soldiers, scribes, all of them—had gone still. The mist wasn't here, but they had heard stories about what I had done. Everyone who'd survived had a reason to fear my voice now.

"Tell your Crown Prince," I said softly, "that if he wishes to speak, he may come himself. No messengers. No ink. No gifts. Just him."

The eunuch's mouth opened, but nothing came out.

"You may stay the night in the merchant quarter," I added. "Please know that you'll be watched. Closely."

And then I turned.

I didn't wait for their bow. I didn't need it.

Back through the snow, through the gate, back into the embrace of those I trusted. Yaozu's eyes met mine briefly, his expression unreadable. Shadow walked at my left, silent as always. Behind me, the Baiguang couriers were still frozen in place.

I handed the scroll to Mingyu.

"I thought you were going to rip it up," he said, taking it carefully.

"I was tempted."

The Empress shifted Lin Wei in her arms, brushing a bit of snow from his cheek. "Do you think he'll really come?"

"Oh, he'll come," I said. "They always come. The only question is how much blood will he bring with him."