Spellcaster series #2: The Acolyte

The Offering

HEIDI

Dean tightened his grasp on Dora, his yellow gaze sharp and menacing. The door of the cell was narrow and there was no way I could outrun him, especially with the djinns and dark Vampires lurking about.

"You know, Heidi, I'm beginning to find your lack of cooperation a nuisance."

I couldn't stifle a grin. I was a little amused. "The feeling's mutual."

Dean gritted his teeth, pinning Dora's wrist to her back while he poked at her throat with a knife. "Problem is, you're in my way. I have no use for you."

"Good. Because I'm starting to lose my patience with you."

Dora was sniffling, her brown eyes wide with fear. Dean continued, "If you move, this knife goes through her throat."

I shifted my weight. "You're getting predictable, Dean. You've invaded my head so much that I'm starting to expect you in every dark corner. So now let me pass, I'm bored of your threats."

He snarled. "You know what? I have a better use for the both of you."

He shoved Dora into the cell with me and locked us both in it. Then he carved the symbol of Reku into the wall with his wand. Darkness settled as he walked away, leaving us to the anticipation of Reku's arrival.

"What now?" Dora asked, her voice thick with fear.

I looked around to see if I could turn anything into a weapon but the cell was empty.

"You got your wand with you?"

Dora patted her pockets and pulled it out. "But my magic is useless. Once I betray Synto, he will take it back."

"Real magic," I reminded, "is the energy within you, not given. Remember what you have learnt, Neophyte."

Dora shut her eyes. A faint blue aura formed around her but faded as soon as it appeared.

"Concentrate." I could hear Jessie's voice in my head saying it for me.

She tried again and the same thing happened. "I can't. Something is blocking it."

I channeled my energy and—

—a deep growl came from the corner of the dark cell. Dora gasped. Its bright white eyes materialised before the rest of its black mass.

Reku.

"Arsonion!" I yelled and pointed my wand to the cell door.

"It's not working, Heidi!"

I garnered more energy, "Frozium!"

A blast of cold air sprayed towards the door and froze it. A quick roundhouse kick and it broke the lock. I grabbed Dora's wrists and we sprinted out of there.

Several djinns approached us from the front while Reku waited from behind. I waved my wand in an arc-like motion and channeled my energy to form a protective shield.

"Stay in here—"

Dora wretched and dropped to her knees. Between her breaths, she croaked, "The...shield..."

I couldn't register what she meant. In desperation, Dora crawled out of it and gasped for air.

"Is the shield...killing you?" I asked in shock.

Dora panted as she stood outside of my protective dome. "It's meant to protect you against the likes of me."

My heart sank a little. I felt sorry for the kid.