by Ruby Raine
“You’re too kind to me,” Mathew returned sheepishly. “And I’m not sure how long it will last. Thirty minutes, if we’re lucky?”
“This will be the test then.”
“You really shouldn’t wait for me, Lisbeth.”
“You’d do the same for me.”
“For you, I’d cross the earth. I’ll never have the chance to prove that though,” he sighed. “I will never be good enough at this.”
“Don’t say that. You are talented and brave in ways others don’t see. It’ll pay off one day. You’ll see.”
“Have I told you lately how magnificent a human being you are?” he cast her a humble grin.
“As long as you don’t tell me you’re falling in love with me,” she teased, “I’ll stay that way.”
He laughed softly. His shoulders sagging a little.
Her gaze narrowed in. “Mathew... please don’t tell me you actually feel like that.” It would be the worst thing ever, making things between them beyond awkward, and in reality, Mathew was one of the few people Lisbeth enjoyed being around. He was drama free and had no agenda, other than being a wonderful friend. But no matter how she might have wanted to, her feelings had never gone beyond that.
“No. That’s um, that’s not it,” Mathew responded modestly. “That’s not something you ever need to worry about.”
She didn’t like the inflection in his words. “What do you mean?”
“Remember a minute ago when you were saying that thing about my father and protecting a future family?”
“Yeah.”
“I won’t ever have that.”
“Don’t talk like that Mathew Bishop!” she ordered sharply. “You will find someone to love, who loves you back.”
“No. I don’t think I will.”
Clearly she was missing something here. He’d been parading around the subject of romance, and whether she had any romantic prospects, these last few weeks. She feared leading up to telling her he had a crush or something. Mathew was her best friend, but he’d only ever be that. She wished she felt differently. She really did. God knows her actual prospects were, well, none.
There was another flash of spells cast not too far away. The voice muting fog shield still held, but they went silent until it had passed, unwilling to take any chances that might get them kicked out of the mock battle this early in the night. They never saw any students or teachers and the noise went away.
Lisbeth plunked back against the log folding her arms across her chest.
“What I am missing, Mathew?” she demanded kindly.
“My favor towards you. It’s not so much that I’m in love with you, as find you a practical solution to a mutual problem.” He looked away; even in the dark, she saw the blush of humiliation color his cheeks.
“Okay, now I’m even more confused. What mutual problem?”
He lost his nerve. “We should wait until this is over. This was a bad idea. Not the right place, or time.”
“Nope. You don’t get out of it now, Matty Boy.”
He grinned at her pet name for him.
“Okay, so um, you’re familiar with how men find you, well, intimidating?”
“Hard not to.”
“And you’ve seen how they find me... cowardly.”
She tsked at his assessment of himself, but let him finish. He wasn’t so wrong about how men saw her. Mathew might not be swift on his feet, or outwardly brave in a situation like a battle, but he had an observant mind and would stand up for someone he loved with his life. Unfortunately, others their age didn’t treat him like that, and saw him as weak.
She wished they’d take the time to get acquainted with him. She imagined part of it was he wasn’t a Howard or a Deane. He and his father were the only outside witch family on the Isle. It wasn’t easy to break into a community like theirs as an outsider.
“I’m still not following, Mathew. Please go on,” she encouraged, realizing he’d stopped.
He sucked in a determined breath and looked her straight in the eye. “I was hoping in a few years, if you hadn’t managed to snag a man willing to put up with you, you might consider picking... me. Just so we don’t grow old alone. We’d only ever be friends. I’d never expect or want anything more.”
Lisbeth wore a befuddled expression, something not quite clicking into place.
“Mathew, I don’t understand why you’ve already given up. You’re young, with a whole life ahead of you. I am certain there’s a woman on this Isle who’s perfect for you. About as certain as I am there is no man, for me.”
He dropped his head. “No. There most definitely is no woman for me.” He let out an uneasy exhale, his gaze pleading for her to understand what he was trying to say, without him actually having to vocalize it. “I’m not saying it would be a perfect life. Or very satisfying, personally. But I’d rather have someone I love and care about as a friend, and partner, then no one at all.”
It sank into Lisbeth’s mind like a heavy weight, what he was trying to tell her. She plunked back against the tree trunk, her breath hitching. The reality and immensity of what he was revealing. He looked downward at the ground, having said his piece; the blush of shame putting fire on his cheeks.
His chin lifted and Lisbeth found his eyes.
“Do not look away, ashamed. Not from me, Mathew. I’m sorry, I never realized.”
“It’s not like I go around making it obvious. Like I need another mark against me. Some other way to stick out and not fit in.”
“Is there no man on the Isle you might find some sort of happiness with?”
“How? We live on an island where everyone and their sister knows what you ate for breakfast. My preferences would not be a secret easily kept. Or a lifestyle accepted. This community is progressive compared to many, but we still have far to go. Heck, look how long it took you and Charlotte just to get into training. I’m being realistic, that is all.”
How bleak a future. Not that hers looked much more promising.
“It’s not like you just decided to be like you are,” she returned hotly. “You can’t change how you were born. It’s not fair. Any of this.”
“I wish I could change myself. Life would be so much easier. I’d be of use to the community in a way they prefer. And perhaps they’d be more forgiving of my personal preferences if I was some tough fighter who took out a bunch of big bad Supernaturals.”
Lisbeth’s brows pinched together. It wasn’t so misleading a measure. A pathetic one few could live up to but the one that seemed to count the most. It certainly garnered the most respect.
“That’s never going to happen unless they discover some spell to turn me into... not me,” Mathew continued.
Her brows pinched even tighter.
“It’s exhausting really. Never fitting in and always trying to.”
“You shouldn’t have to.” Her arms folded tighter.
“Neither should you, Lisbeth. But face it, there are few who would agree with you about my personal preferences. Or how we think things should be run.”
Sad, but true. She unfolded her arms, unsure how to fix this messed up image he had of himself. How did she prove his value? Show him his true worth?
“You are right, Mathew.” Her words held a bitter edge. “We do have a common problem. I refuse to be a stay-at-home witch. Raising babies and tending gardens. I want to learn to fight, and teach, and protect the Isle. And if that means no man will have me, then so be it. And if there is no man to have you...”
What a pair they’d make. But like he said, better to live with someone you cared about and loved on some level, versus grow old alone.
“I’ve never told a soul,” Mathew revealed. “You’re the only person on this Isle who understands not fitting in. I don’t think even Charlotte would. She is... on some other level. I’m pretty sure if she gets her way she’ll own this place.”
Lisbeth chuckled. “She has been extra driven lately. Look though, Mathew, I’m glad you told me, and I am
beyond honored you trust me with such a secret. It was a brave thing to reveal even to someone you were certain would understand. No man or woman should ever think you cowardly, Mathew Bishop.”
He gave a short laugh.
“Courage comes in many forms. Not just physical actions,” she went on. “Or running head first into a battle. Sometimes the bravest of acts are the ones that require inner strength, not outer.” She leaned in and gave him a kiss on the forehead. “You are my best friend, Mathew, and I’d be honored to spend my life with you if neither of us is able to find the love we want. And even if by some miracle we do, you’ll still be my best friend. Always.”
There was a tear in his eye. They hugged. Tightly. He sniffled. Relief obvious in his smile.
“How about we revisit this topic in a few years? I do hope you find someone to be happy with Lisbeth, even if it’s not me. Personally, I don’t think the men around here have any idea what they’re missing out on.”
“Right back at you, Matty Boy,” she teased. “Truth be told, though, I don’t need a man to validate my life. It would be a blessed benefit, I won’t lie. Just, promise me you won’t give up. You never know what the fates may have in store. You may not see the value in what you offer yet, but it will find you, Mathew. I have no doubt.”
A strange sound prickled in Lisbeth’s ear, or more appropriately, the sudden lack of any sound. She held up her hand, telling Mathew to stay silent for a moment. He caught on, eyeing her hard. She shrugged, but for some reason, things had gone eerily quiet. A deadly, frightening sort of quiet that only happened when something unsavory was present. Nature had a way of sensing evil lurking nearby.
An electric charge of a spell cracked through the silence.
A round of flashes, and crashes, and shouts. Something was different this time. Something too real in the midst of a training session.
Lisbeth and Mathew eyeballed each other, both picking up on the change. Something was off. They got to their feet, Lisbeth adjusted the magical belt slung over her shoulder. She was having a hard time adjusting to the new outfit and getting it to fit just right. She’d resorted to wearing men’s clothes seeing as her pretty empire dresses just didn’t cut it when in battle, or training. Mathew stayed put, his ankle a little better, but still not allowing him to put much pressure on it. Probably sprained it.
Two male students broke through the trees, focused and palms at the ready by their sides. But something about their stances was... too hard. Too realistic for a mock battle.
A trainer slid out of the trees behind them.
“Make haste,” he ordered mutedly. “Get home, raise the alarm. If you find other students take them with you!”
Lisbeth’s stomach did a lurch; something bad was happening. She tore away Mathew’s magical fog-like shield and bounded out to them, the trainer gasping raggedly at their out of nowhere appearance.
“What’s going on?”
“Do not panic. But we are under attack. For real.”
“By who?”
“I’m not sure. Just get home. Now.”
“We should all be fighting with you. Isn’t that what we’ve trained for?”
“You are not prepared for a real battle.” She went to argue. “Do not push me, Lisbeth.” He looked to the two young men. “Make sure she gets home safe.”
She huffed and scowled. Like she needed babysitters.
The trainer took off in search of others and to return to the apparent real battle breaking out somewhere nearby. Lisbeth was having none of it. Charlotte was still out there too. She had to find her. And help the others.
“Hey,” she called out to the young men. “Mathew’s injured his foot. He needs help to get home.” They both peered around her to see him hobbling their direction.
One of them laughed. “Knew I should have made that bet. C’mon,” he urged the wiry young man. Not unkindly, but with a tone of, we expected no less. Mathew ignored it, he was used to it. The two young men grabbed hold of him, one on each arm, and started toward home. He gave Lisbeth a quick wink, and dramatically pretended to go down.
Lisbeth blew him a kiss before darting in the opposite direction. By the time they got Mathew back on his feet and swung around to order her home, she had vanished.
“It’s her funeral,” one of them chastised.
“Stubborn girl,” accused the other.
Mathew wanted to argue the point as he knew differently, but there was no point with these two. He hoped she’d be okay though, and wished he could be of more help than needing assistance getting home.
OVER LISBETH’S HEAD, clouds parted way for the silvery full moon. Its bright light cast downward, eerily, but lit up the woods well enough to see what was ahead of her. She darted from tree to tree, palm at the ready, ears and eyes open to the sounds and sights around her.
She froze.
A vicious snarl ripped into the moonlight. Not far ahead.
A moment of panic almost claimed her. Was she ready for this? Had she rushed in too fast? Her training too limited?
It didn’t matter, not until everyone was safe and accounted for. She adjusted her magic belt and grabbed a potion bottle, prepared for whatever creature lay in wait. She got just a few steps before her legs would no longer move forward. An ominous shadow plodded far too close for comfort. About fifteen feet in front of her and off to the left a little.
She got her feet moving and took cover behind a tree trunk. On days like this, she was never so happy to be such a stick figure. Might not be appealing to the men around here but was handy when trying to hide out in the open.
Breath held, she peeked around the tree.
A snout lifted, sniffing the air.
Panic clawed at her again, a fearful realization that the creature was bent over and on all fours as its shadow pushed upward standing on its hind legs. Its head lifted into the air and a hideous snarl echoed outward.
Werewolf.
A freaking werewolf.
And not the friendly, live in peace kind she’d met as a child.
She had no silver on her person. No way to defend herself against such an enemy. Other than to try to stun the thing using magic. It would take a hell of a blow. Or twenty.
A soft step to her side. A shadow stalking up alongside her. A human form. Lisbeth refused hesitation, and pounced, only to stop herself realizing it was Charlotte. She opened her mouth to scream, startled, but Lisbeth covered it and pointed to the werewolf. Her friend had heard the howl but hadn’t realized just how close it was. She calmed and Lisbeth dropped her arm from her mouth. They spoke wordlessly, with nods and pointing. Perhaps if they both went at the thing together they’d have a better chance of stunning it.
They raised their right palms and simultaneously leapt out and caught the beast off guard. Lisbeth breezed right while Charlotte, left. They hit it with a series of spells aimed straight at its head and heart. It stunned the beast, sending it to the ground, but it didn’t go unconscious only got the wind knocked out of it.
Good heavens these things took a beating!
Just as they were about to rush forward and attack again one of the male students jetted into sight, playing defense against two uncivilized looking witches. One female, one male.
Without hesitation the women set into firing at the witches, giving their fellow student a chance to raise his palms and attack rather than defend himself from shots coming in. The werewolf picked itself up and shook itself off. Lisbeth yanked out a potion bottle and slammed it into the ground just in front of the thing. It was only a defensive potion; so ill-prepared they were for a real battle. But it temporarily put a magical barrier around the wolf, keeping it imprisoned within the walls of the magic. It wouldn’t last long though. It would break through with a few determined thrusts.
However, with the three students attacking the two rogue witches, they had them on the defensive and on the run in no time. The male student looked at Lisbeth and Charlotte with an instant new respect. He nodded in thanks
, and approval, carrying on the attack and following the witches in retreat. Which left Lisbeth and Charlotte to deal with the werewolf.
The magical shield dissolved against the wolf’s continued physical attack on it, and they pummeled it with more spells. In trying to get out of the way, it growled and flung itself head first into a thickly rounded tree trunk and proceeded to fall backwards, unconscious. Lisbeth threw her last magical shield potion at the beast, ensnaring it, and she and Charlotte raced off towards the village.
Their urge now to get home and see if everyone was okay, and determine who needed help where. With all the students and trainers in the field tonight, the village wasn’t as protected as it might normally be.
Lisbeth stopped short, her breaths heavy, and in disbelief.
Charlotte joined her. “Why did you stop?”
“I think this attack may have been planned, especially to be this night.”
“What makes you think this?”
“Kind of perfect don’t you think? All the trained and being trained fighters busy at the same time. It puts us all in the same place, easy targets. And the village protection weakened.”
“I had not thought of this, but you’re right.” There were hints of jealousy that her friend had come to this smart conclusion first. “This would mean we may have a spy amongst us. Who of us would do such a treacherous thing?”
“Perhaps no one. Perhaps I am wrong. These attackers may have used their own spies. I cannot imagine any of our own doing this.”
“I certainly hope not. The punishment of the one caught would not be worth any price.”
No. It would mean banishment for the traitor if none were killed this night.
But if anyone on the island died, it would be a death sentence.
In a single breath, the two young women became surrounded by flashes of light, spells cast, and a fight closing in on both sides. Charlotte dove one direction, Lisbeth, the other. She crawled to safety, picked up her head to check out the scene and look for Charlotte.