by Shay Laurent
‘You are welcome, Elita. I hope you choose wisely.’
I nodded, then turned to the cave entrance when I heard Dom and Alessia calling for me.
‘In here, guys!’ I yelled.
They came into the cave looking worried, but relief quickly washed over their features once they saw me. For Dom it was followed by concern. Alessia just looked pissed.
Before she could have a go at me, I spoke. ‘Guys, this is Cassandra. The Seer.’ I pointed behind me, but at the blank expression on their faces, I quickly turned and realised she had disappeared.
Alessia’s look morphed into one that plainly said I was crazy. ‘I think maybe all that time in the snow has gotten to your head. Though I’m not sure that’s an excuse since you seem to have made yourself a fire and started eating food without us.’ She walked over then sat and began eating. ‘You could have at least waited at the meeting point for us to show up instead of leaving us to worry and find you.’
When Dom could finally get a word in, he voiced his concern. ‘What happened with The Seer?’
I don’t know that I’d ever felt as much appreciation for him as I did right at that moment. I was almost wondering if I had gone crazy and imagined the whole thing. I was feeling rather grateful that she’d left the food as a sign.
‘She told me about the, uh, that thing we’re looking for.’
I eyed the back of Alessia’s head after I spoke, to make it clearer to Dom.
‘Oh, uh, right. Anything helpful?’
I went to answer, but Alessia cut in. ‘Oh, get over it you two, and just spit it out. What am I gonna do about whatever the secret is? It can’t be that bad.’
I looked at Dom, wondering if I should just tell her. It would certainly be easier if I could just say what I needed to. After a minute of deliberating, he nodded and shrugged.
Okay, here goes nothing. Hopefully she won’t lose it.
‘So, a short version of events. My mother is a Sorceress who left me when I was three to try and protect me from a prophecy that I’m in. When she left, she was kidnapped by The Crones of Old and has been held captive since. When I learned about the prophecy, Dom and I started looking into it at school, even though we were told not to,’ a flush rose to my cheeks. ‘Because of that, a Crone and some of her Sorceresses broke into the Academy, looking for whoever was searching. They had my mum there with them, chained up. So now we are going to rescue her.’ I looked to Dom. ‘Does that cover it?’
He laughed. ‘Yeah, in a nutshell.’
I nodded, satisfied, and turned back to Alessia. She looked like she’d gone into shock as she was processing. Though it didn’t last long.
‘You have got to be shitting me,’ she said, fingers pushed into her forehead.
I shook my head. ‘Nope, unfortunately not.’
She opened her mouth to speak again, but this time Dom cut her off.
‘What about the prophecy? What did The Seer say?’
I slumped back down in my seat. This was the hard part. I knew the judgements would come soon, first from these two and then from whoever else found out.
I relayed it back to them word-for-word, each one somehow etched into my mind already. ‘Then she told me that right now, the prophecy is dormant and I could avoid it and live my life because they’ve never seen me and don’t know who I am. But she said the only way to stay safe like that is to abandon my mum. To not rescue her.’
I looked at both of them, desperation oozing out of me. I wanted someone to make the decision for me, but they both sat in silence. They didn’t know what to do either apparently. I sighed. ‘Any thoughts?’
Alessia piped up with a half-hearted response. ‘You’d be a hero.’
‘I don’t want to be a hero. I want my mum back and to live a normal life with my parents.’
Dom chimed in. ‘Do you really have a choice? Will you leave your mum there?’
I slumped down further, my heart aching. ‘No, I don’t think so.’
‘Well, then let’s just continue on. I’ll be there to help you all the way. You won’t be alone.’
Dom looked at Alessia expectantly and I laughed.
‘I don’t think Alessia is obliged to help me with this. It’s insane and I’ll be lucky if I don’t end up dead before my next birthday, or even before the end of the week at this rate.’
To my surprise, Alessia looked like she was really considering it. I was shocked when she spoke again in a serious tone. ‘If we make it out of here, I might stick around and help.’ She smiled, almost looking triumphant and added. ‘I’ll probably even get to go to the Academy and see it!’
I laughed again. ‘Well, that’s one way to look at it. But, thank you. For sticking around. I know you don’t need to.’
She shrugged. ‘It’s no big deal. I’m doing it more for me than you anyway. I like a challenge.’
My dread eased a little. Knowing they had my back made a real difference. I knew it would be dangerous and that I needed to figure out a lot of things before I faced the Crones. My biggest question was... why me? Why would some random hybrid Shifter-Sorceress be the one to do it when there were so many others with more experience? Even The Seer. Surely she could destroy them. She was here first, after all.
Once Dom and Alessia had finished eating, they quizzed me further about the whole situation. When I told them about the eyes, they were intrigued. I’d already decided I’d be happy not to see that particular gift again.
Once they’d asked all the questions they could think of, we set up shifts for standing guard. First me, then Dom, then Alessia.
I pulled out my mat and blanket then sat down on it to do my watch. Dom and Alessia curled up on their own gear. Alessia was asleep within a few minutes, which left me and Dom sitting awake. I thought he’d just try to close his eyes and sleep, but he wanted to talk.
‘Are you sure about wanting to go, Elita? I know what I said before, about getting your mum, but you know she’d understand if you just went back home. I mean, from what you told me about the attack, it seemed like she was trying to protect you. And even before, she left so you could be hidden from the Crones, so they couldn’t find you.’
The pit in my stomach, the one I’d been working so hard to fill up and cover over, opened again.
Could I really abandon my mum? When I’m so close. Even if it is what she wants.
‘I think you were right the first time, Dom. I don’t think I could leave her there. Not even if she wanted me to. Not now that I know she’s alive. I want to know my mum, even if I don’t get much time with her, you know?’
He was quiet for a moment, then answered. ‘Yep, I get it. I really do. But I just wanted to bring it up, because I get that you want it, I just thought I should mention what she might want. Have you thought about your Dad? About how he’d feel about all of this? I’m sure both our dads are really worried.’
The pit in my stomach widened and my eyes filled with tears. Even though I was angry with Dad, I’d been trying to avoid thinking about him. I knew he’d be so devastated and worried about me.
I sniffed. ‘Yeah. I’ve thought about him a bit. I know he’ll be super worried. But I need to save my mum. I just don’t think I’d be able to live with myself if I didn’t. Even if it costs me my life.’
I just hope it doesn’t cost yours or Alessia’s.
Chapter 19
When Dom woke me in the morning, I felt extra tired, like I’d walked further than all the other days put together. But I knew that wasn’t it. My emotions were just spent from all the events that had led to this moment. And there was still one more obstacle I needed to pass through before it was time to leave.
Once I finished my breakfast, I took a deep breath, let it out slowly and turned to Alessia, who was, of course, already staring at me after taking such a loud breath.
‘I need to tell you something else.’
Her eyes widened; she looked incredulous. ‘Another thing? Surely you guys are out of surprises.’
>
I gave her a wry grin and shook my head.
She huffed. ‘Fine, out with it.’
‘I’ve had my birthday already. And I can only partially Shift into a wolf.’
I held my breath, waiting for her reaction. When she laughed at me, I relaxed a little.
‘Well, it doesn’t seem that outrageous considering you’re half and half. Though honestly, I don’t see why you shouldn’t be able to make the full change.’
I shrugged it off. But really, I was sure it was because I just didn’t fit in anywhere. I knew I’d never be all Shifter, or all Sorceress. I was just some kind of a hybrid freak.
Why would I get to have the best of both worlds?
‘Oh, well,’ she said. ‘Whatever. Have you practised fighting in your new form or doing anything else in it?’
‘Well, I had a run with Dom in his Shifted form, and I kept up with him all right.’
‘That’s a bit of an understatement,’ Dom interjected with a smile. ‘I was running full out and was nearly dead when I got to the end. And she was barely puffed. And I cheated by taking a head start.’
I felt a flush of pride at the compliment, and went to thank him when Alessia cut in.
‘Maybe you’re just slow. Perhaps a little early morning race is in order before we leave.’
‘Seriously?’ I said. ‘Won’t that just be a waste of our energy?’
She scoffed. ‘Please. If what Dom says is right, then I don’t see why you need to worry at all. And I can take care of myself.’
She walked over to the cave entrance and out into the snow. She looked at the two paths and settled her gaze on the one leading higher through the mountains. ‘Up it is.’
I heaved out a breath, sure that this was a waste of time. ‘Fine. Let’s make it quick.’
‘Done. I saw a cave up there yesterday before I came back. First one there and back wins?’ She looked at me expectantly. ‘Well? Shift already.’
Pushy much? Yeesh.
So that I wouldn’t get distracted watching the magic, I closed my eyes and focused on Shifting. Within a few moments I felt my senses heighten and could hear the deeper breathing of a wolf. I opened my eyes and saw a light-coloured wolf in front of me.
I noted the slight widening of her eyes when she saw me in my half-Shifted form, but before long, she’d turned and made her way to the entrance. Dom wished me luck as he trailed along behind me and let me know he’d wait here with our things.
I sprinted as fast as I could towards the top of the mountains. With my enhanced vision, I could see the best spots to step to keep my footing steady in the thick snow. I pushed myself as fast as I could go, feeling a slight burn as I reached the steepest section of the mountain path.
Alessia’s sandy coat was about parallel to me as we ran. I could hear the pads of her paws pushing into the mush with each stride. I could hear her panting slightly as she increased her speed.
We were neck and neck; first me in front, then her. We stayed like this for most of the path, but towards the end she made a little ground. I pushed harder.
I could see the cave we were aiming for. I went as fast as I could, trying to make the entrance first.
Almost there. Come on!
My foot and her paw seemed to cross the threshold at the same time. I wheezed out a breath, really feeling the exertion compared to when I raced Dom, leading me to think he must have gone easy on him. I turned to see how Alessia was doing.
As I turned, she leapt at me. Shocked, I tried my best to move out of her way. She pursued, stalking forwards, herding me towards the back of the cave. I took a risk and glanced over my shoulder as I took a step. There was nowhere to go.
I kept my voice as even as I could. ‘Alessia, what are you doing?’
She snarled at me. Stunned and not thinking, I took another step towards the rear of the cave. I didn’t know what to do. I thought she was my friend, I didn’t want to hurt her. This was insane.
She leapt at me, claws out. This time I dodged then came up from underneath and shoved her. I smelt the blood where I’d scratched her unintentionally.
What is going on? I need to get out of here.
I began to edge around to the side wall as quickly as I could, making my way towards the cave entrance.
She doubled back and blocked my way, snarling viciously.
I can’t believe Dom and I trusted her.
This time she dove at me, teeth bared. Panicked, I put my hands up to deflect and pushed her harder. Her teeth grazed my hands, but my claws tore scratches across her face.
I didn’t know whether to be sorry or not. I was so confused. There was blood dripping from her face onto the snow that had drifted inside, turning it a deep, dark red.
‘Alessia, please stop. Don’t do this.’
I held my hands out in front of me, waiting for her to attack again. I bent my knees as I pressed my feet into the ground, trying to maintain my balance and composure.
I breathed deeply, watching her carefully to see her next move. She looked at me with sharp eyes. Then all of a sudden she just sat, and gave me a ridiculous grin from her bleeding wolfy face.
Unbelievable.
I glared. ‘You have got to be kidding me! Are you insane?’
The air around her shimmered, and she Shifted back into her human form. Little earthy sparks mixed in with the sandy colour of her fur for a moment until she stood in front of me, with the same grin on her bleeding face.
‘Oh, relax,’ she said. ‘I needed to make sure you could fight in that form. Though it would have been more helpful if you’d had your weapons so we could see how well you hold them while you have your claws, which look pretty cool by the way.’
‘You are seriously crazy. Why didn’t you just suggest a fight back down in the other cave instead of running up here for no reason and then attacking me?’
‘Well, firstly, it wasn’t for no reason, I wanted to beat you. And secondly, there’s no way Dom would have stood back and let me try to bite your head off.’
My eyes bulged. ‘What, you would have actually taken a chunk?’
‘Sure. If you were that sloppy, though I didn’t think you would be. And hey, better to take a chunk out here and turn around and go home, rather than getting annihilated by the Crones or their Sorceresses when we get to Crone Keep. We need to be quick enough to destabilise them and attack before they have time to cast, or we’ll be dead.’
I knew what she said made sense, but I was still pretty incredulous about what she’d done. ‘Well, what about Dom? Are you gonna go attack him now too?’
She rolled her eyes. ‘Of course not. He’s a Beta’s son, well Alpha’s son now, and he’s been Shifting for, like, a year or more. He’ll be able to take care of himself. And obviously you can, too.’ She smiled sardonically at me. ‘You’re welcome.’
What an idiot.
I stormed past her and out of the cave, Shifting as I walked. The coloured explosions only slowed me a little. She quickly caught up and fell into step beside me. I tried to go a bit faster but she picked up her pace, and since she was taller than me, the only thing I could do to get ahead was run. I wasn’t going to give her the satisfaction.
When we walked back into the cave, Dom jumped up. ‘What the heck were you two doing? I could hear growls from down here. Why are you both bleeding?!’
I scowled. ‘Because Alessia attacked me to see if I could take care of myself.’
He turned to her and said, ‘Huh, that was actually a pretty good idea.’
The look of surprise on Alessia's face mirrored the one I was sure was on mine. After a second, I snapped at him. ‘What?! Are you kidding me? You're on her side?’
‘Yeah, really?’ she added. ‘I thought you’d be cut about me trying to chomp up your girlfriend.’
Dom’s face went pink. ‘She’s not my girlfriend. Seriously. And no, I’m glad she got to practise before we get to Crone Keep.’
I bit my tongue and, ignoring them both, put my
pack on. I walked to the entrance and waited for them outside.
I heard Alessia snicker behind me. When they came outside, I started walking straight along the mountain path that eventually led down.
We reached the base of the mountain at sunset. We were fairly close to Crone Keep and could see its dark stone turrets occasionally through the trees. If we continued on, we’d reach it tonight or in the morning.
I had walked ahead of them, wanting to be alone and now waited for the pair of them to catch up. They reached me in less than a minute. I took a quiet breath out and turned to face them. I tried to keep my annoyance under control.
‘Oh, come on, Elita,’ said Dom. ‘You know it was good practise!’
‘Whatever. Can we just sort out the plan?’
‘Sure,’ said Alessia. ‘What do we need to decide?’
She clearly didn’t have any issue with what she had done.
‘Well, are we splitting up to scout the area? Will we enter tonight, tomorrow during the day or tomorrow evening? If we camp, where will we do that, so there isn’t a chance of us being found?’
As Alessia and Dom considered my questions for a minute, I looked around and waited. I knew we’d need to be alert in case the Crone Sorceresses had magical traps in place or patrolled further out than our information had shown.
Alessia answered first. ‘I reckon we scout tonight, then find a spot a bit further back to camp out during the day, sleeping in shifts. What do you guys think?’
Dom quickly agreed with that plan, and I did so reluctantly as well. Not because it was a bad plan, but because I was still irritated about earlier and the fact that Dom was so quick to jump on her ideas again.
‘Should we split up, or...?’
This time Dom answered. ‘I think it would be a good idea to split up. Less chance we’ll be distracted by the noises we make moving through. We have the advantage of better hearing, so if we’re alone we should be able to hear them before they know we’re around.’
I nodded. ‘That makes sense. But how will we let each other know if something has gone wrong?’