The Five Cursed Witches: Volume 3 - Morana, the Witch of Life

Chapter 85 Forget-me-nots

Alejo

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My heart stopped as the door burst open. From it came no other than Astria. But my heart only stood still for a second, if even that, before it started racing. My hold on Morana got harder, and I rushed forward, dragging her with me.

Astria had also reacted, and I felt a gush of wind as her spell missed us. Instead, it hit the wall and created an explosive bang, followed by a shockwave, which made both me and Morana tumble forward and down the stairs.

I got to my feet quickly, but not fast enough. The sound of Astria's spell had alarmed everyone else, and I looked up just in time to see ropes extend and bind Morana.

There were angry shouts and yells, but I was too focused on Morana to make out what they said. She tried to pull free, but was unable to. The adrenaline pumped through me and though I was terrified, I couldn't ever remember having been as calm and collected as in that moment.

I had to get her away from there. That was all I needed to concentrate on.

I summoned my magic and before anyone had time to do anything else, I had slashed at the ropes that bound her, freed her. Then again, before anyone could do a thing, I created an invisible protective barrier. It wasn't strong and would break at any moment, but as long as it gave us a second or two, that was hopefully enough.

Morana was up on her feet and we both ran for the door.

"We got to get off the property too," I yelled at her.

My hand was on the doorhandle and had started to open it when Morana yelled.

"Duck!"

I turned around and managed to press myself against the wall so that the second of Astria's blasts also missed the both of us. This time it instead exploded the door away, leaving behind the smell of burned wood.

I once again took hold of Morana and we ran out. The lawn in front of the house was also protected against teleporting and we needed to make it across it and out the gate. It was about ten yards and then we could flee to wherever and decide on what to do next.

I felt myself being pushed up into the air and forward by such a powerful force that I lost my grip on Morana. I landed by the hedges which surrounded the lawn. So close to freedom and safety, but also immensely far away because as I looked up, I saw that Morana had been thrown in the opposite direction. What was more, she was slumped by the yew tree with a hand over her head. A hand that was partly covered in blood.

"No!" I yelled and made to run to her. But I barely got a step closer before I felt something invisible knocking me off balance.

"You two are much more trouble than I ever imagined," Mom snarled. She stood on top of the stairs leading to the now destroyed front door. Astria and Senalda stood by her sides, and a few of the others mingled behind. My eyes caught Marianela, who looked away.

I tried getting to my feet again, but once more I was knocked back down.

"Oh no, neither of you are going anywhere." Mom flicked her fingers, and I felt rope bind together my hands and legs.

Helplessly, I looked over at Morana. She had gotten up on her knees and looked over at me with terror in her eyes and a small cut to the side of her face by her hairline.

"I thought you were smarter," Mom continued and both me and Morana looked back over at her. "I thought you would realize it was in your best interest to join us. Or at least to not go against us."

"Then you're the dumb one," Morana snorted back. "I'll never be a part of a group that treats people the way you do."

Mom sighed. "That's too bad. I was preparing to help you find out more about your past. But I guess you'll die not knowing."