POV Aiden We were walking on foot through a particularly brutal snowstorm.
Geralt and I had to lead our own horses, since they themselves were struggling against the thick blanket of snow.
Ciri had stayed perched on Nocturne, while I led her by the reins on foot.
Geralt, for his part, guided Roach.
I’d wrapped my cape around Ciri to shield her from the cold, keeping one arm raised in front of my eyes to try to make out anything through the icy haze.
Geralt shouted no way to talk normally with this wind: “Aiden!
Take my cape!
You’ve been without any protection for several minutes now, you’re risking hypothermia!” I shook my head and shouted back: “No need!
I don’t know why, but I’m not cold!” Geralt looked at me, surprised.
Even Ciri lifted her head slightly to look at me, just as puzzled we’d ended up selling my Cintra armor to a blacksmith, too recognizable, and I’d equipped myself with a simple leather set instead.
I’d kept Mousesack’s sword at my belt, but that wasn’t what surprised them: leather does hold warmth, sure, but not enough for a storm like this and I didn’t even have gloves.
And yet my hands weren’t red from the cold quite the opposite, they looked perfectly normal.
And unlike Ciri, who was shivering despite the cape, I wasn’t trembling at all.
I actually felt completely fine.
I watched Ciri shaking and shouted: “Geralt!
We need to find shelter, Ciri won’t hold up much longer!” Ciri, trying to play it down, answered through chattering teeth: “No, no need to worry about…” I looked at her, dead serious: “No, Ciri.
You’re shivering, we’re not risking hypothermia.” A little surprised, she nodded shyly not quite used to me being this assertive with her.
If I could have read her thoughts right then, it probably would’ve sounded like “so cool!” Geralt gave a small laugh and shouted: “I know a place, follow me!” After a few more minutes of walking, we spotted the outline of a village in the distance.
Along the way, I kept wondering about this total lack of discomfort from the cold if anything, it was the opposite: whenever snow landed on my skin, it felt almost like a warm hug, like being wrapped in a blanket.
Even Geralt, seasoned witcher that he was, occasionally slipped on the ice but I never stumbled once, the whole way there.
Arriving at the edge of the village, we stopped short: something about the place felt off.
The wind howled through the abandoned houses, banging doors and shutters in an eerie echo.
But the worst part was the complete absence of any villagers.
I looked at Geralt and shouted: “Is this normal?” He frowned, walked over to Roach to grab his silver sword, and shouted: “Arm yourself, this isn’t normal!” I nodded, drew my sword, and called out: “Ciri, get down!” She dismounted from Nocturne, moved behind me, drew her knife, and looked around.
Only the howling wind broke the oppressive silence.
We moved carefully through the village, leading our horses, on high alert, without a single other sound reaching us.
Geralt came closer and murmured: “Let’s head to the castle.
There’s light over there, but stay on your guard.” Ciri and I nodded and followed him the urge to investigate was there, but we were short on time, and the risk of hypothermia for Ciri was still real.
After several more minutes of walking, we reached the castle courtyard.
The windows kept banging violently, the doors too until, all at once, everything slammed shut, and complete silence fell.
Geralt readied himself for combat.
Suddenly, a massive creature smashed through the front door and lunged at him, pinning him to the ground.
But Geralt’s sword found its mark, slashing across the creature’s face.
Just as I was about to step in, Ciri was already leaping toward the monster when a voice rang out: “Geralt, my old friend!” Geralt blinked, recognizing the voice: “Nivellen?” The creature burst out laughing, got up, and hoisted Geralt off the ground like a rag doll: “Ahaha, of course, my old friend!” Geralt frowned: “You’ve changed.” Nivellen sighed: “That I have.
But for now…” he looked at us and stepped closer.
I instinctively placed myself in front of Ciri.
He laughed softly “Don’t worry, big guy, I come in peace.
Geralt’s an old friend.
You must be freezing come on, there’s food, and…” He shot a wink at Ciri, behind me, clearly amused by the whole thing.
“…a hot bath for this charming young lady.
I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.” Ciri nodded, stepped past me, and said: “Hell yeah!
Come on, gentlemen, let’s go!” She walked off toward the manor alongside Nivellen.
I sighed.
Geralt patted my shoulder and murmured in my ear: “Take care of the horses, and keep an eye out.” I nodded, watched Geralt sheathe his sword and follow Ciri, and resigned myself to leading Roach and Nocturne: “Come on, girls, let’s get you out of this snow.” — POV Geralt Walking in with Ciri and Nivellen, I stayed on guard, taking in every detail around me.
Too good to be true: an entire village abandoned, and only Nivellen still here?
And on top of that, he’s turned into a monster.
Cursed, maybe.
Once in the dining hall, Nivellen smiled at Ciri, snapped his fingers, and conjured up a full feast out of nowhere: “Ta-da!” Ciri laughed and clapped.
I let a faint smile slip out myself it had been a while since she’d smiled that much since we’d been on the road.
Nivellen came back with a bottle of wine: “A Toussaint vintage, straight from my cellar.
I’m sure you’ll enjoy it for old times’ sake.” I nodded, face unreadable, and sat down across from Ciri, never letting my guard down.
I was certain there was more going on here than he was letting on.
That’s when Aiden walked into the room.
— POV Aiden I shook the snow off my clothes, catching the delicious smell drifting through the room.
Ciri waved me over to the chair beside her: “Come on, come eat, Aidy!” I smiled, seeing her so happy, and sat down next to her.
Nivellen smiled: “Enjoy the meal, kids.
Your hot baths will be ready right after.” I nodded: “Thanks for having us.” He laughed, pleased: “It’s nothing.
It’s been a long time since I’ve had company.” While we ate, Geralt set down his glass: “Good thing you mentioned it earlier, Nivellen.
Why is the village, down below the castle, abandoned?” Silence settled for a moment, then he answered: “Unfortunately, Geralt, my monstrous appearance scared the villagers off.
You understand why.” Ciri, a piece of chicken still in her mouth, set it down, wiped her mouth, and asked: “Why, though?
I mean, you’re nice, right?
You took us in.” Nivellen laughed softly: “Thank you, little one.” I sighed and stroked Ciri’s hair; she looked at me.
I said: “Unfortunately, Ciri, that’s actually something Geralt taught me during our very first lesson.
Let me ask you the same question: what’s the difference between a witcher and a regular armed man?” She frowned, thinking it over: “The length of his sword?” Nivellen nearly choked on his wine, holding back a laugh I think he’d taken that a different way entirely.
Geralt sighed, an amused smile on his lips.
I laughed lightly: “No.” I held her gaze: “A witcher is the border between monster and man.
Geralt taught me there are good monsters and bad ones it’s up to witchers to judge, since they’re mutants themselves, but also hunters, for those who prey on humans.
If a monster just wants to live peacefully alongside people, then a witcher won’t touch it a witcher isn’t an executioner, just the line between the two worlds.” Ciri nodded and finished her plate then mine, on the way before saying: “I’m gonna go take my bath.” Nivellen nodded: “Come on, little one, I’ll show you the bathroom and your room.” He left with her, exiting the dining hall.
As I finished my own plate, Geralt said calmly: “Aiden, once we’re done eating, go check out the manor, just in case.
I’ll ask Nivellen a few questions it’s not normal for an entire village to be abandoned like this.
He’s not telling us everything.” I nodded and went off to explore the manor on my own.
— POV Geralt I stood up, staying on my feet, arms crossed near the fireplace.
Nivellen walked in: “Aiden’s gone?” I nodded without saying anything more.
He came and sat on the couch, drink in hand: “It’s been a while, my friend, huh.
Didn’t picture you as a babysitter.” I let a faint smile slip, before returning to my unreadable expression: “Suits me just fine, that role.
But let’s talk about you instead.
Tell me the truth about yourself, and what’s going on in this village.” Nivellen stayed silent for a moment, staring into the fireplace flames, then said: “When we parted ways, my father had just died, and I inherited his gang.
I know I promised you I’d stop, but the victories, the admiration from my men… it went to my head, and I kept up the raiding.” My face darkened, but I let him keep going without interrupting: “One day, after we sacked the Temple of the Lion-Headed Spider Goddess, my men dared me to go assault a priestess ‘make a man out of me,’ as they put it.” He went on, likely guessing my thoughts: “I’m not proud of it.
I could make excuses the hallucinogenic mushrooms, being drunk but I’d rather own my sin as it is.
Before she died, the priestess spat in my face and cursed me: ‘Since you were a monster in a man’s body, then that man shall become a monster.’ I transformed shortly after.
Since then, I’ve taken refuge here, atoning for my sin without hurting anyone else.” Honestly, I had no right to judge him I’m no judge.
But I couldn’t help feeling genuine disgust at the story.
Still, I had a more urgent question: “And the village?” He locked eyes with me: “Geralt… what would you do, for love?” — POV Aiden Exploring the manor, I mostly found rooms overrun with spiderwebs and thick dust nothing but the creaking of old wood, typical of a place like this.
Just as I was about to open a hatch leading to the attic, I heard Ciri scream: “Who are you?!” I rushed toward her voice, kicked open the door, and found Ciri, dressed in clean clothes, facing a woman who froze at the sight of me.
I drew my sword and was about to run to protect Ciri but the woman, strikingly beautiful, suddenly shifted into a monster and let out a shriek that split my eardrums.
I barely had time to parry her attack: she’d lunged at me, going for my throat.
Parrying with my sword, she dragged me along with her straight through the window, which shattered behind me.
I heard Ciri’s voice screaming, in the distance, running toward us: “Aiden!” then I crashed into the snow, while she, still airborne, was already preparing to dive down and finish me off.
— POV Geralt I drew my sword, Nivellen having just confessed that the woman he loved was a bruxa and the one responsible for the villagers’ disappearance.
I was about to rush to Aiden and Ciri’s aid when a scream rang out: I immediately understood it was the bruxa.
Behind me, Nivellen shouted, as if hoping she’d hear him anyway: “Vereena, no!” I saw Aiden crash into the snow, clearly having fallen from the upper floor.
Without hesitation, I ran for the window, shattered it on my way through, and reached him just in time to parry the bruxa’s attack.
I struck back with an Aard, throwing her violently against the stone wall.
Keeping an eye on the dust cloud she’d kicked up on landing, I pulled Aiden to his feet: “Aiden, go protect Ciri.” — POV Aiden Geralt helped me up, his gaze still locked on the spot where he’d just thrown the bruxa.
My heart was pounding, but I nodded.
I saw Ciri come rushing outside with Nivellen; she leapt into my arms, and I hurried to the stable where our horses were, setting her down inside: “Ciri, don’t you move from here!” She clenched her jaw but nodded.
I stayed posted at the door, sword in hand, just in case my arms were still shaking from the bruxa’s strength, and my ribs screamed in pain.
But protecting Ciri came first.
— POV Geralt I drank my potions, pulled from my satchel my veins darkened instantly.
Thunderbolt, and Black Blood.
I cracked my neck to brace against the toxicity of the mix, and readied myself for the fight.
At least I knew the kids were safe.
The bruxa emerged from the rubble, bloodied, letting out a shriek that carried a shockwave but thanks to Quen, I shrugged it off easily.
She lunged at me.
I dodged, cut into her skin as I moved, and she started swinging her claws in a hysterical frenzy.
I dodged some, cut her down with my silver sword at other times, took a few hits in between but in a fight like this, there’s no room to look away, not even for a second.
Nivellen rushed in and grabbed her from behind as she struggled: “Vereena, calm down!
Please, love!” I shouted: “Nivellen, what are you doing?!” He was about to answer, but the bruxa bit into his neck.
I swore, bracing for what was coming because when a vampire feeds, its abilities spike tenfold for a few seconds.
That’s exactly why every witcher needs Black Blood running through their veins: without it, the fight’s already lost.
The bruxa managed to tear free from Nivellen’s grip and kicked him square in the chest, sending him flying toward a stone statue holding a spear, near the children.
She then charged straight at me; I barely dodged in time, but she grabbed me by the throat and slammed me against a wall.
The impact tore a spray of blood from my mouth and my back screamed in pain but thanks to the Quen I’d cast mid-fall, the damage stayed limited.
Getting back up, I saw the bruxa charging straight toward the children.
Aiden was already bracing to defend Ciri.
I ran toward them, knowing he wouldn’t hold but I was too slow.
— POV Aiden Seeing Geralt slammed against the wall, I heard Ciri scream: “Geralt!” She tried to bolt out of the stable, but I stopped her.
She protested: “We have to help him!” Frustrated, worried, I answered: “We’d just be a burden, Ciri!
I’m sure he’s fine!” My words shut her up cold, and she bit her lip in frustration.
Watching him get back up made me let out a sigh of relief but seeing the bruxa charge straight at us, I braced for the impact.
That’s when Nivellen got back up, tore the spear from the stone statue’s hands, and drove it into the bruxa’s body, crying.
I froze for a moment, the tension draining out all at once, replaced by Nivellen’s sobs.
Geralt and I walked toward him, Ciri right behind us, and we heard him murmur: “I’m sorry, Vereena.
So sorry.” Coughing up blood, the woman took back her human form and said softly: “No.
It’s for the best.
Nivellen, I spent the best years of my life with you even knowing I was a monster.” He shook his head, kissed her, and said sadly: “To me, you were never a monster.
You were the only one who accepted all of me even the monster I became.” Vereena smiled softly: “I know.” She turned her eyes toward us.
“I’m sorry, children.
If I’d been able to control myself, I never would have done this.” We nodded slightly, not quite sure how to react.
I felt like the villain of the story, watching this couple say goodbye.
Ciri took my hand in silence.
Geralt stepped closer to Nivellen: “Nivellen.
I have to do this.” Nivellen looked at him and gave a weak nod: “Do it.
I know it’s necessary, by the witcher’s code.” He turned to Vereena, kissed her one last time, and murmured: “I love you.” She smiled softly, bit into his neck, mingling their blood and Geralt brought his sword down on the bruxa’s head, decapitating her cleanly.
I kept my eyes fixed on the scene.
Even Ciri, lips pressed tight, eventually walked off toward the stable.
Before our eyes, Nivellen slowly returned to human form, Vereena’s lifeless head still in his hands.
Geralt said: “Your curse broke, by saving an innocent.
The man-monster’s curse has lifted.” Nivellen looked up at him: “And so what?
I lost the only being who ever fully accepted me.” He stood and walked back into the manor, calling out before he vanished: “Take whatever you want.
I’m going to join Vereena.” Then he disappeared inside.
Was it right?
She’d attacked me, sure, but was it really necessary to… Geralt, probably guessing my thoughts, rested a hand on my hair his eyes still darkened from the potions and said: “I know what you’re thinking.
But she’s responsible for the death of every villager here.
It’s sad, I know that too.
But as witchers, we also have to bring justice to the innocent.” He shot a weary glance toward the manor door: “Even I didn’t want to do it.
But she hurt innocent people, and giving them justice that’s the witcher’s code.” He looked at me: “Go check on Ciri.
You’re in the best position to comfort her.
I’ll handle the supplies.” He sheathed his sword and headed back toward the manor.