The Triangle

Chapter 16: Delimma

(Janet's POV)
December 15, 2025

“Alice you are linked!” I whispered in shock and Cassandra said, “that is why I called you a newbie.”

I moved toward her and raised my hand to punch her, but I stopped and punched the wall behind her because if I had hit her, I would have hurt Alice as well. I punched the wall so hard that my fingers started bleeding.

“How dare you? Why did you do this to her?” I growled at her.

With a sinister smile, she said, “Look, Janet, I already told you not to challenge me because I'll win anyway. And as for this girl, I'll only unlink her if you do what I want you to do.”

“You know what I want, Janet. Don't worry, you don't have to rush. You have twenty-four hours to decide. Go home with your dear friend and think about whether you want to lose the people you love or let them lose you,” she said sarcastically.

She grabbed a knife from the fruit basket and pointed to her wrist, “If you don't decide, I'll slit my veins and still live because witches have healing powers far greater than humans. But unfortunately! Your poor friend is human.”

I grabbed Alice's hand and we quickly left.
*****

“Hi, mom! I am fine. I was just at my friend's house. Don't worry mom. I will be staying at Janet's home tonight. Ok bye. Take care.” Alice informed her mother over the phone but she had to lie that she is fine. It was my idea to let her stay in my house because I didn't want to take any risk. Her parents already lost their son and now their daughter?! No. Never.

“Hey, are you ok?” I asked.

“I'm not,” she said, getting worried.

“So tell me, Janet,” She said and I asked, getting confused, “tell you what?”

“Seriously Janet! On the way, you told me that you will tell me everything when we reach home.” She said.

“Alice, we can talk about this later. I think you should get some rest.” I said.

“Don't you trust me?” She said, tears started to form in her eyes.

I sat beside her and started rubbing her back gently, “Shhhh..... It's ok. Why wouldn't I trust you? You are my best friend. Please don't cry dear. I will tell you everything.”

I sighed and started telling her everything.
*****

“You are what?” Her eyes widened in shock. I looked down to avoid her gaze as I explained everything. She remained silent for a few minutes, unable to believe anything I said.

“Th-That woman is a witch? She ki-killed my bro-brother? You are also a wi-witch? What on the earth is happening?” She held her head and screamed.

“Alice please, calm down dear.” I said.

“So, you are n-not hu-human?” She asked.

“No, I'm not. I know you'll hate me, Alice... but I…” Tears welled up in my eyes, and my voice choked. I felt like I was gasping for breath.

She hugged me and said softly, “hey! What are you even saying? You are my best friend and always will be, no matter who you are or what you are. I will never judge you or hate you for being a witch.”

She smiled and said, “Janet, not all witches are bad. Not all humans are good. Whether we are good or bad depends on what we choose. Right?” I nodded and she wiped my tears and said, “Janet, you are not alone in this battle. I will do anything and everything for you. I will do anything to torment that devil woman who killed my brother and ruined our lives. I won't spare her, I promise.”

“Thank you, Alice. Thank you so much for being with me in every difficult time. And don't worry I will figure something out to unlink you from her and save you, I promise.” I said.

We ate dinner and then I took her to my room. We lay down on the bed and after she slept I started wondering what to do.

The clock was ticking and the time was passing. Only twenty-four hours. Three hours have passed and now I have only twenty-one hours left to save my best friend.
*****