Protecting Earth and Turbulent Waters

You again?

As the scream ended, she flickered out of existence. I could hear my heartbeat in my ears; I felt dizzy.

Commotion from behind us made me snap out of it, and the Alpha's howl sent shivers down my spine. Lathen quickly shot up and, nodding at us, ran towards the direction of the great oak.

"Lex, let's go!" Leo urged.

We dodged and fled behind the trees as we moved forward. We were trying to avoid the fighting and chasing. As we got closer to the oak, we were closer to pack territory.

We came across more fighting than the expected quietness.

It seemed more of Magnus' forces were playing a part as every rainbow colour flew in the air, attacking the never-ending onslaught of Cornelius' army.

"Watch out!" A voice shouted.

A shadow grew above Leo and me.

I let go of Leo's hand and pushed him away from the large mass—a felled wolf covered in blood.

"Go quickly!" The same voice turned, facing away from me, using a purplish gale to push back his enemy.

I took the opportunity and ran right to go around the fallen warrior, only to halt my steps.

Cornelius's pale blue eyes caught mine, and he blurred forward. The alpha was nowhere to be found. I quickly uttered the same spell Quinn used.

"Sanctis."

I watched in satisfaction as Cornelius bounced back into a tree, breaking it in two. Only to spot two of his minions coming towards me. Behind them, I watched Seri swiftly move over the fallen tree with no one chasing her.

I looked left; no one followed Lathen as he disappeared through the tree line.

They were after me.

"Lexi, run!" Leo shouted, stepping in front of me and taking care of the two in front of me.

"Leo! It's me they are after-"

"I know."

He looked over his shoulder at me, "I know Lex."

"Go. I'll follow."

I continued to run through my blurred vision.

I weaved through the trees, trying to spread the scent of my blood to confuse them.

My lungs burned and protested with each heavy breath. The further away from the Oak I got, the quieter the forest had become. I lost track of Leo.

I prayed the others made it to the Oak.

I rested against the bark, desperately catching my breath. My breath claimed ragged gasps; each inhale burned my lungs, my throat sore, and magic was nearly empty. I felt blood trickle down my side. It mingled with the sweat and dirt covering my body.

I was dizzy, fighting to keep my eyes open, but I couldn't afford to faint. Not now.

I took a moment, listening out for movement.

The forest was quiet. I leaned back and closed my eyes.

I could breathe for a moment.

Victoria

She watched the young witch fling her son away like he was dust. Cracking a tree in two, he lay longer than he should have.