The provocative challenge ignited a fervent uproar among the witches, some of whom began to question the chief's assertions.

“Yes, why waste words on this intruder? Let the Holy Spirit mete out its justice and rend this woman limb from limb!" they clamored in agreement.

Their voices rose in fervent chorus. "That's right! Chief, show no mercy to this insolent wretch who dares to profane our sacred rites! Let her suffer a fate befitting her transgressions!"

Amidst the tumultuous clamor, a solitary voice pierced through the chaos. "We beseech the Holy Spirit to deal with the intruder!"

In unified fervor, the gathered witches echoed the plea. "We beseech the Holy Spirit to deal with the intruder."

Faced with mounting pressure from her zealous followers, the chief found herself backed into a corner, her authority hanging by a tenuous thread. In a fit of frustration, she snapped, "Silence!"

Instantly, the cacophony of voices ceased, silenced by the force of the chief's command.

Undeterred by the chief's display of authority, Nicole addressed the witches with unwavering confidence, "You've all been deceived."

With conviction, Nicole continued, "There is no Holy Spirit. Look at me. I've taken your revered holy witch hostage, yet I stand unscathed before you. Can't you see? Your chief wields no divine power. She's been deceiving you all along!"

"Impossible!" the witches yelled vehemently, rejecting Nicole's accusations.

"The chief extends her benevolence, offering you a chance at redemption," one of the witches interjected, seeking to mollify the tense atmosphere.

“That's correct," the chief interjected, seizing the opening to assert her dominance. “I am indeed granting you a chance. Yet, should you spurn this opportunity, you shall meet a fate far worse than death."

"There's no need for such theatrics," Nicole said, her voice ringing with defiance. "Proceed and inflict upon me the most dreadful demise imaginable, so that your followers may witness the truth."

"You!" The chief seethed, her complexion paling with indignation.

“What? Cat got your tongue?" Nicole retorted dismissively. “Either subject me to your imagined horrors or release that man on the altar Your reign of terror ends now. No longer shall you hide in the shadows of these mountains, perpetrating atrocities against the innocent. Your days of deceit are numbered!"

Blinded by their unwavering faith in divine decree, the witches remained steadfast in their conviction that their actions were righteous, incapable of comprehending any wrongdoing.

Dismissive of Nicole's attempts to enlighten them, the witches remained resolute in their belief that sacrificing souls was a virtuous endeavor ordained by higher powers Frustrated by Nicole's persistent defiance, the chief's fury boiled over. "Stop your seditious chatter!" she screamed, her voice dripping with disdain. “Our witch clan is beyond the influence of a mere mortal such as yourself."

Emerie said to the chief, her tone imploring, "Chief, this woman dares to challenge your authority. Please, put an end to her defiance!"

Watching Emerie's passionate appeal, Nicole recognized her as the most devout follower, deeply immersed in their misguided beliefs.

Undaunted, Nicole persisted in exposing the truths she had uncovered.