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Chapter Five- The Mark and The Decision

Merlin pulled out a knife that had lightning bolts carved in the handle. As soon as he did, Dylan tackled him to the ground and Nick kicked the blade away. Merlin flinched as Nick's foot connected with the dagger.

"That dagger is older then your great great great grandparents! Be careful," Merlin growled. "And would you get this guy off of me!"

"Dylan. Nick. Stop over reacting! He's fine," I snapped. Nicks eyes narrowed and Dylan flinched at my tone. "It was your idea anyways Nick."

Dylan's head drooped. And he began to walk back to the corner but I caught him and pulled him into a hug. As soon as I did, I felt warm and powerful. When I let go of him he was grinning. I nodded to him and I knew he accepted my apology.

"Well. Do you want me to draw the Latin rune or not," Merlin growled. "I don't have all day."

"What? Got a date or something," I mocked. "And yes. My friends are a bit skittish."

"No," he growled. "Good. All of you take off your shirts and turn around."

Rolling my eyes I pulled my shirt off. I still had a sports bra on so it was all cool. Nike and Dylan did the same, and I realized that Dylan's rune was on his right shoulder blade.

"This is gonna hurt. But all of you hold still. It would be easier if you, Hannah, didn't cry out in pain because I actually need to live beyond this day," Merlin picked the dagger up. "Nick. Come here first."

Nick moved next to me. Alex sat motionless, watching. Nick held out his arm. I gripped his arm, preparing for the pain. Merlin placed the cold blade on my back and electricity flowed out of the blade. It hurt but I wasn't prepare for the pain that was coming.

When Merlin pierced my skin I screamed in agony. Dylan gripped the bed post while Alex squeezed his eyes shut. I could tell Nick was ready to kill Merlin. But it was Dylan's look that broke my heart.

His eyes were filled with pain and sorrow. And then I saw his life flash before me. He had been killed the day his sister turned two. He was sixteen at the time, and died saving his sister. I saw the attackers and gasped.

They were my parents. And the little girl? Me. Just as I saw that, pain brought me back to reality. I ground my teeth and gripped Nick's arm. I felt the blades every cut, electricity surging from the cuts. It hurt worst then the hunters mark.

Then I looked back at Dylan. He was shocked. Maybe it was because he thought I should have passed out by now. Or maybe because he knew I knew. But his gaze kept me quiet.

"Ok," Merlin said quietly.

"You done," I asked him, pain filling my voice.

"With that one. You have another rune to be put on," Merlin sounded truly sorry. "You are pretty strong, most would have passed out by now."

"Great," I muttered.

"Alright. Dylan come here," Dylan took Nick's spot. "Ready?"

"Go," I whispered, and squeezed my eyes shut.

Dylan grabbed my hand just as Merlin snuck the blade into my right shoulder blade. I screamed out, this was so much more painful. The dagger felt super hot, and burned my skin. And if the blade cutting and burning wasn't enough, electricity so strong stung my skin.

It felt like I was being stung by thousands if bees at once. Bees that were so hot, that they melted anything they touched. Dylan's touch on my hand was the only thing that kept me awake. My screams grew hoarser and quieter as I lost my voice.

Finally, after what felt like centuries, Merlin stopped. As soon as he lifted the blade I crumpled to the ground, pain and exhaustion washing over me. Dylan picked me up and held me. And I feel asleep, in my brothers arms.