A Serpent's Touch

Chapter 9

"Damn," Divina muttered, her eyes wide as she stared at the powerful surge of energy radiating from Wednesday.

The air around them crackled with intensity, the lingering emanation of the dragon spirit still palpable.

"Did you just consume the dragon?" Bianca asked, her voice filled with disbelief as she struggled to process what had just happened. The memory of the dragon’s fiery essence merging with Wednesday was still fresh in her mind.

"That was a dragon spirit," Ms. Thatcher interjected, her tone reverent. "The most powerful spirit of them all. No wonder Weems trusts you so much, Wednesday. This is extraordinary."

Enid stepped closer to Wednesday, unable to tear her eyes away from the eerie, yet mesmerizing, fiery glow still faintly emanating from Wednesday's mark and eyes. There was something both terrifying and awe-inspiring about her transformation.

"That was... awesome," Enid said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. She couldn’t help but be in awe of the display of power, even if it did come with a sense of unease.

Wednesday turned her gaze toward Enid, the last traces of the fiery glow fading as she struggled to rein in the overwhelming energy coursing through her.

"T-Thanks," she stammered, her voice shaky as she grappled with the tension building inside her.

"Does this mean..." Enid began, her mind racing with the implications of what had just happened, but Ms. Thatcher quickly interrupted.

"She will obtain the powers of that spirit," Ms. Thatcher explained, her eyes locked on Wednesday with respect and concern. "She will be more powerful and, perhaps, even invincible. But with such power, you have to use it wisely."

Enid opened her mouth to speak again, wanting to ask more, but the sudden, ominous growling sounds of the deathwalkers closing on them cut her off. The scent of decay, and the growls grew louder, more feral.

"Shit, they're coming," Yoko muttered, her eyes darting toward the oncoming horde.

"Let's go this way," Ms. Thatcher instructed, her voice urgent as she pointed to the bridge ahead. The group quickly fell in line behind her, their steps quickening as the deathwalkers drew closer, their monstrous forms filling the narrow passage behind them.

As they reached the end of the bridge, they were met with a large, imposing door. Ms. Thatcher tried to open it, but it wouldn't budge. Panic flickered in her eyes as she tugged at the door, but it remained stubbornly closed.

"I can't open it!" she said, her voice tinged with fear.

"Uh, guys, they're coming!" Yoko called out, her voice rising in panic as she glanced over her shoulder at the approaching deathwalkers, their snarling faces a horrifying reminder of the danger they were in.

Without hesitation, Wednesday stepped forward, pushing past Ms. Thatcher.

"Let me," she said, her voice calm yet commanding. With powerful kick, she sent the door crashing open, the sound reverberating through the space.

They hurried inside, only to be met by another group of sorcerers, their eyes gleaming with malevolent intent. The room filled with tension as the sorcerers surrounded them, their dark robes billowing like shadows in the dim light.

"You gotta be kidding me," Enid mumbled, her voice filled with exhaustion. The fight with the deathwalkers had already drained them, and now they were faced with yet another battle.

The sorcerers began chanting, their voices rising in a chilling, rhythmic cadence. Dark energy swirled around them, and the temperature in the room dropped noticeably.