Dorothy felt a chill run down her spine at the Witch's words. She knew she was far from home, and everything she had seen so far had only confirmed her worst fears. The twisted yellow brick road, the strange creatures, and now this mysterious woman warning her of danger.

"What do you mean, danger?" Dorothy asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The Witch of the West's expression grew even more severe. "You are not in Kansas anymore, my child," she said. "This land is ruled by a cruel and wicked sorcerer known as the Wizard of Oz. He will stop at nothing to maintain his power, and anyone who opposes him risks their very lives."

Dorothy felt a lump form in her throat. "But I didn't come here to oppose anyone," she said. "I just want to go home."

The Witch of the West regarded her for a moment, as if sizing her up. "Very well," she said finally. "I will help you. But first, we must make a detour."

Dorothy had no choice but to follow the Witch deeper into the forest, her heart pounding with every step. The trees grew denser and the air grew colder, until they finally arrived at a clearing.

In the center of the clearing stood a large stone altar, surrounded by candles and strange symbols. The Witch began to chant, her voice rising in a crescendo that sent shivers down Dorothy's spine.

As the last syllable echoed through the air, a dark figure appeared before them. He was tall and menacing, with eyes that glowed like embers.

"Who dares to summon me?" he growled.
The Witch stepped forward, undaunted. "I am the Witch of the West," she said. "And I have come to bargain."

The figure regarded her with interest. "What do you want?"

The Witch's voice was low and steady. "I seek the aid of the Wicked One," she said. "The Wizard of Oz has taken a young girl from her home, and I need your help to retrieve her."

The figure chuckled, a sound that made the hairs on the back of Dorothy's neck stand up. "You expect me to help you? And why should I trust you?"

The Witch produced a small vial from within her robes. "Because I have something you want," she said. "This is the potion of eternal life. With it, you will never age or die. But you must agree to help me first."

The figure regarded the vial with interest. "Very well," he said finally. "I will help you. But be warned: the Wizard of Oz is not easily defeated."