Twilight Shadows

Chapter 41

"Stephanie!" Derrick called out to me. "Stephanie!"

I shook my head to clear the thoughts. I was rooted to the spot, sweating already.

"STEPHANIE!" Derrick bellowed as he ran over to me. "My fair little warrior," He whispered in my ear, his warm breath tickling it. "Are you alright?" He smirked sarcastically.

I rolled my eyes. "Of course I am, what do you think?"

"You must be so, so scared to take care of this big creature. Lemme do all the work. Watch... and learn." Derrick winked, smiling his half grin.

"If you must," I shrugged. "Good luck dying!" I called out to him as he charged towards the Hell Hound, still eyeing us. I summoned my wings and flew to another first-year trapped on a balcony.

"Stephanie!" She cried out. I was stunned.

"T-Tory?" I asked, calling out to her. Tory nodded, and I landed gracefully on the ledge of the balcony. A huge growl and tremble nearly made me topple out of balance.

"Don't worry, I gotcha..." I extended my hand, and she took it. I flew her down to the ground, careful not to make the landing too rough.

"Go, run!" I called out to her as I made my way to another first-year boy. "Get to safety!"

A boy who looked to be younger than me was pounding on his window. His dorm room was fairly close to the destructive Hell Hound. I understood immediately, flying over to him and slashing the glass with Midnight.

"Thank you so much..." He said breathlessly.

"No problem." I said as I carried him swiftly down to the ground. "See that girl with black hair there?" He nodded. "Follow her."

The boy sprinted off, getting to safety.

An agonized cry of pain got my attention. I swiveled my head to Derrick, who was clutching his shoulder. I quickly flew over to him, Midnight turning into a deadly bow.

"So, that's what I'm supposed to do?" I asked. "You did say watch and learn..."

Even in his weakened state, Derrick managed to grin. "Yes, you do exactly what I did. Scars are very memorable and show that you have a lot of courage."

"Mmhm..." I say sarcastically. "A lot of courage... to get into trouble."

Without waiting for a reply, I put both hands on his shoulder, closing my eyes and concentrating on the venomous strike that he took. I could almost see the venom slowly spreading, blood gushing out from his wound.

Concentrating harder, I split the venom from the blood and drew it out from the gash, spilling it onto the grass.

Using my healing powers, I sealed the wound, and opened my eyes.

"Let's just pretend that did not happen." Derrick said slowly. "That I never got that cut, and that I never was saved by you, my little warrior." Derrick smiled his maddening grin again, bringing out his boyish features.

"Well... let's see. Maybe you should watch and learn from me now." I said sarcastically.

A huge bark brought me away from my conversation with Derrick. The Hell Hound snarled viciously, exposing its sharp fangs dripping with clear, deadly poisonous venom.

"Come at me, you nasty, vicious, overweight DOG!" I yelled at it, bringing its attention away from Derrick.

It growled, its red eyes glowing brighter and brighter. It howled into the sun, and I saw a tiny little chip on its neck. I quickly flew over to Derrick again.