Spellbound [COMPLETED]

Chapter 30 Straight and Fast

Three weeks later

"I don't get why we can't just leave now," Ben said, pretending to look through flash cards as if he even needed a history lesson.

"Because this test is worth sixty percent of our grade and unlike some people, I didn't live through these eras," Ana interjected, tediously writing down her final pages of notes.

"Okay, okay. I just don't want to be late. I want to give my sister the welcome back she deserves," he said, referring to her sister's release party. "I haven't had to welcome her back from jail in a while. I think the last time she was arrested was for drug smuggling back in the seventies. Only, she was actually guilty of that one."

"Well, I'm still suspicious. Don't you think this was all a little too easy? I mean, no sign of the Exaudi, they found some random guy guilty for everything no questions asked, something's clearly off."

"We've got every caster on watch throughout the entire county, relax."
Ben gave her a hug, holding her tightly to ensure she was safe. And it worked for a while, but that didn't stop her from worrying. It all ended too easily.

The last couple of weeks, a man named Taylor Santiago was found covered in blood and reeking of corpse. They later found various weapons and bodies at his basement, matching him with all the unsolved murders. He was trialed and put in a gas chamber, so it wasn't like any caster had a chance to investigate.

However, the group found no connection between Santiago and the Exaudi. But considering Ana's role in the killing spree, they knew this was all set up. The so-called killer even claimed having no knowledge of a hit-and-run incident, despite confessing to the other murders.

Ana still thought about the vision she and Addie had. I See Fire, but when exactly? She thought to herself.
Ben released her from his embrace.

"What are you thinking, darling?" He asked.

"I'm wondering what I See Fire means. And why Addie and I saw the same exact thing."

"Maybe you've developed some strange powerhouse-caster telepathic bond or whatever. It could be a good thing."

"Right Ben, because corpse in a burning fire are always a good thing," she said sardonically. "Need I remind you what was one of the things that put an end to my people."

"Okay one, too far. And two, you didn't think Taryn was alive. How do you know you're the only two remaining?"

"I don't want to talk about this."

"Ana, you've got to consider-"

"No, Ben! Save it for the lessons, I don't want to bring up a long shot possibility. I refuse to give myself false hope."

Ben sighed in defeat.

"Okay," he said softly. "But please darling, hurry up!"

"That, I can do," she said, giving him a sweet smile and making him chuckle.
Ana! Addie's voice cried into Ana's head.

"Addie?" Ana asked out loud.

She could hear her sobs in her head.

"Addie what's wrong?" She asked out loud frantically.

"Ana, what's happening?" Ben asked worriedly.

Screaming echoed in Ana's head, causing her to jolt and cover her ears to keep from going deaf, as if that would help.

"Ahhh!" Ana yelled as she stood up, only to collapse onto the floor. She was curled into a ball, covering her ears, silently praying for the screeching to stop.