Terror

Chapter Twenty

Cassandra woke up to the scene outside the bubble, where ambulances and police officers still lingered in the area. She rubbed a tired eye, realizing just how much energy it had taken to drain Ashley's powers. Maybe she should have thought of a different approach.

Something inside of her snapped when she her gaze fell upon Heather Harp—the woman who had given her father up for adoption. The very sight sent a surge of emotions coursing through Cassandra's veins.

It enraged Cassandra. Someone like that shouldn't be receiving fair treatment. None of this was about punishment. It was about revenge bottled up inside her. Her mother had warned her not to seek revenge, but the women had been right in front of her.

Cassandra had never felt that furious before—aside from when dealing with Ashley. It was because Ashley had intended to cause harm, something Cassandra didn't like.

Staring at the outside world, she watched as police officers waved their arms, trying to get her attention. A group of reporters stood nearby, microphones in hand, asking questions she couldn't hear.

Cassandra was not in the mood to listen to adults blab nonsense, trying to figure out why she caused that earthquake. She stood on shaky legs, and holding her head as she looked around for Divina. The thing paced nearby with a devious grin, clearly amused by the chaos outside.

"Quite a showing. Where did that stupid thing run off to?" Divina snarled.

"It can't run," Cassandra stated.

"Why not get rid of the high ranks?" Divina asked, arms crossed. "It makes things quicker."

"It has no form of transportation. Ashley relied on followers or her speed to get places," Cassandra replied.

Divina began laughing, causing Cassandra to frown. She didn't like Divina's personality. Bella shouldn't have had her life taken away. She didn't get to experience life just to have Divina destroy Ashley.

"I can't believe I can get my powers early," Divina said with a devious grin. "Break it down. Make it beg. That's how you get results."

"No," she spat, crossing her arms.

"No?" Divina tilted her head. "Shame. I was hoping for some entertainment."

Cassandra narrowed her eyebrows as Divina slammed to the ground with an unseen force. Divina tried to stand, but it didn't work.

"Maybe it's fun for you, but I'm here to end this. I'm not toying like some sick freak," Cassandra snapped.

"You're no fun. Watching it squirm would be so satisfying," Divina said with a wicked grin.

Cassandra released her hold, her breath heavy. Around them, the fields stretched wide—most were mud, dotted with old crops and uneven holes. But outside The Bubble, the land was different. Trees still held their leaves, standing tall and unbroken against the early morning light.

"I'll handle this my way," Cassandra snapped, turning away.

Part of her wanted to leave Divina here to rot, but she couldn't. Not yet. Divina was the only one who could help kill Ashley.

"But—" Divina began, only to hit the ground again under an invisible force.

"I said no." Cassandra's voice was sharp. "Draining powers takes energy out of me. You're human, Divina. That changes things."

Divina struggled to catch up. "Why not just zap over to it? Save us the boring walk."

"And burn through my energy for what? A shortcut?" Cassandra snapped, her eyes narrowing.