Markus High

Chapter Four

I noticed Maylee, who must have hidden somewhere in the school and grabbed onto me in order to get here, as she ran over to Annalee and released her, helping her to her feet. I immediately noticed what was wrong. Annalee had her hand pressed to her side, crimson blood gushing from between her fingers.

I ran over to the side of my friends, almost gagging at the sight of Annalee's blood gushing from her wound. I awkwardly clasped my hands around her side, trying to slow the bleeding. It was a good thing my mother worked as a nurse and taught me what to do in these situations. However, as the blood seeped in-between my fingers, I grew panicked.

"She needs help!" I yelled. I faced Carnivore and the odd looking man and pleaded, "Please, can you help her? She's my friend!" 

"My powers do not allow me to heal her," the odd man replied, grinning evilly. "However, I can give you the power to do so. All you need to do is sign right here and I'll give you power beyond your mortal imagination."

A contract appeared in front of me with a crimson feathered pen beside it. I carefully read it over:

The Black Cauldron Contract

I __________ willingly accept to be subjected to the powers and orders of Mr. John in order to receive the gift he has promised me. I understand once I sign there is no going back on my word. My participation will be dangerous. The outcome of these dangers may include but are not limited to:

Deadly force during power transfiguration, death, loss of thought, unconsciousness, permanent disfigurement, impairment of a body part/organ/left toe.

I ___________ hold none of the things that might happen to me against Mr. John if I sign. If I do not, however, decide to sign this contract, I understand that the penalty is torture, maiming, and eventually a slow and painful death, not only for me, but for those who are accompanied with me.

I understand that this contract is twelve years binding and that afterwards I may lengthen my contract time. My life is Mr. John's to command.

X____________________________________________

I gulped. I'd known there was going to be a catch to Carnivore's 'friendly invitation', but I was stupid enough to fall for it! I hated myself for it, but I couldn't change the past, and this might have been the only way to save Annalee. I took one of my bloody hands and grabbed the crimson feather, quickly signing the first two lines but hesitating on the third.

Did I really want to do this? Signing my life away for twelve years to some guy I didn't even know? I knew he was a bad guy- no one threatens death so much in one contract that likes to help and rescue people- but this might have been the only chance to save Annalee. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't help her?

So I signed it.

The contract rolled up and floated to the hands of the odd man, whose name was apparently Mr. John or something.

"Excellent." Mr. John grinned.

"Markus... you shouldn't... have done that..." Annalee coughed, causing more blood to flow from her wound before collapsing to the ground.

Carnivore dragged me away from Maylee and Annalee, bringing me to the TV in the corner and strapping me down in one of the chairs. The straps were too tight, but I didn't struggle against it.

Mr. John walked up to the TV and switched the channel to an odd spinning channel.

"Look into the TV, and once it's off you'll have the powers you long for," Mr. John said, turning to get a syringe filled with silver liquid. He injected it into my arm, paralyzing me so I couldn't look away from the black and white swirls on the TV.