13 Witches Cursed ADELAIDE

Chapter 12

"Where are you taking me?" she asked Aadin as they rode quickly into the night. It was a new moon cycle and the dual moons were dark.

Aadin did not respond to her question so she tried ag­­ain.

"I demand to know where you are taking me!"

Aadin turned around and slapped her across the face. "Shut up! Why don't you spend the last few minutes of your life in silence? Enjoy the last air that will fill your lungs."

Adelaide was angry.

Beyond angry. She wondered how long it would take Zahn to reach her. Adelaide knew that there was a possibility she would have to rescue herself...that Zahn might not be able to reach her in time so she started formulating a plan of escape.

She knew that the baby growing inside of her would protect her physically, but she also knew that while she was protected from dying, she could still harm the baby if she fell incorrectly or got hit. She had considered just trying to push Aadin off the horse and riding away but she didn't know if she had the strength to knock him off. He was a large man, similar in stature to Zahn. She then considered jumping off herself, but Aadin had a tight grip on her and it would take every ounce of her strength to wrangle herself out of his grasp and the resulting struggle could harm the child. Plus there was the magic to consider.

Adelaide wasn't as strong a witch as Aadin was, although the baby gave her a definite edge.

He was fully magical while Adelaide was only half. She didn't know if she could fend off a magical attack and knew nothing of how the baby's protective shield would fare through a confrontation like that. She didn't want to test that theory. Since her baby was almost 100% magical, she knew she had a shot though.

Luckily, she didn't have to wait. She heard Zahn before she saw him. He was riding quickly on a magical horse. The beast was bathed in bright blue light as its powerful legs advanced on them quickly. Adelaide felt a shock of love in seeing him and knew everything would be ok now that he was there.

Zahn caught up to them even though Aadin pushed the horse they were on to go faster. In one fell swoop, Zahn managed to knock Aadin off the steed and grabbed Adelaide onto his horse. Aadin's horse continued on with no riders and once Zahn had Adelaide in his grasp he slowed his own horse. They circled back around to Aadin, who was already off the ground, seething with rage.

"Stay on the horse Adelaide. Do not get off. Ride away if I tell you." Zahn said as he jumped down, handing the reins to her.

"But...what if you need my help?"

"All that matters is that you and the child are safe. Do not worry about me. If I tell you, run straight to the Fairy Kingdom. You will be safe there until this...monster can be eradicated. Is that clear?"

"No Zahn, it will not be like that. Stop making me try to hide from this. We are a team and we will stand together. This is my life and our child and I will not run... not while there is still air filling my lungs. I will stand and fight for our love and the life of the child we made together."

A small, knowing smile crept onto Zahn's face. He knew he was defeated. She would not listen.

"Stubborn, beautiful woman."

Adelaide smiled, knowing his words were filled with affection.

Zahn's face grew serious and he turned to face the shell of his brother who was now inhabited by something dark and dangerous.

"Who did this to you?" Zahn asked.

"Who did what? It is me, brother." Aadin said with a cruel and twisted smile.