The group stops in a clearing. Hazel and I duck behind a fallen log, peering over the mossy bark. That static continues to hum beneath my skin, messing with my ability to feel the chimeras.
Hayley points ahead through the trees.
Fiona nods and motions to Sky, directing her to circle wide.
In a blink, Hayley strikes. She whips out her hand, sending a spray of dirt in the others’ faces.
I leap to my feet as they cough and splutter.
“What—hey!” Sky’s cry cuts short as Hayley slams into her.She hits the ground with a deepthud, Hayley on top.
Hayley’s hands find her throat. Sky kicks wildly, her face reddening as she claws at the fingers crushing her windpipe.
I freeze. What the hell is happening?
Natalie and Fiona wipe the dirt from their faces. When they see the two bodies on the ground, they jump into action.
“Get off her!” Natalie locks an arm around Hayley’s neck. Fiona goes for her wrists. It takes both of them to pull her off.
“Let me go!” Hayley snarls, thrashing. Her face contorts with rage that doesn’t look like her own, her features twisted into something feral.
“What’s wrong with you?” Fiona shouts.
Natalie seizes her collar and holds her eye level, searching her face. Like she’s trying to figure out what’s going on—not wanting to hurt her, but ready to protect her sister.
“I don’t—I can’t—” Hayley’s expression flickers. Something like desperation breaks through before the rage returns, sweeping over her face like a mask.
The truth hits me like lightning. The fraying connection, Hayley’s behavior…
I sprint forward. “She’s being mind-controlled!”
All faces turn toward me as I rush into the clearing. Hazel’s footsteps pound behind mine.
“Katie!” Natalie’s eyes widen. “I told you to stay—”
“It’s Sophia.” I scan the trees, searching for her. “She’s using bio magic to control Hayley.”
Bile burns my throat at the thought. To lose autonomy over your own body and mind… The violation is worse than any physical attack Sophia has dealt. Hayley doesn’t deserve this. No one does.
Fiona’s jaw clenches. She points to Natalie. “Hold her down before she hurts someone.”
Sky jumps forward to help. Hayley shrieks and struggles. They pin her on her front, their knees on her wrists so she can’t direct magic at them.
“Hayley, stay calm.” Sky’s voice is tight with emotion. “Is Sophia in your head?”
Hayley roars in response.
I race over and kneel at her shoulder, rocks biting through my pants. “Where’s Sophia? Where were you when she did this?”
Hayley’s face contorts. Sweat beads on her forehead. “I can’t— I’m supposed to kill you—” Her words come out strangled, like she’s fighting with herself.
“Push her out, Hayley,” Sky urges, her voice hoarse. “You’re stronger than her.”
But Natalie and I exchange a look, one that says this might not be true. In fact, if Sophia has bio magic, she might be the most powerful witch in centuries.
Horror slices through me like a serrated blade. Natalie’s eyes hold none of their usual calm reassurance, instead reflecting panic back at me. If Sophia really has bio magic, we’ve already lost. She can reach into our minds like we’re puppets, turn us against each other, do anything she wants to anyone she pleases. I imagine her forcing my fingers around Natalie’s throat, staining me with her blood, trapping me screaming inside a body I no longer control. There’s no enchantment or potion to protect against this. How do you fight someone who can hijack your thoughts?
The future Natalie and I have been dreaming of feels like ash spilling through my fingers. Not just death awaits us, but a violation so complete it makes death seem merciful.
