ETHER: The Realm of Magic

Chapter Four

Hope

All mayhem broke loose.

At each passing second, series of screaming came from our circle. I was sweating. I know that I can fight but fighting blindly isn't my thing. It's hard to attack someone that you can't see especially if he's pointing a knife on your neck.

Closing my eyes, I mumbled the word 'Delta' hoping that a gorgeous specimen would come and kick this mohawk guy's ass.

But it didn't work.

"Calling for some deity to save you, kid?"

I growled at the ridiculous word that he called me. Unfortunately, he didn't like that so he held my arm tighter which made me wince and fall down on my knees. I hate this. I hate being helpless.

Another spotlight came and another body has been rip out with a soul.

My predator's body lowered until his face reached my head. He buried his head on my hair and inhaled deeply. A satisfied sound came from his mouth that later, came to my ear. I feel disgusted and humiliated.

"Kill me." I said bravely. He scoffed loudly.

"If I wanted that, I could have done that a minute ago but no, surrender kid."

Just as what I've guessed. He wants my money. But as stubborn as I am, I'm not giving him the pleasure that he wanted. Money is no big deal to me, but I don't want to give in easily.

"Fuck off."

He angrily pushed me to the floor. I struggled in getting oxygen as he used his weight to make me still. He's literally on my back.

Several spotlights came to life, signifying the dwindling amount of breathing fighters in the circle.

"Give it up, kid!" He shouted irritatingly, as his coarse voice sent some loud bang on my eardrums.

"Wash your mouth first. It stinks." He groaned in disappointment but it was easily replaced with a diabolic laugh.

The little gap between my skin and the knife's pointed edge was gone. He shallowly buried it on my neck and dragged it in a curve manner.

I bit my lower lip, preventing myself from shouting. The weapon's tip intended to go deeper. I mustered myself for the excruciating pain that I'm going to feel.

Until...his laugh vanished.

Just then I noticed a shadow in front of me, my shadow. I looked up and a light blocked my sight. The weight that was pinning me down, the grip on arms, and the stinging sensation on my neck was gone. I struggled as I stood. The light followed me.

"Congratulations, Nicole."

I couldn't see him but I knew, it was Alex. His playful voice is congratulating me.

Little by little, the whole amphitheater was enlightened. My eyesight blurred as it became to familiriaze with the surrounding. And as, my vision gets clearer and clearer, I noticed the crowd taking off some glasses. And I knew they were night-visioned. But the most thing that struck me is as everyone on the circle were dead. The marble floor was now splashed with blood like a red carpet. I turned around and see the mohawk guy lying outside the circle. The knife that he used to traced my neck was now stabbed on his neck, by him. His eyes were shot open and his left arm is twisted 360 degrees. The once silent crowd was in a blink, cheered and shouted.

I was the only one left.

But then, eventhough the place was deafening, a simple clap dominated my ear. I followed it and there standing on the entrance door is the woman. The woman with her braided black hair. Her eyes, those grey orbs, were twinkling in amusement. She was still in her previous clothes, but the traces of blood were gone. And I watched in extreme shock as she faded by dust in the air.