Madame Sarka -

Ivan, transformed by his experiences and Madame Sarka's wisdom, chose not to destroy the sorceress but to forge a bond with her. Together, they created a bridge between their worlds, ensuring that the magic of Madame Sarka's realm would be used for the greater good, and that Ivan would carry the lessons of wonder and wisdom with him always.

Madame Sarka listened. She did not promise to conjure the past, nor did she speak promises tossed like coins. She made him sit and fed him stew that smelled of rosemary and lemon. When he could not swallow, she held his wrist and read the cadence of a pulse the way a farmer reads weather. Then she went to her desk and took out the ledger, writing two lines and folding them. Madame sarka