“The window,” Jayce mutters as he lifts one of the heavy shelves and places it in front of the door just as the other boy rushes to the window and begins prying it open.
“Go help him. I got this,” I say as I begin whispering a barrier spell.
He hesitates before he runs to the window, and they push the window open. I see Jayce offer his hand to one of the girls, who blushes as she takes it, and he lifts her out of the window. I try to ignore the twinge of jealousy that settles into my stomach as I force myself to focus on the approaching threat.
Suddenly, that aura intensifies, and my eyes flash, but I’m too slow, and the door explodes, throwing me off my feet. I hit the floor, and Jayce knocks the shelf that almost tumbled onto me aside.
I’m back on my feet as I come face to face with a woman who towers over me, dressed in black leather with a deep red cloak over her shoulders. I can see the two long swords at her waist.
Her skin is pale, her eyes blood red, with a small, dainty nose that doesn’t match her malicious eyes or the curl to her red lips. Her pure white hair reaches down to her knees. It’s braided from the front, the rest left open.
I instantly activate my protection spells, although something tells me she can rip right through them if she wants. “Such darkness… yet you’re on their side,” she murmurs, her eyes trained on me.
She’s peering at me as if I’m something to devour, and it makes me uneasy. It’s as if she can see right into my soul.
“Well, I wouldn’t mind a little drink…” she whispers.
A drink? I know she’s a witch; her powers are potent. Is she a vampire hybrid of some sort? I’m not sure… I’ve not heard of any hybrid vampires.
“I’d like to see you fucking try,” Jayce says, his power spreading around him as he steps between us. I see the woman’s eyes darkening with irritation.
“Jayce… get them out of here,” I plead softly.
“Like hell I’m leaving you,” he snarls as his aura illuminates the room. It doesn’t look like moonfire, it’s almost… crackling, or is it because there’s too much going on?
“Oh, listen to your little girlfriend,” the woman mocks. “Besides, those three look like easy pickings.” Her eyes are on the two who are helping the last girl out of the window, but without Jayce, they’re struggling. Fear is written all over their faces.
“Get them out of here. I can handle her.”
The woman throws her head back and laughs, and it stings, but I can see even Jayce doesn’t believe me.
Fuck this.
My eyes glow, and using full force, I yank Jayce back, stepping in front of him and raise a shield between us.
“Sienna!” he snarls, his eyes blazing blue as he looks at methrough the wall. I look at him over my shoulder.
“Get them out of here!” I shout. I didn’t come here to be a liability to him; I came to make sure he’s ok. And if he’s here to help those three, then I’ll make sure he gets them out.
“Well, honestly, I don’t know if I should be moved or laugh at the ridiculousness. Do you think you can take on a witch who is far more experienced than yourself?” she whispers, her eyes glinting.
“How about we test it out?”
“Sienna! Now is not the time to do this. Lower this fucking shield now!” Jayce snarls.
I ignore him. I hear him curse and pray he’s gone to help them.
It’s confirmed when the woman smirks. “Your boyfriend abandoned you!” she taunts.
“He isn’t my boyfriend,” I reply icily. “Who are you?”
“I am Velasara. And who might you be?”
She has an accent, but I can’t place where she’s from.
“Mordana,” I answer emotionlessly.
“Mordana… You are a hybrid.” It’s not a question, but a declaration.
