Annie tried to persuade him to stay, but his mind was already made up. Before departing, he sincerely promised her that he would return when he was twenty years old, hold a wedding ceremony, and make her his wife.
During the years they spent together, Annie, though a witch herself, tried many times to help Matthew understand that not all witches were evil. There were those of kindness and integrity as well. Yet whenever the subject arose, their conversations always ended in disagreement.
The hatred Matthew carried toward the witch who had murdered his parents had become deeply rooted in his heart. He could no longer believe that such a thing as a good witch could exist.
Heartbroken, Annie told him that she would preserve her chastity as a way of protecting the love they shared. She vowed that she would never marry anyone but Matthew.
After Matthew left, Annie confided everything to the person she trusted most—her sister, Joanne.
The moment Joanne heard the story, alarm bells rang in her mind. She pitied Annie deeply, yet she also believed that if Matthew refused to let go of his hatred for witches, then their bond had already come to an end. Should they ever meet again, they would stand on opposite sides—as enemies.
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