We Three Witches (Twilight)

Search and Rescue

Bella's POV

March 21st, 2003

Content warnings: blood, violence, cliffhangers and angst

I felt as though I was floating in water, surrounded by darkness with something weighing me down. Distantly I heard voices that were somewhat distorted. After a moment, or perhaps it was longer, the voices became clearer, and as they did I became more and more aware of pain radiating off every part of my body. I turned my head even as my body protested, demanding I not move. I furrowed my brow, aware of an uncomfortable wetness under my head. Perhaps I had been in water?

The voices suddenly became as clear as day.

"Bella!"

"Bella!"

My eyes snapped open and I immediately saw James pinning Edward against the wall by the neck. My heart leapt into my throat and every muscle in me ached to tear him off Edward.

But I couldn't move. Why the fuck couldn't I move?

"Bella!" It was Mary Alice's voice, begging for me.

I tore my eyes away from Edward, searching for my sisters, for a reason behind the panicked desperation in their voices. They were standing on the far side of the room away from the battling vampires, cautious not to get in their way even as their eyes never left me.

As I locked eyes with them I could see them both sag in relief. Fire coursed through my veins as my rage grew. My anger gave me strength as I peeled myself off the floor paying no heed to the pool of blood I had been laying in.

James was applying pressure to Edward's neck and I could see small cracks beginning to appear. If it was possible my rage burned hotter than before and I gathered all the energy I could, shooting a bolt of magic at James

At the last minute he unfortunately seemed to notice the spell and dodged, dropping Edward who didn't hesitate to pounce on James again and they began grappling on the floor. I could feel myself getting colder and I knew without question that I was too weak for conventional magic to work.

At that moment my eyes caught the pool of blood on the floor. My blood. I didn't stop to think where it had come from. I didn't have time. I needed to use it to save everyone. Blood magic was my only option.

Like I was working on autopilot, I dropped to my knees and pressed my hands into the blood. Trusting Edward to keep James busy, I closed my eyes and chanted. "Sanguis vitae, alimentum animae, vires affer, libens deis te superis pro viribus non meis immola. O magne Athena, vires praebe mihi, amabilis Aphrodite, sit mihi clypeus tuus amor, Morrigan sit tibi. tua sit pugna virtus mea. Ita dico, sic erit."

Blood of life, nourishment of the soul bring me strength, I willingly sacrifice thee to the goddesses above in exchange for strength which is not mine. Oh great Athena, lend me your strength, lovely Aphrodite let your love be my shield, The Morrgian let your battle prowess be my own. So I say it, so shall it be.

The blood began to glow and swirl, rising and circling my arms, my body before vanishing as quickly as it began. Like a shot of adrenaline, my heart began to race, pounding with the strength the goddesses had given me. Strength rushed through my veins, matching my fury with every beat of my heart.

It was only temporary, I knew—no one could borrow the strength of the goddesses for long—but I would make it work. I would not let their gift go to waste.

I rose to my feet and snarled as James tossed Edward aside like a rag doll. He turned to me and grinned like the madman he was. Without a breath of hesitation, I launched a ball of magic at him. A ball of swirling death, filled with every drop of rage I had.