Victoria
“Oh,” I said, hesitating before the door. I turned back to him, a frown forming. “What are we to do about the boy?”
I could feel the energy in the room shift, the air thickening as Volcan’s brow furrowed with troubled thoughts.
“We will protect him, as we always have,” he stated firmly, his tone unwavering.
“But he hasn’t always been a threat to our safety.” I argued, frustration bubbling to the surface.
“I understand it’s difficult for you, given your history with Werewolves,” he replied, his voice softer but still resolute. “But Hector is under our protection. That is a fact that will not change.”
I huffed in response, discontent swirling inside me as I exited swiftly through the door. Volcan's compassion was admirable, but perhaps too generous. Vampires were one thing; allowing a Werewolf on our campus crossed a line I refused to accept. If that boy remained here, we risked the safety of all students and staff. Something had to be done before it was too late.
Two days later
Hector
I was running. Somewhere in a vast, endless forest, I felt the cool earth beneath my paws and the sharp scent of pine filling my nostrils. The ancient trees, their trunks so thick they seemed to sway with the weight of centuries, towered above me, their emerald canopies blotting out the moonlit sky. The shadows danced around me, and I had been running for what felt like eternal moments, lost in this dreamlike reverie. My limbs, powerful yet weary, ached with the strain of my flight, and my breath came in ragged gasps that echoed through the quiet woods. Yet, I instinctively knew I had to continue racing forward, propelled by a deep instinct that whispered of freedom and destiny. The brisk night air whisked against my fur, invigorating my spirit like a gentle caress, and though the trees closed in on all sides, I felt an exhilarating sense of liberation—like a caged raven suddenly set free, wings unfurling to embrace the sky.
Suddenly, from between the gnarled boughs, a brilliant white light pierced through the darkness ahead. It shimmered with an otherworldly glow, beckoning me like the dawn after a long night, drawing me closer with an almost magnetic force. This was my destination, my escape; I could feel it in my bones. Without a second thought, I surged forward, my paws pounding the forest floor in a frenzied rhythm, the ache in my muscles intensifying but lost in the allure of the radiant glow. Each leap felt like a release, propelling me closer to the unknown beyond the treeline. The whispering wind seemed to chant my name, urging me on, as if the forest itself was aware of my yearning. I was almost out. Almost free. My heart raced not just with exhaustion, but with the promise of a new beginning awaiting me in that ethereal brilliance.
I jolted awake, my heart pounding like thunder in my chest, overwhelmed by the sterile smell of antiseptic that clawed at my senses. Blinking against the blur of my weak eyes, confusion washed over me like a tidal wave. What was happening? I looked down in horror—there were no paws, no fur. Instead, strange hands stared back at me, fingers twitching wildly in a panic I couldn’t contain. My limbs felt heavy and awkward; human legs bent at strange angles wobbled under the blankets of the stiff bed I lay in. I cried out silently, but the sound caught in my throat.
I threw myself off the bed, collapsing onto the cold tiles with a disorienting thud. The world around me felt alien, every echo of my body hitting the floor amplifying my growing dread. Shadows flickered menacingly in the corners of the room, and I inhaled sharply, feeling trapped in this fragile skeleton of flesh and bone. I had no instinctive howl, no growl to summon; only a desperate urge to flee this nightmare. I scrambled to my feet, but my balance betrayed me, and I stumbled, chaos swirling in my mind.
Where was I? Why was I trapped in this skin that felt like a cursed prison? Panic gnawed at my sanity, a relentless beast tearing at the edges of my mind as I fought to reclaim my once-mighty identity. Each confusion-laden step echoed my internal turmoil, a dissonant symphony of fear and disorientation.
A sharp pain shot through my chest, seizing my breath. My hand instinctively shot to my skin, tearing away the white bandages wound tightly around me. Gasping, I rubbed my palm over the flesh of my chest, my fingertips grazing the four long cuts that slashed across my torso, stark and raw like a cruel reminder of my transformation.
Suddenly, fragments of memory surged forward, chaotic and jarring. The other wolf—the one whose brutal assault had sprung me into this new existence. It crashed into me, sharp claws cutting through my skin, a violent act that stunned me into this strange reality. But why? Why had it done that?
Then it struck me, a painful flicker igniting in my mind. The younger one—the pup. A mere wisp of innocence, and yet I had tried to kill it. My heart raced as I wrestled with the confusion and savage instincts that had overtaken me. What had come over me? I dug deeper into my memory, and suddenly a face appeared—a soft, human face with dark eyes and even darker hair.
I was protecting her.
“Olivia,” I gasped, the name bursting forth like a dam breaking. The realization hit me like a wave, forcing me down to the floor as my mind reeled.
My eyes flitted around the room, the shadows shifting in the corners, and my memories flooded back with an urgency that sent chills coursing through me. I was in the infirmary, the sterile environment pulsating beneath the bright glow cast from the window. It should have been the middle of the night, but the brightness felt wrong, an unnatural glow that echoed my rising anxiety. With a surge of determination, I cautiously pushed myself up on weak, tremulous legs, fighting against the dizziness that threatened to engulf me.
The moon hung in the sky, a brilliant silver disc casting its ethereal light across the campus, illuminating everything in a haunting glow. The Blood Moon had gone.
“Olivia,” I murmured again, the name laced with urgency as panic mounted in my chest. I remembered it all—the attack by the Dark Matron, the malevolence that lurked in the shadows. I needed to know what had happened; I needed to know if Olivia was safe. Without hesitating, I quietly opened the window and felt the cool night air rush in, invigorating and intoxicating.
With a final glance back at the barren room, I jumped into the embrace of the soft grass below, landing with a gentle thud. The moonlight guided my path, but the question loomed larger than life—where would she be?
Olivia
I sat in silence on the floor of my dorm, surrounded by the muted chaos of my thoughts. The last few days had felt like an overwhelming tide, dragging me deeper into despair. Lucas’s funeral, solemn and haunting, had been hosted by the school, an event I would never forget. His grave, nestled closely beside his parents, felt like an echo of anguish in my heart. After the ceremony, his Weapon was returned to the realm of light, a silent promise that it would wait patiently for the day it would be called upon again.
I took a deep breath, my thoughts drifting to Claire. She had left the school temporarily to visit her family. I hadn’t even gotten the chance to say goodbye to her before she headed out. Wishing I could have found the right words to ease her pain only added to the weight on my chest. Before she left, she had retreated into herself, her silence a testament to her grief. I longed to comfort her, but the right gestures eluded me. As soft music played in the background, I leaned my head back against the wall, my eyes fluttering shut, hoping to escape the harsh reality for even a moment.
The events had felt unreal; Hector still lay in the hospital, and now Lucas was gone. I was consumed by uncertainty about whether any of us would emerge from this darkness intact.
Just then, a sudden knock on my window jolted me from my thoughts, my heart racing at the unexpected sound. Carefully, I made my way to the window, unease knitting my brow as I peered into the thick darkness outside.
A familiar face broke through the blackness.
“Oh my god, Hector!” I cried, flinging the window open wide. He climbed through, still clad in his hospital robes, his bandages torn off, leaving his chest exposed to the cool air.
Without a word he wrapped his arms around me, holding me tightly. I leaned back, looking into his eyes. He was still him, yet there was something unmistakably off about him. I had expected changes, given all of the trauma he must have gone through, but physically, he seemed different. His eyes held a strange mix of confusion and emptiness, and his body felt strangely warm in a way that both comforted and alarmed me.
“Olivia…” he said, searching my face as if trying to pull the right words from the depths of his mind. “Are you… alright?” He placed his hands on my shoulders, carefully examining me, as though assessing for any signs of injury.
“I’m fine,” I reassured him, my voice a fragile whisper. “It’s you I’m worried about.”
He paused, his gaze drifting down to his hands and his healing body. “I feel… different,” he finally admitted. “Not bad, just different.”
I wrapped my arms around him again, pulling him in for a tight embrace, the warmth radiating from him enveloped me like a thick blanket.
With a soft pull back, I stared into his eyes, noticing how they flickered around the room, searching. “What happened?” he asked after a moment. “Where are Claire and Lucas?” The question was heavy with dread.
My chest tightened painfully. It felt like a physical sting as I swallowed hard. “Lucas was the Spawn,” I choked out, my voice barely above a whisper.
Hector's eyes widened with shock. He paused for a moment and then sank to the floor, confusion quickly morphing into pain. I knelt beside him, instinctively wrapping my arms around him once more, wanting to shield him from the hurt that was bursting within me.
“You have to tell me,” he insisted, his voice thick with desperation. “Everything. Everything that happened after the basement.”
I nodded, shifting beside him, the weight of my memories crashing over me like a wave. I began recounting every painful detail of my encounter with the Dark Matron—the sight of Volcan unconscious on the floor, the agony of absorbing Et’r’s powers, the rush of flying through the school to reach Lucas, but ultimately, the bitter realization that I was too late. Tears flowed unbidden as I recounted the moments of horror, pain, and helplessness.
Hector sighed deeply, anguish etched across his features. “What now?” he asked, his hand instinctively resting on the scratch across his chest, a symbol of the battle we had fought.
“What now?” I echoed, my breath hitching as I leaned my head on his shoulder, closing my eyes to drown out the weight of it all. In that moment, I could feel the burden of our grief pressing down on us, and I clung to the warmth of his presence, hoping that together we could somehow navigate the darkness that now surrounded us.
I was startled awake by a sudden knock on my door, the sound echoing through the stillness of the morning. My eyes shot open, squinting against the blinding light spilling into my room.
“Hector?” I called out, scanning the room frantically. He wasn’t there. The window hung open, letting in a gentle morning breeze that did little to calm my racing heart. Wiping the sleep from my eyes, I approached the door and swung it open, only to be met by a tall, looming figure.
“Dex,” I breathed, startled. He stood there, his intense gaze pinning me in place while Chloe lingered quietly behind him, her head bowed and gaze cast downwards.
“Good morning, Olivia,” he said, his tone more formal than the last time we had spoken. His sharp eyes flicked from my face to the interior of my room, subtly searching my room.
“We’ve come looking for Hector. Have you seen him?”
My heart sank, and I quickly cast my gaze downward, noting the way his hand gripped the silver blade at his side with tension thick enough to cut butter.
“Khxlynd’r,” I whispered in my mind, seeking solace or guidance from the familiar voice. But there was only silence. Ever since the unsettling encounter with the Dark Matron, he had been eerily quiet. Perhaps I had damaged our bond by pushing too hard.
“I haven’t,” I replied bluntly, summoning my courage. “Have you checked the infirmary?”
He let out a deep sigh, frustration evident in his posture.
“We have. It seems he left at some point last night. We thought you would be the first person he’d come to.”
They were right about that.
“I can’t help you,” I said, beginning to close the door.
Dex caught the door in his hand before it could slam shut. “Do you mind if we check?” he asked, his voice lowering, a hint of desperation mixing with authority.
I hesitated, glancing around my room as if expecting Hector to suddenly appear. He wasn’t here, and I realized I didn’t really have a choice. Slowly, I opened the door wider, allowing Dex and Chloe to step inside.
Dex moved to the center of the room, his senses heightened as he took in the air. He breathed in through his nose deeply, making me wonder if he could smell him. To me, Hector didn’t smell any different, but to an Elf, it might be an entirely different experience.
“Are you sure you haven't seen him?” he asked, his eyes narrowing as they landed on the open window.
“I’m positive,” I responded, crossing my arms defensively.
He locked eyes with me, his gaze penetrating deep into my soul, seeming to search for any signs of deceit. Chloe placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, and for a moment, the intensity in his eyes softened.
“Alright,” he conceded, letting out a long sigh, the tension easing slightly. “If he turns up, do let us know.”
With that, he and Chloe headed for the door. I quickly shut it behind them, my heart racing like a wild drum in my chest.
Just as I approached the window to close it, Hector suddenly popped up out of nowhere, making me nearly jump. He pressed a finger to his lips, signaling me to be quiet as he climbed through the window, shutting it tightly after him. Then he immediately walked to the door and pressed his ear against it, listening intently. After a short moment, he let out a sigh of relief.
“I’m sorry,” he murmured, a hint of panic threading through his voice. “I heard them coming, and I didn’t know what to do.”
I hurried to the window, closing the curtains to prevent any prying eyes. “Maybe we should talk to them,” I suggested, my voice steady despite the worry gnawing at me. “Maybe they can help.”
Hector’s expression soured, his arms folding tightly across his chest. “Somehow, I don’t think Victoria’s lap dogs want to help,” he sneered, bitterness lingering in his words.
“They did protect that other girl,” I pointed out, my voice trailing off.
“By keeping her in a cage,” he shot back, his frown deepening. “Besides, they were only protecting her so the Dark Matron didn’t claim her.”
He was right. The girl was an anomaly. The school was not kind to Werewolves. In fact, they were regularly hunted by fifth-years and the hunters. I had the feeling Dex did not come here just to talk.
“What do we do?” I asked, my frown mirroring his concern.
Hector closed his eyes, rubbing a hand thoughtfully against his chin. “I want to find her,” he finally said, a deep yearning in his tone. “The young girl. She felt familiar to me in a way that I can’t express in words.”
“I know,” I said, nodding slowly. The Dark Matron had uttered his last name before she killed the other wolf—a detail I regretted omitting from our last conversation.
“How do we find her?” I pressed, hopeful.
“Can’t you?” he asked, a flicker of desperation crossing his face. “With Et’r’s power?”
I shook my head, feeling the weight of consequence settle over us. “Neither Et’r nor Khxlynd’r have been active since I last used their powers; it’s almost like they’ve disappeared.”
He sighed deeply, rubbing his temples as if warding off a headache.
“We can use an incantation,” I suggested, a newfound determination sparking in my voice.
“That’s really powerful magic,” he cautioned. “I don’t know if we could pull it off.”
I thought back to the steps I had learned in Professor Hawthorne’s class. He was right; the spell was advanced, even for me. Suddenly, an idea popped into my head—strange, perhaps a bit foolish, but it felt worth exploring.
“Oh!” I exclaimed, a strange excitement bubbling within me. “I think I know someone who might be able to help.”
Niles
I sat at the small table in our cramped little shed, surrounded by the clutter that defined our temporary home. Ella and Duncan lounged on the worn couch, their relaxed demeanor a stark contrast to the tension that had been brewing just a few days ago. I tossed an empty bottle into the trash can and let out a sigh of relief, the sound echoing softly in the dim light. We had likely indulged a bit more than we should have, but after the deer we had consumed and the length of time since our last satisfying meal, we reasoned we deserved a small reward.
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Slumping down in my chair, exhaustion washed over me like a tide, the remnants of overindulgence weighing heavily against my chest. Ella stretched her arms up high before cracking her neck, a satisfied smile spreading across her face.
“Now,” she announced, her voice brightening, “since things are slowly going back to normal, I think we can refocus on our mission.”
“That’s not a bad idea,” Duncan agreed, his brows rising in thought.
An unsettling pang of nervousness gripped my stomach as I realized how quickly our lives could shift.
“What do you suggest we do?” Duncan turned towards me, his eyes expectant.
“I… I’m not sure,” I replied, my brow furrowing as I struggled to find the right words.
“Well,” Ella said, her chin resting thoughtfully in the palm of her hand, “you’re the only one who has seen her up close.”
We needed a plan, and it hit me that it all rested on that singular connection.
“We need to find a way to get her here,” Ella continued, her expression turning serious. “I mean, it’s not like she’s just going to show up on her own.”
Before any of us could respond, a sharp knock echoed on the door, causing all three of us to exchange glances. Confusion flickered in our eyes. In the brief time we had been here, no one had ever come to our hideout directly. The only visitor had been Victoria when she led us here initially.
“I guess… I’ll get it?” Duncan suggested hesitantly, standing and making his way to the door. His actions were cautious as he cracked it open just enough to peek outside.
“Oh,” a soft voice wafted through the small aperture, instantly recognizable to me. “Um, hi… I was just looking—”
“Olivia,” I exclaimed, suddenly rising from my seat, my breath quickening.
Duncan looked back at me, concern etched on his face as he opened the door wider.
Olivia stood at the threshold, her expression frantic, while Hector, her partner, loomed a few inches behind her—a protective shadow. I could feel an undeniable sense of urgency radiating from her, a weight far heavier than the simple matter of confronting us Vampires. She was running from something.
“Come in,” I said, stepping toward them to usher them inside.
Ella threw her hands up, disbelief plastered across her face as she processed the unexpected arrival. Duncan promptly shut the door behind them, the small space suddenly feeling even more cramped with five of us inside.
For a moment, we all stood in awkward silence, unsure of how to break the tension that hung in the air like mist.
“You must be Niles,” Hector finally broke the stillness, extending his hand toward me.
I glanced down at his outstretched hand, feeling a mix of curiosity and caution. Satisfied from our earlier feast, I didn’t see the harm in accepting his gesture. I gently took his hand and shook it. His warmth surprised me—almost burning against my cold skin. As we clasped hands, I sensed something deep within him, something wild and ravenous, as if it were poised to break free. He was a Werewolf, no doubt about it, and as the full moon approached, that part of him would surely emerge.
“You must be Hector,” I responded, forcing a smile.
My gaze shifted to Olivia, who still looked consumed by worry.
“Olivia, these are my… companions,” I said, gesturing toward Duncan and Ella.
Ella offered a small wave, while Duncan's face broke into a sly grin.
He extended his hand toward Olivia, who hesitantly took it in hers.
“I’ve heard a lot about you,” Duncan said, grasping her hand with both of his palms.
I shot him a glare, feeling embarrassment bubble up in my chest. If I could have blushed, I would have been glowing.
Olivia smiled softly before gently retracting her hand.
“This is technically against school rules,” Ella chimed, raising an eyebrow. “We’re not allowed to have other students over.”
“I’m sorry,” Olivia stammered, her flustered expression highlighting her distress. “We didn’t know where else to go.”
“Why did you come?” I asked, my concern peeking through my words.
She shifted, visibly uncomfortable, and her voice dropped to a mere whisper.
“Hector is turning…”
My heart sank at the weight of her admission, and the toll it must have taken on her.
“I don’t think it’s safe for him to stay here.” The sorrow etched in her eyes lingered as she glanced up at Hector.
“I need your help finding someone,” Hector interjected, his voice steady yet urgent. “Another Werewolf.”
“Finding someone?” Ella crossed her arms skeptically. “We’re not trackers.”
“Actually,” Duncan piped up, an air of pride lacing his words, “I am quite a skilled tracker.”
Ella elbowed him in the ribs.
Olivia turned toward me, her eyes pleading for assistance. “I was thinking we could use a spell. One that I learned in Professor Hawthorne’s class. Quaerere et invenire is the incantation.”
“I’m familiar,” I replied, recalling the various steps involved in the complex spell. “But why exactly do you need me to help? I’m sure you’re powerful enough on your own.”
Olivia placed a hand over her heart, her expression earnest. “I’m not quite up to it alone. My abilities have been weak since my encounter with the Dark Matron.”
A collective shudder rippled through Ella, Duncan and me at the mere mention of the Dark Matron. Despite technically being our creator, the very thought of her sent chills down any creature’s spine.
I contemplated the situation for a moment. “Okay,” I finally said, nodding decisively. “We’re going to need a few things before we get started.”
Ella exhaled, her sigh tinged with annoyance, but Olivia’s determination brightened as she stepped forward.
I gathered my candles from a cabinet in the kitchen, arranging them meticulously in a circle on the floor. With a piece of chalk, I began outlining the rune required for the spell—a complex series of circles and symbols that danced along the outer edges. I couldn’t decipher the language, but I recognized it as older than Devalic, and its beauty left me in awe.
“Here,” Olivia said, extending her hand toward me. I gently placed the chalk in her palm, and she began correcting a few of the symbols I had drawn.
“You seem to be very good at this,” I observed, watching her precise movements.
“My mom taught me,” she replied, a proud smile breaking through her worry. “This is kind of her specialty.”
“There,” she said, finishing the delicate corrections.
I nodded, surveying the intricate design before us. “Do we have anything of his?”
“Hers,” Hector corrected, his voice firm. “And… no.”
“Anything will do,” I insisted. “Hair, clothing, anything.”
“She was kept in the basement of the school,” Olivia pointed out, her voice slightly steadier now. “There might be something left if they didn’t clean up.”
“That's perfect,” I said, my spirits lifting. “Duncan, can you—”
Suddenly, a loud whistle pierced through the air from outside, reminiscent of someone calling a wayward pet.
“What the hell?” Ella exclaimed, her head turning toward the door.
Duncan swiftly turned to me, urgency lining his features. “Niles,” he said, his tone serious. I nodded, extending my senses toward the door. Closing my eyes, I felt my energy reach out beyond the confines of our shed, into the bright day.
The figures beyond the door coalesced into view: three figures, two Elves and a Human. They stood poised a few feet back from our entrance, weapons in hand, their hearts racing in anticipation. This visit was not friendly—they were here for Hector.
As I opened my eyes, I gestured for Olivia and Hector to retreat to the little kitchenette, whispering for them to stay hidden. They moved stealthily, ducking behind the counter.
“It’s Dex,” I said, focusing again on the trio. “They’re looking for Hector.”
Duncan edged the door open, and the three of us stepped out, the brightness of the sunlight illuminating the tension around us.
The three figures stood solemnly on the path that led to our shed.
“Sorry to disturb you at this hour,” Dex said, brows furrowed, his eyes seemingly weighed down by something unspoken. I shifted my attention to the other two flanking him. The first was a boy I knew from my class with Olivia. He was called Elliot. He had chestnut brown hair that was almost always covered by a pale green bucket hat. The other boy was someone who I had never seen before. He was an Elf with short curly blonde hair and icy blue eyes. His skin was almost iridescent as it shined in the sun.
“To what do we owe the pleasure?” Duncan asked, his casual tone designed to mask lingering tension.
“We’re here for the boy,” Elliot sneered, a sly grin creeping across his features.
“Wish we could help,” Duncan replied nonchalantly, hands casually resting in his pockets. “I’m afraid he’s not here.”
“Don’t lie to us,” the blonde Elf interjected, his Elvish accent thick as he narrowed his focus. “I can smell him from here.”
I examined him closely. Was he a pure blood?
Duncan glanced sideways at me, concerned.
“We’ll make this simple,” Dex said, taking a deep breath, his voice laced with impatience. “Bring the boy to us, or we’ll come in and get him.”
Ella let out a low chuckle, amusement dancing in her eyes. “You can try,” she challenged, a confident smile playing on her lips.
Dex let out a deep sigh, clearly over the games.
“Elliot,” he commanded, turning to his right. “Go get him.”
“With pleasure,” Elliot replied, tightening his grip on his sword as he took a step forward.
“Wait,” a voice called from behind, causing all of us to turn. The door creaked open, and Olivia emerged, stepping out alongside Hector, their hands intertwined in an act of solidarity.
Elliot's expression shifted, a twisted grin forming.
“I’ll come with you, just leave my friends out of it,” Hector said, his tone unwavering. “Let’s not resort to violence.”
The two stepped forward, but Dex’s hand shot up. “Wait. Just you, Hector. Olivia stays.”
“I’m not leaving him,” Olivia protested, holding on tighter, determination shining through her fear.
Hector looked at her, his eyes softening amidst the chaos. “I’ll be back,” he reassured her gently. He loosened her grip as he began to walk toward the trio.
Dex lowered his head, frustration evident, while Elliot wore a victorious grin.
I turned to Elliot, sensing something deeper beneath his surface—a warning that made adrenaline surge through me. I reached my corporeal hand toward him and felt the spikes of excitement radiating from within. It wasn’t just the thrill of potential conflict; he had been promised something—an opportunity by Victoria. I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, tuning in to the palpable energy that had danced between them.
The truth struck me. It was as if I could hear their conversation as clear as day: he had been promised that when the time came, he would be the one to kill the Werewolf.
A wave of furious energy surged through my being, igniting an uncontrollable tempest of emotions directed toward the group standing defiantly before us. In a moment of instinctive clarity, I channeled that anger into electricity, the current crackling within my core.
This was not just a confrontation; this was a defense of my friends. Without a whisper of the incantation, a bolt of lightning shot down my arm and erupted from my fingertips.
Shock blanketed the trio’s faces as my lightning bolt arced toward them, but Dex, ever vigilant, deflected the strike with his sword, the electricity colliding with a tree, splintering it in an explosion of wood.
“What the hell, Niles?” Ella shouted, her eyes wide with astonishment.
“They mean to kill you Hector! Run!” I urged, once more feeling a surge of energy build within me again.
Hector hesitated, glancing back toward Olivia, who nodded fervently in encouragement. With newfound resolve, he took off into the dense woods.
In a fit of frustration, Elliot hurled his sword toward Hector, narrowly missing as it whizzed past him, embedding itself into the ground with a thud.
“Take care of them!” Dex yelled, his voice laced with anger as he tore off after Hector.
Elliot’s smirk faded as he and the other Elf turned their attention toward us, hostility glinting in their eyes.
“You’re outnumbered,” Duncan stated, positioning himself to protect the group.
“Yeah, but you’re outmatched,” Elliot retorted, nodding toward the blonde Elf. “Ira.”
Ira lifted his hands, and a trail of icy spikes erupted from the ground, heading straight for us.
“Go!” I yelled at Olivia. “Hector is going to need you!”
She nodded, determination flooding her face before sprinting into the woods, following the path Hector had taken.
I focused my intent on Ira, narrowly avoiding the spikes he launched with practiced agility. I retaliated, gathering energy for another bolt of lightning. I aimed with precision, anger fueling my actions, and unleashed a powerful strike.
My bolt whizzed by Ira, as he easily evaded it. The three of us jumped out of the way of his wave of ice spikes, which crashed into our little shed, sending the whole thing toppling down in a cloud of dust and dirt. I looked up at Ira and Elliot who had strong looks of determination in their eyes. The three of us prepared ourselves for the battle that lay ahead.
Olivia
I ran through the woods, my heart pounding like a drum in my chest. The trees whizzed past my vision, blocking all sense of direction. Dex and Hector were too far ahead for me to see them through the thick branches, but I could clearly hear the rhythmic sounds of their hurried footsteps echoing in the distance. I only prayed that I would reach them in time.
“Khxlynd’r!” I yelled in desperation, my voice reverberating throughout the forest, searching for any response. Yet, there was nothing—not even a hint of his power lingering in my body. I felt an overwhelming emptiness in my chest, as if he had been ripped from me entirely.
Suddenly, a loud yell pierced the air, sending an icy dread through me. It came from just ahead. A small area where I could see light peeking through the trees.
“Hector!” I shouted, urging my legs to pick up speed as panic surged within me. I hoped that I wasn’t already too late.
I burst into a clearing bathed in sunlight, illuminating the scene before me. Hector lay sprawled on his back, inching backward, a deep, jagged cut sliced across his cheek, blood trickling onto his neck and shoulder. Dex stood defiantly before him, grasping his sword tightly, his back turned to me.
“No!” I screamed, rushing towards Dex and grabbing onto his shoulder, desperation clawing at my throat.
“Stand back!” he yelled, shoving me backward with surprising force, causing me to stumble and fall onto the mossy ground below. I hit the ground with a painful thud which knocked the wind out of me.
Dex raised his sword high, preparing to strike down at Hector. A chill of fear wrapped around my spine—Khxlynd’r wasn’t here to protect me. If I put myself between them I had no idea whether I would survive the impending blow. I pushed the thought to the back of my mind. Gathering every ounce of courage, I forced my body to leap between the two, shielding Hector with my own.
Dex faltered, his swing losing momentum as he locked eyes with me, shock etched across his face. He stopped his strike just before his sword came down on me.
“Move away, Olivia,” he commanded, his voice etched with disbelief.
“No!” I cried, panic surging through me as I wrapped my arms tightly around Hector. Hector looked at me, his eyes filled with a mix of sadness and gratefulness.
“He is a monster!” Dex insisted. “He hasn’t changed yet, but once he does, he will become a killer—a slave to the Dark Matron.”
“I won’t let you hurt him!” I insisted, tightening my grip around Hector.
“I’m not going to ask you again,” he warned, his tone darkening like a storm cloud.
“Please,” I pleaded, turning my gaze toward him. I saw conflict swirling in his dark eyes—an inner turmoil battling against his resolve. He was a good hunter, but to hunt down and kill someone he had just fought beside, I felt in my heart that he didn’t want to do it.
“You made me a promise,” I continued, desperation building. “That Hector would be in good hands. I trusted you. You’re supposed to protect us, not turn your back on us.”
With a deep, frustrated groan, Dex lowered his weapon, brow creased with strain. He raised both hands to his head, as though trying to suppress a powerful headache. He stood in silence for a moment, contemplating the situation that lay before him. He looked again at the two of us, entwined in a tight embrace. He let out a deep sigh. Standing tall, he returned his sword to its scabbard, his expression unreadable. Without another word, he turned sharply and began walking away toward the direction we had all come.
“Dex?” I called out, confusion coloring my voice, but he ignored me, his footsteps growing distant.
Breathing deeply once he was out of sight, I turned my gaze back to Hector. “Hector,” I murmured in a whisper, gently placing my hand on his cheek and using my sleeve to dab away the blood. “We have to get out of here.”
“We?” he asked, confusion tightening his brows.
“Yes,” I affirmed, my voice steady despite the chaos around us. “I won’t leave you, and I won’t be able to live with myself unless I know you’re safe.”
He stood up, pulling me to my feet, wrapping his arms tightly around me. “Alright,” he said, relief mingling with fear in his voice. “Let’s go.”
Before we could move, a deep crack echoed through the forest like the sound of thunder. Startled, Hector and I turned to see what the commotion was about. In the center of the clearing, a plume of purple smoke erupted like a sinister whirlwind. It swirled like a tornado, revealing glimpses of a shadowy figure looming inside.
“I don’t think,” a stern voice spoke, “you two will be going anywhere.”
The smoke slowly cleared, revealing the Headmistress standing tall, a silver spear clutched in her gloved right hand, exuding an aura of formidable authority. She eyed the two of us, with an unexpectedly calm look on her face.
“Your display of bravery and unity is very touching,” she remarked, adjusting her glasses with a flick of her wrist. “Sadly, this is where things end.”
She fixed her piercing gaze on me, her eyes boring deep into my soul. “Olivia, please step away from the boy,” she commanded, her voice fraying at the edges with impatience.
“I won’t let you harm him,” I countered defiantly, positioning myself protectively in front of Hector.
“That’s unfortunate,” she retorted, and with a swift motion of her left hand, I felt myself knocked aside by an invisible force. The impact knocked the wind out of me, slamming me hard against the rough bark of a nearby tree.
In an instant, Victoria’s eyes lingered on me for a fleeting moment, before angling back to Hector and whipping her right hand back, hurling the spear in a vicious arc toward him. Instinctively, Hector moved but not quite fast enough, resulting in the spear grazing his shoulder with a searing scrape. His skin sizzled as the silver made contact. He grimaced in pain as blood pooled and dripped from the wound.
Hector clutched his shoulder, anguish written all over his face. The spear embedded itself into a tree, and promptly disappeared in a puff of silver smoke.
“I will end this,” she bellowed, her eyes smoldering with contempt. She clapped her hands together, and another spear materialized, glinting ominously in the sunlight.
“Hector!” I screamed, but it was too late—Victoria reeled back, her intentions clear. I jumped forward, placing myself between her and Hector just as she released the spear. The spear pierced through my shoulder, searing pain electrifying every nerve in my body. I collapsed backward into Hector, both of us hitting the ground with a thud.
“No!” he cried, horror gripping him as he cradled me in his arms.
Desperately, he reached for the spear in my shoulder, but his hand recoiled in agony upon contact, burning as if he had touched a hot stove.
A gasp escaped Victoria’s throat. Victoria stared at us, her eyes wide with disbelief. She seemed frozen with fear momentarily.
The spear disappeared into another cloud of smoke, and Hector held his hand over my wound, blood pouring from my open flesh.
I looked up at Hector, my vision blurring.
Victoria stared at my wound and then began laughing maniacally.
“You’ve lost them?” she laughed, her voice dripping with malice.
With another clap of her hands, she conjured yet another spear.
“Well, I guess there’s no harm in killing you both then.”
The word ‘both’ hung in the air like a death sentence, as she slowly approached the two of us.
Suddenly a loud screeching sound permeated through the air.
Victoria turned, her expression shifting in alarm as we all beheld the sight before us. A tear had opened in the air, floating ominously in the direct center of the field. Not too unlike the ones that had been opened by the Dark Matron. However this tear had burning edges of bright crimson.
A figure emerged, draped in deep red robes, with long, pin-straight black hair cascading down her back like a sinuous wave. She looked at me with piercing red eyes, then shifted to Hector, before finally setting her gaze on Victoria.
“M… Mom?” I choked out, my heart racing.
Volcan emerged from the open portal next, following my mother closely.
She drew a thin black blade from a scabbard at her waist, pointing it menacingly at Victoria. “Back away from my daughter,” she commanded, her voice ringing with authority.
Victoria exhaled sharply, slowly retreating, her malice momentarily dulled.
“I’m sorry, Victoria,” Volcan said, lowering his gaze. “It’s over.”
“Not while that monster lives!” Victoria spat, her face contorting with fury.
She lifted her hands towards the sky. Purple smoke began pooling from her hands, draping over her body like a shower of darkness.
“You can run.” My mother said, her eyes narrowing, “But I will find you.”
With another crack of thunder, Victoria vanished, leaving only a puff of purple smoke behind.
My mother rushed to my side. She reached her hands toward me and cradled my face gently.
“You did wonderfully, Olivia,” she whispered, her touch warm and comforting against the coolness of my skin. “It’s okay. You will be safe now.”
As darkness began to close in around me, I could see my mother’s smile directed at Hector, whispering words I couldn’t quite catch. My vision faded to black, and I sank into a deep sleep.