The Solstice

Chapter 3

"Well," the girl says. "Are you coming."

"How did you know I'm in trouble," I ask in disbelief of what's happening.

"Do you really want to discuss that right now while all these people can wake up at any second. I'll tell you everything once I know we're safe."

I wiggle my foot, trying to get free from Thomas's spell. To my surprise, I only need to slip my foot out of my shoe. I've seen him do that spell a dozen times and it's never that easy. I guess he didn't really want to hurt me.

As soon as I wiggle both feet out, I follow the girl out of the yard and into the streets. My stomach turns as we pass the chairs where Uncle Kyle landed. I really want to check if he's okay, but there's no time. The guests are already showing signs of restlessness.

"We have a hideout just outside of town," she says. "You'll be safe there for a while. We can discuss what is coming once we're there."

"You know about the darkness too?"

"Darkness," she looks confused. "Not important. Unfortunately a vehicle will be easy spot and magic can be traced, so we'll have to make it there on foot."

We barely reached the end of the street when we hear a voice behind us. "Oscar," she shouts. "Please, don't do this."

I turn around and see Cate standing just outside the gate. The dress no longer flows like it did before and it's covered in dirt. Even her makeup has been ruined by tears.

"I'm sorry," I say. "My powers mean everything to me. I'm not going to let them take it from me."

"I'll convince them you made a mistake. Come back and we can make it right."

"That's the thing," I smile. "I don't think I made a mistake. This is how things are meant to be."

"I told you he won't come round," Gideon says stepping round the corner. Without a second thought, he summons his wand and sends several tendrils of magic towards us. I take a step back, bracing myself for the impact, but a girl appears out of nowhere, taking the full hit. It's unbelievable, but the full force of his spells doesn't even move her an inch.

"Julia," the first girl says. "What are you doing here?"

Julia turns around, fixing her glowing green eyes on the girl, "You know I'd never let you go on a high stakes mission like this without me, Angy. I thought you might need my help."

"If they catch you," Angy starts, but she's cut off.

"These witches would never stand a chance," she laughs. "Now let's get out of here."

With a final look at my brother, I turn and follow the girls around the corner. I still can't believe he'd do something like that. Sure, he does some scaly shit now and then, but I always thought he'd be there for me when I needed it.

It feels like we're walking forever. When Angy said it was outside of town I thought it would be a few minutes of walking away, but we only reach our destination as the first rays of sun peak over the horizon.

"Home sweet home," Julia says, "Welcome to your new house, Oscar."

"Thanks," I say, ducking to walk in through the small make-shift door. There's not much in the sense of furniture, only a fridge, two couches and some bunkbeds from what I can see. "So are you going to fill me in on how you knew I needed help now?"

"Have a seat," Angy says, "You're gonna want to sit down for this."

The couch looks like it came straight from the dump, but I don't want to get on the bad side of someone that can withstand the full force of magic blasts. I sit down on the far side of the three-seater and the girls join me.