“It’s a bit stiff, hurts when I move, but I’ll survive.”
I glanced back at Nate and Mey. “How is she?”
“Not great, feels like something happened when that thing bit her,” Ashley said cautiously, lowering her voice.
She looked exactly like before she began using her magical abilities. Pale and sick, as if she had a narrow time limit on her lifespan.
“Eve is more energetic, but she’s not a mage,” Ashley added, pondering the thought.
“This is all my fault,” I said, shoulders sinking.
“If catching a demon was easy, it wouldn’t have been a trial,” she said, patting my shoulder. “So… you know, break a leg.”
“What?”
“No, not like literally, like… oh never mind.”
I chuckled confused and she smiled back.
“About your flames…”
“Don’t,” I shook my head, shame creeping in.
“We’re not judging, it’s new to all of us, even you,” she continued, ignoring my comment.
“You didn’t see,” I sighed, my voice lowering. “Theyfearedme.”
“They failed to understand you,” she corrected. “None of us knows what it’s like to be connected to magic like that, not even Mey seems to have the same connection with water as you do with fire.”
“Sorry for eavesdropping, but…” Nate came up on my other side, Mey’s arm draped around his neck as he acted as a pillar holding her up.
“I apologize, Ethalyn. Your flames closed Mey’s wound after all. It must be hard learning it all by yourself.”
“Apology accepted,” Ashley answered for me, crossing her arms.
Nate furrowed his brows at her, before he huffed amused. “Didn’t know you came as a package deal.”
I chuckled lightly. “Thanks, Nate.”
The forest was calm, thin rays of light finding their way through the tree canopies, the wind carrying us forward. Still, it was too quiet, like something was waiting for us, or watching us from the underbrush. I felt my skin prickling, my eyes kept darting to the sides, trying to find out whatever was making me feel uncomfortable.
“Am I the only one who feels watched?” Eve muttered from behind.
“I thought I was the only one,” Nate added with concern. “Guess something’s following us?”
“It feels… ominous,” Lionel said.
“I don’t… feel so good,” Mey panted and we all turned towards her. Nate placed her down on a rock, as Mey scratched the side of her neck. Slowly, I stepped forward and pulled at her bandages. Black markings spread around her wound, like it had corrupted her blood, spreading through her veins. My eyes widened and Nate gritted his teeth.
“What the hell is that?” he whispered, disheartened.
“I… I don’t know,” I stammered.
Malakai pushed between us, his hand ripping the bandage away in a quick motion.
“What are you—” Nate shouted, before the sight of the wound made himquiet.
It was blackened, the entire wound. Mey’s eyes flickered towards something off to the side. I followed it but saw nothing.
