Dacia Wolf & the Prophecy

by Mandi Oyster

  The muscles tightened in his neck. “Do you really think I believe you?”

  “Why don’t you?” I clenched my jaw and tried to contain my frustration. When I talked again, my voice had softened. “I’ve had so many opportunities to hurt all of you, but even in self-defense, I didn’t do anything when you threw me down the stairs.”

  “Only because you were so worried about your precious guard dog.”

  Heat burned my stomach, saturating my veins. “I could’ve killed all of you right then. It wouldn’t have taken me any longer to get to Cody. I didn’t have to extinguish the fireball.” I held my head in my hand, trying to fight down my anger. “What did I ever do to any of you, anyway?”

  “You came to school here. Isn’t that enough?” His mouth curled up on one side. “Don’t you realize what a menace you are? You’re an abomination. People like you shouldn’t exist.”

  My hands clenched into tight fists, but somehow, I managed to hold my temper at bay.

  “You’re nothing but a FREAK!”

  Anger boiled in my stomach. Through gritted teeth, I said, “If I were you, I’d leave now.”

  “Cassandra knew before she even met you that you would try to hurt all of us. She warned us all the first day she saw you here.” Confusion clouded his eyes. He took his hand off my arm and rubbed his neck with it. “I don’t know why you didn’t hurt us when you had the chance, but I know somebody needs to stop you.” He stood.

  “What do you mean ‘she knew’?” I asked. How could she know about me?

  “She just knew. She had dreams about meeting you. She knows what you’re trying to do. She knew you would try to stop anyone who got in your way, and she wanted to stop you first.”

  “I’m not trying to do anything,” I yelled at him. “I just want to graduate from college and not be bothered by anyone in the meantime.”

  “Yeah … uh, huh. I’m sure that’s what you want.” He backed away from me. “Just stay away from us, or you’ll wish you would have.”

  I didn’t move until he was out of sight. The last thing I wanted to do was take my eyes off him. I still believed he was intimidated by me, but there was no way I would intentionally turn my back on him.

  I had so many questions racing through my head. Did Nefarious have his grasp on Cassandra before we even met? Did he cause her dreams? Is that why she’s hated me all along? What do they think I’m trying to do anyway?

  “That was tense.” Samantha scooted back over.

  “Yeah.” I searched the area to make sure none of the Potato Heads were near. “I’m sorry about hushing you, but I thought it would be best to keep his attention on me.”

  She nodded and stood. “I realized what you were doing, but I don’t think I matter to him.”

  If they can use you to hurt me, they’ll do it. We walked back to our room in silence.

  Cody stood rigid in front of our door, arms folded over his chest. His blue eyes darkened with anger and concern. “I thought we had an understanding.” Cody’s words forced their way past clenched teeth, cold, raw and fierce.

  “I didn’t go anywhere on my own.” I used both hands to direct his attention to Samantha.

  Samantha came to a stop in front of him. “Let me in, Cody.” She put her hand on his arm, and his posture loosened fractionally.

  “Where. Have. You. Been?”

  “Not here.” She pointed at the open doors lining the hallway.

  He stepped to the side, and Samantha unlocked the door. “Come on in.”

  As soon as the door shut, he asked, “What happened?”

  I cleared my throat and tried to decide what to say. “I just had an … uh, interesting chat with Bryce.”

  His chest heaved, his nostrils flared and his eyes sliced into mine. His tone changed to one of pure hatred when he asked, “What’d the little weasel want?”

  I summarized, not wanting Cody to get any more worked up than he already was.

  “And he let you walk away? He didn’t try to hurt you?” Cody asked.

  “Actually,” Samantha said, “Bryce walked away. We waited till he was gone to come back.”

  My two closest friends were in the room with me, but I’d never felt so alone. Cassandra’s a nasty person who’s being controlled by a demon, but if I can do this to her without meaning to, what else can I do?

  “Dacia—” Cody grabbed my hand “—tell me what you’re thinking.”

  “I, uh …” I pulled my hand through my hair and slid down the wall to the floor.

  Cody knelt in front of me. Worry softened his eyes.

  I reached up and put my hand on his cheek. He leaned into it. He smelled like leather and fresh mountain air. I wanted him to hold me and take all my problems away, but he wanted to hear my thoughts.

  “Please, Dacia.”

  “What if I did it?”

  “Did what?”

  “Put Cassandra in a coma.”

  Samantha answered, “Then you should do it to the other three so they leave you alone until this is over.”

  “Sounds reasonable,” Cody said.

  “There’s just one thing I don’t understand,” Samantha said.

  “What?” Cody asked.

  “Cassandra went to Nancy Heron last night because she cut her leg. If she’s in a trance or whatever, how did she get there? And, how did she get hurt in the first place?”

  I wrapped my arms around my legs and rocked back and forth before answering. “I wondered that, but I didn’t want to be the one to tell Bryce she’d been out.” I pulled myself to my feet. “What I’d like to know is why the amulet didn’t heat up when Bryce came over.”

  “It can’t be a coincidence that it did before,” Samantha said.

  “No.” I leaned my head on my knees. “But all four of them were there that day.”

  Chapter 27

  Things That Go Bump In The Night

  I lay in bed and stared at the ceiling. I tried to visualize my mountain getaway, but every time I closed my eyes, a wave of dizziness crashed over me. I climbed out of my loft and pulled on a hoodie. Then I looked at Cody asleep in Big Bird.

  He looks peaceful. Should I wake him? If I don’t, he’ll be angry. “Cody—” I put my hand on his arm, and he jerked awake.

  “You okay?” His voice sounded groggy, but his eyes were alert.

  “Fine.” I finger-combed my hair. “I can’t sleep. I’m going to walk the hallway and see if I can clear my head.”

  He reached for his shoes. His hand stopped mid-air. “I can’t go with you.” He rubbed his face. “Promise you’ll be careful.”

  I knelt in front of him and put my hands on his knees. He leaned his forehead against mine. My stomach tingled the way it did only around Cody. Maybe I should stay here with him. I closed my eyes, and my head spun.

  “I promise,” I whispered.

  He lowered his mouth to mine. The kiss was tender, sweet.

  He walked me to the door, his voice rough. “You have fifteen minutes. After that, I’m coming after you. I don’t care if I get caught.”

  I squeezed his hand.

  “Clock’s ticking.”

  I ran down the steps to the main floor. I walked two laps around the commons, then sat down and closed my eyes. Dizziness made my stomach roll. The smell of sulfur amplified my queasiness.

  I grabbed my amulet—it was cool to the touch—and looked outside. I still had five minutes. I need to go outside. The compulsion pulled me to the door.

  The chilly mountain air refreshed me. I walked for a little bit before stopping to look up at the sky. Gazing at the multitude of stars, I felt at peace for the first time since I talked to Bryce. I asked myself, “How do I even know if what Bryce said was true? Why should I believe him?”
/>   “Why wouldn’t you believe me?” Bryce’s voice came from behind me.

  Before I could turn around, I was hit in the back of the head. Sharp pain pulled the air from my lungs. I fell to my hands and knees.

  “Did you think I was lying to you?” Bryce asked.

  I never had the chance to answer. He hit me again, and this time everything went black.

  Pain sliced through my head. I squeezed my eyelids tighter, fighting against the pounding in my skull. My wrists burned. I lifted them but, instead of moving, they throbbed.

  I opened my eyes, and a blinding light forced them shut. I turned my head away from the source and pulled them open. The pain in my head screamed at me.

  Earth and water mixed together, making the room smell damp and old, like a cellar. I blinked until my eyes adjusted and my vision cleared.

  My hands and feet were bound to a wooden chair in the middle of what seemed to be a large room. Blood dripped from ropes pulled too tightly. The rest of the room was covered in shadows. Every few seconds, water dripped.

  Where am I and why?

  I tried to use my powers to free myself. When nothing happened, I closed my eyes and concentrated on fire. My hands warmed slightly, but that was all. The throbbing in my head increased each time I tried.

  Light flickered and shadows crept closer. Water drops took on a life of their own.

  “What do you want from me?” I screamed. My voice echoed through the darkness.

  Be strong. I pictured my lake, but it wasn’t peaceful. A storm raged. Water crashed against the rocks.

  I jerked my eyes open. My heart pounded against my chest so hard I thought it might break my ribs. I hung my head. Why was I chosen? How can I be a hero when I can’t even free myself? I felt inadequate, hollow, broken.

  The silence was interrupted by a low, rumbling noise that shook the ground. Panic spread through my body. I thought I heard the noise again, but I wasn’t sure. It was hard to tell over the beating of my heart. Another rumbling sound, and this time I knew it wasn’t me. The amulet warmed my skin, and the ground shook with fury. Nefarious. I had to free myself, and I had to do it now.

  With every step he took, my fear intensified. I shook and couldn’t think straight.

  What’s going to happen when he finds me sitting here, tied to this stupid chair?

  My stomach twisted and convulsed. My breath came out in ragged gasps that tore at my lungs and throat.

  Pull yourself together or he’ll kill you!

  I tried to yank my hands free, but the ropes cut into my wrists. The night Bryce and Alvin ambushed Cody and I came to mind. The only way I could’ve smashed Bryce’s hand was with pure brute strength. I poured all of my energy and concentration into freeing my arms and legs. After a few seconds, the ropes gave way. They flew through the air along with slivers of wood from the chair. I turned my back to the light and in desperation searched for a way out.

  I stood in shock, staring at the walls of the room. The dripping wasn’t a faucet. I was in a cave. Stalactites hung from the ceilings, and stalagmites shot up from the floors. I knew there were caves in the Snowfire Mountains, but I had never been in one and didn’t even know where one could be found.

  The rumbling grew louder, snapping me out of my stupor. I didn’t want to face Nefarious here. I wouldn’t stand a chance. I searched for a way out and spotted one across the cavern.

  My only chance was to sneak out the very opening Nefarious would enter.

  The narrow, twisted pathway gradually ascended. Stalactites and stalagmites dotted the path. I stepped into it and realized it didn’t offer many places to hide. Thunderous steps advanced toward me. I have to try.

  I ran forward. The amulet burned my skin. The path curved. Nefarious was close enough I could hear him breathe. He’s going to find me and kill me. Fear gripped my body. My insides froze, then shattered into a million jagged pieces that stabbed me every time I took a breath.

  A large crack ran down one of the walls. I ran to it and squeezed myself as deep into it as possible. A stalagmite helped conceal me. I pulled my hood over my face and cowered.

  Sulfurous stench filled the air. I fought the desire to cough. My only hope was to go unnoticed until Nefarious passed me.

  I crouched as low as I could and prayed. Dear, God, I know I’m not the best person in the world, but if you help me out of here, I will try to be better. Please help me find a way out of this. Please, please, Lord. The prayer kept repeating through my mind while I waited for Nefarious to walk past.

  Silence. Look. See if he’s gone. I inched forward but stopped. The sulfur smell burned my nose.

  He sniffed, a predator scenting its prey.

  Fear marched up my spine like an army of ants. Run. My legs longed to follow the command. I gritted my teeth and fought the compulsion.

  My heart stopped when Nefarious said, “I can smell your fear.” His voice gave me the impression of boulders crashing.

  A braver person might have challenged Nefarious, but I wanted to live to see another day. I crouched down, burying myself in shadows.

  “You are worthless! Come to me now, and your death will be fast. Spare yourself the pain and suffering.”

  The impulse to get up and run to him pulled me to my feet. No! Don’t let him have control.

  “Your will is strong, but your fear is stronger.” Nefarious roared. “Coward! If you will not surrender, stand and fight me!”

  Nefarious’ whip cracked, sizzling as it flew through the air. I jumped out, preparing to defend myself. You idiot!

  Nefarious turned toward me from further down the path than I’d expected. I ran up the trail, knowing he’d catch up. Think, Dacia, think.

  The whip cracked again. I turned to avoid it, but it wrapped mercilessly around my ankle. Flames ripped the flesh from my leg. A scream tore from my chest, pulling all the air from my lungs. My head wobbled to the side, and darkness threatened to pull me into its grasp. Nefarious dragged me toward him. The dream version of him was a softer, subtler rendition than what stood before me. Flames flickered on his scales like a campfire that burned down to coals.

  The rock floor gouged my back. I held my head up to try to keep from hurting it any more than it already was. As Nefarious pulled me closer to him, I shot a stream of ice at the whip, but before it hit, Nefarious swung it out of the ice flow’s path.

  “You’ll have to do better than that,” the low voice rumbled.

  Only a few feet remained between Nefarious and me. With all the strength I could muster, I shot a steady flow of ice from both hands. This time I wouldn’t miss my target. Ice filled the entire width of the trail and covered everything in its path, forming a wall between the two of us. A cool sensation soothed my ankle. I slammed my foot down on the ground as hard as I could, cringing. Shards of ice flew through the air as I freed myself.

  He roared and slammed into the ice. Cracks spider-webbed across the surface.

  I rolled onto my stomach and lifted onto my hands and knees. I pulled myself to a standing position. My right foot touched the ground, and I fell forward. Struggling, I mustered up the concentration to get myself in the air. Hovering a few inches above the ground, I flew through the cave with a speed I didn’t know I possessed. I went around the next curve and heard the ice wall explode.

  A deafening roar echoed throughout the cavern, shaking the cave walls. Small rocks broke loose. As they tumbled to the ground, larger chunks crashed down. I raced to get out of the cave before Nefarious caught up to me and before being crushed by falling rocks.

  A beam of light bounced off the wall in front of me. The exit! I’m going to make it. Fresh air never smelled sweeter.

  I flew toward the entrance. The rocky ground had patches of snow scattered here and there. Short pine trees bent at strange angles to surviv
e the wind and cold.

  Boulders crashed down. I spun through the air, dodging them. I made it out. I lifted my eyes to heaven. Thank you.

  A pika chirped a warning. I looked over my shoulder, and my heart dropped to my toes, pulling all hope with it. Nefarious hadn’t been trapped in the rockslide. Out in the open, he spread his wings and targeted me.

  Think, think, think. I flew faster. He won’t stop. Where can I go? What can I do?

  Nefarious lunged forward and seized my right leg. His claws ripped through burnt flesh. Bile rose in my throat as pain clouded my sight. Darkness touched the edges of my vision. No! I struggled to escape Nefarious’ grasp. I can’t let it end this way.

  He pulled me closer. Fallen rocks littered the ground at the entrance to the cave. I levitated the largest one, hurling it through the air at his skull. It struck him with enough force for me to free my leg from his claws. He threw his head back and let out a ferocious roar. Flames erupted, engulfing his body.

  Trying to figure out how to escape, I hurtled rock after rock through the air at him. Enraging him even more.

  “Petty, worthless human.” He stepped toward me as a wall of flames rose behind me. The heat brought me to a stop. I was trapped between the hideous monster and the flames. I looked around but saw no way out.

  Nefarious pulled out his flaming sword and took a step closer to me. The blade sliced through the air, foretelling the end. I gazed down the hillside at Phlox University and longed to be in my dorm room with Samantha and Cody. I closed my eyes and sank to the ground. Flames grazed my neck.

  Chapter 28

  Home Sweet Home

  “Dacia”—Cody’s voice was like the growl of a grizzly bear—“where’ve you been? How did you get here?”

  I peeled my eyelids apart. Cody? I glanced at my surroundings. Furniture and homework replaced the trees and bushes. How?