I've Been Waiting For You

Chapter 117

Thomas eyed the dead body on the ground with distaste.

"All your experiments have been nothing but failures."

"I told you only a powerful hybrid will be able to successfully merge with your blood."

There was a hissing sound as smoke drifted upwards from a burning cast iron pot. The witch hobbled over to the pot, picked it up and emptied the liquid into a small container.

Thomas watched, allowing the witch to work in silence. It would be a dull moon in two weeks. If this was going to work, he needed to get the hybrid's body before he disappeared completely.

"How long will it to mix with his blood?"

"An hour at best."

The witch picked up a knife and drew the blade across her palm. She held her hand over the container and let her blood dripped into the mixture.

She tipped the container and filled up a small crystal bottle with the liquid. His eyes were drawn to the bottle in her spindly hands.

Inside the dim, gloomy cavern, the liquid glowed a bright dark pink.

"Why did you mix your blood with it?"

"It'll work faster with my blood. No one will be able to remove your soul from his body."
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"What's in the box?" Rayne eyed the box on the table. She leaned forward with a frown on her face. "I think I've seen this design."

Markus looked up at her. "Do you remember where you saw it?"

She shook her head. "It was a long time ago."

Calia, Gwyneira and Dresden, along with Tia and the others were with him in the living-room.

"Let me know if you remember anything."

"I'll be sure to do that."

"Why did Micah gave you that box?"

Markus was unable to reveal Micah's reasons for giving him the box. The secret was only meant to be shared with Mitchell.

"This will come in handy for me."

Markus watched Rayne closely, as she stared at the box. He stood up and walked towards her.

Her gaze went to his face. "Do you need something else?"

"I need to speak to you alone."

Markus led her outside, to the backyard.

"Don't tell anyone the reason for the box."

"Why?"

Markus threw a backyard glance over his shoulder, then looked back at Rayne.

"My dark side is showing its face. I feel like a powder keg, and I don't know what will set me off. Micah told me I should embrace this darkness, but I don't know if I'll be able to control it."

"You will." Rayne smiled at him. "It's hard for me to trust easily but I trust you completely. We all do."

Markus turned around when he heard the sound of footsteps before the door slid open.

"What are you guys up to?" Mitchell asked as he approached them.

"I was having a talk with Rayne."

Mitchell's gaze passed between the two but there wasn't any hint of jealousy, just curiousity.

"I think this is my cue to leave." Rayne lifted her hand in a small wave before walking away.

"So, are you going to tell me about the box?"

Markus felt the shift in the air and let his eyes drift down to Mitchell's hands. A faint iridescent glow of energy emanated around Mitchell's fingertips.

Markus grasped Mitchell's hands and felt a subtle heat radiating from his hands. A tell-tale sign of Mitchell's immense power.

"Let's head upstairs."

As they appeared in the doorway, every head in the room swiveled toward them. Markus walked over to the table and picked up the box.

"I need to have a private conversation with Mitchell. Help yourselves to some food."

He took Mitchell's hand and led him upstairs to his bedroom. 

The moment they were in the bedroom, he locked the door.

"After I'm done explaining, I'm going to need you to do everything I tell you."

Mitchell's gaze went to the box in his hand. "Markus, what exactly is going with you?"

"No matter what happens, don't be afraid."

Markus lifted the lid on the box, then reached into the box and pulled out its contents. He placed the box on the bed before showing Mitchell what he was holding.

"What are you going to do?"

"Micah told me if I don't get this darkness under control, it'll consume me."

"What else did he say?"

"I shouldn't try to fight it. I have to make it a part of me."

"How?"

"Go into the bathroom and bring me the knife on the counter."

Mitchell's head swung up, his eyes boring into his face. "Why do you need a knife?"

"Mitchell, I need you to trust me."

Mitchell stared at him for a moment before heading for the bathroom door.

Markus placed the bottles on the bed, then took off his jacket and shirt. He turned around as Mitchell returned, knife in his hand.

"What's next?"

Markus picked up the bottle filled with purple liquid. "I need to drink this." He put the bottle to his mouth and swallowed the liquid.

There was a distinct bitterness, that quickly gave way to a more pleasant flavor.

"How does it taste?"

"Not bad." Markus threw the empty bottle on the bed. "We have to wait ten minutes."

Mitchell held out the knife, but Markus didn't take it from his hand.

"What are you going to do with the knife?"

"This part is very important. I'm going to need you to stab me with it."