Coiled (Book 1 of 2)

Blood on Snow (Part II)

TW: torture, violence.

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Once Pandora finally dispenses of Barty, the next match to be called is between Reggie and Alecto. When he hears the announcement, Amycus inhales sharply from his place at Reggie's side. Then, leaning in, he shakes his head knowingly, "I'm sorry ..."

Attempting to ignore his now suddenly wildly racing heart, Reggie whispers back, "It's ... alright."

And with that, he collects himself and steps forward through the snow towards the centre of the clearing to meet her.

... It's no secret among their number that Alecto has a particular vehemence for Reggie, though none of them has ever been able to figure out why. Sure enough, her eyes lighting up at the announcement, she now strides forward with a purposeful rage and near uncontrollable excitement building within.

This!

This is exactly what I was waiting for;

The opportunity I was most hoping for.

Whatever else happens today, I really don't care.

... You're mine, Black.

And believe me, if I have my way, you're going to suffer terribly.

From their place on the side lines, Orion and Walburga Black watch closely as their son comes to a stop in his starting position, Alecto just opposite him on the frost covered field. For a long several seconds the two of them just stare at one another. Then, her lips curving upwards into a bone chilling smile as she considers the possibilities before her, Alecto pulls out her wand and rushes forward. It is, of course, true to her preferred style of combat: extremely aggressive. Add to this the unmistakable sense of fury in her eyes and suffice it to say it's a terrifying sight to behold.

No, Alecto doesn't hold back. Without wasting any time at all, she aims her wand directly at Reggie and silently casts. And though she doesn't announce her spell out loud, everyone looking on knows immediately exactly which spell flies forward from her wand.

Watching with horror, Evan's eyes widen.

No mistaking that red light;

Cruciatus Curse.

There's no limit on spells here; the usual ban on Unforgivable Curses that law-abiding witches and wizards follow doesn't apply. As far as their number's concerned, any spell's fair game.

In the nick of time, at the very last possible second, Reggie manages to sidestep her attack, the distinctive volley of flaming red light hitting and melting the snow where he'd just been standing.

Holding his breath as he tries to calm his nerves and collect himself, Reggie spins around as quickly as he can and takes aim at her. He attempts a disarming spell but she's too quick on her feet and his spell misses completely.

As they begin to circle once more, she gathers her energy and concentrates, eyes narrowing as she attempts the Cruciatus again. Once more it misses the mark just barely.

Arms crossing, his fingernails digging at the insides of his gloves, Evan fights against the near overpowering urge to run onto the field and take her out himself.

What is this?!

What the hell's she playing at here?

Why so completely wrathful?

But Reggie's able to hold his own and pivots quickly, dashing across the snow as he lets fly a curse of his own, a spell that if it makes contact will slow her down.