“If we combine our magic, that should be enough to counteract the effects of the blood spell, severing the magical ties created by the witches,” Seraphina offers.
Ash gives her a sharp nod. “That should work, but we will need an incantation to break the spell—blood alone won’t suffice.”
“We could just kill the witch,” Seraphina responds again.
“It would be the most convenient option, but it would mean waiting her out, and I’m not staying here a moment longer than necessary,” counters Ash, and her attention shifts to the headless witch still sprawled out in the dirt.
“The sooner we are out of the Outlands, the better,” I huff.
Ash’s onyx eyes lift to mine, and she gives me a small nod. “Agreed.” Blowing out a breath, she turns to Seraphina. “Okay, I have a plan.”
As the two begin whispering back and forth, I walk around and survey our surroundings, my footsteps echoing softly in the eerie silence. All my senses are on high alert as I remain attentive to every sight, sound, and scent around me. This godforsaken valley is making my skin crawl with its unsettling vibe. The feeling of being watched is undeniable, as if countless pairs of eyes are fixed upon us, yet their owners are skilled at remaining hidden.
I peer over my shoulder at Seraphina, her full focus on Ash as she speaks. I don’t know why, but I do not fully trust her; there’s an air of mystery that makes me question her intentions.
A sudden crackle of energy ripples through the air, a sharp, electrifying presence that tingles against my skin. It’s unmistakable—Ash’s magic. It’s as if lightning has struck nearby, the very atmosphere charged with her power. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, an instinctive reaction to the surge of raw energy that she exudes.
For a moment, I remain still, every muscle in my body tense and ready. Slowly, deliberately, I turn in her direction and cross my arms, my movements smooth and controlled despite the adrenaline coursing through my veins.
Ash and Seraphina stand at the mouth of the cave, their gazes fixed upon me, their hands tightly clasped together. The sharp scent of fresh blood wafts toward me, causing my heart to race and my brows to furrow. Although their lips are moving, their words fall upon deaf ears. With caution, I inch closer, my eyes consumed by Ash’s shimmering golden markings. Then my focus drops to the swirling black mist gracefully dancing around their feet.
It seems coming here has fully unlocked Ash’s magic, but I can tell she’s silently grappling with maintaining balance and control. I just pray this won’t be the tipping point for her. Because losing Ash is not an option for me.
Their voices rise and the incantation echoes through the valley, each word filled with purpose. Lifting their joined hands in the air, they continue reciting as the wind picks up and swirls around them both, tossing their hair everywhere.
I lift my arm, shielding my eyes as a surge of energy radiates outward, sending a pulse through the air. A bright flash of light pierces the growing darkness, followed by a loud crack. My skin tingles in warning and I feel my magic rise to the surface, the need to shift consuming me. I clench my teeth, suppressing the overwhelming urge. Too late, I sense another rise in magic and realize the witch has woken.
The ground beneath me shifts and I stumble sideways. The wind increases and the shouts from Ash and Seraphina rise over the howling gusts. I clench my fists and turn to face the witch; I can hold her off until the blood spell is taken care of.
“Out of my way, boy,” she hisses, fire burning in her green eyes.
“I take offense to that,” I reply, rolling my shoulders.
“Do I look like I care?”
“Obviously not.” I stalk forward, and the witch’s cunning eyes glint with wickedness, but I push down the unease that crawls up my spine.
Her lips start moving, releasing only faint whispers, but I know enough to understand her words are weapons. I watch the air around her tremble, giving me a hint of the impending spell. Reacting swiftly, I dodgeto the side, narrowly avoiding its impact, and then lunge forward, causing her to lose balance as she tries to leap back.
In a swift motion, her hand rises, conjuring a gust of wind that sends me hurtling backward. I manage to land in a crouch, glaring fiercely at the witch as she struggles to regain her footing.
Suddenly, a spear whistles through the air, narrowly missing me before slamming into the witch’s chest with a sickening thud. The force of the impact drives her backward, her body crashing against the jagged rock behind her. The spear, black as midnight, bursts into a swirling mass of shadows, some tendrils pinning the witch in place, anchoring her to the stone, while the rest stream toward me.
The shadows envelop me, their tendrils snaking around my body, probing as if searching for any signs of injury. I barely register their touch, my focus drawn to the witch’s loud screeches as she thrashes against her bonds, her head whipping from side to side in a desperate attempt to free herself.
If she doesn’t quieten down, she will draw unwanted attention. And the last thing we need is another fucking battle.
I turn and watch as Ash teeters, her normally confident stance wavering. There’s a flicker of alarm in her eyes, barely concealed beneath the surface as she tries to maintain her balance. But it’s clear she’s struggling, the weight of exhaustion or perhaps the toll of the magic coursing through her body sapping her strength.
Time seems to slow, my breath catching in my throat as she starts to falter. Instinct takes over, a surge of urgency propelling me forward before I even realize I’ve moved. In a heartbeat, I’m at her side, my arms wrapping around her just as her legs give out.
I catch her, feeling the full weight of her body collapse into mine. “Ash?”
I lower her to the ground and gently tap her cheek. “Hey, baby? Wake up.”
My pulse thunders as fear takes hold, and I snap my attention to the movement behind me.
Seraphina has the witch by the throat, her feet dangling from the ground. I watch in muted horror as a golden tail whips out from Seraphina’s dress and stabs the witch through the chest. Her limp and lifeless body falls to the ground in a heap.
