This chapter opens with a flashback to the beginning of the previous chapter, in which the protagonist is introduced. The protagonist is a young boy who has been orphaned by his mother. He has been sent away to live with his aunt, who is a witch. He was raised by his aunt to be a witch, and he is now a member of the witch's household. His aunt is the mother of the protagonist's sister, who has also been orphaned, and the protagonist has come to visit her. He tells his aunt that he has come because he wants to help her, and she tells him that he is welcome to come as long as he does not harm her or her family