Conjured

Chapter 16 - The Change

He stands up in front of me and a small smile appears on his face before he hugs me tightly. I hug him back and am shocked to see the fire burning in his eyes when he looks at me. "That's new" I murmur. 

"I know, I'm getting them under control though" he says with his usual lopsided grin. He gives me a chaste kiss before sitting on the bed and patting the spot next to him. 

"So tell me about camp" He smiles. 

I recount my stories of finding out who I am, the fight with Henry's father and my training for London. Mark's face drops when he hears I'm going to fight the Hunters. "Willa you can't go!" He says grabbing my hands. "Why not? I'm the most powerful conjurer there is, if anyone has to go its me" I respond. "I know how powerful you are Willa but the Hunters are different. They don't fight with strength. Because they're human they have to use their wits. They trick conjurers into being friends with them and then they kill them, that's what mum says anyway" He explains.

Once he mentions Giulia I know there's something I have to ask. "Mark... when I was in the camp your mum used compulsion on me to make sure I didn't speak to you and didn't even remember you. I didn't realise what it was at first but after speaking to my mentor it made sense. Before I left camp she told me not to see you... do you know why?" I question. He sighs and runs a hand through his messy dark hair. 

"I suspect it's because I'm a new conjurer. My powers have been developing rapidly since you left and it won't be long till I need to train at the Camp. New conjurers are only meant to be around their trainers if they aren't at Camp so it would make sense. I can't believe she would do that though" he frowns. 

"I was surprised too. But it made sense. The only way I managed to remember you was when I opened my birthday present" I say suddenly clutching at the star on my neck. He smiles when he notices it. "I'm glad it was useful" He says pressing a soft kiss against my lips. Having been so busy in the Camp I feel guilty for not missing him as much as he has missed me. I don't know what it is but something feels different between us. I look at his gaunt face and feel worry spread through me. The change is not treating him well. When he hugs me he feels strong but at the same time his body seems so fragile.

"What's wrong?" He murmurs tilting my chin up so I look him in the eyes. "I'm worried about you Mark. You look sick" I say honestly. He nods and sighs. "Unfortunately that's because I am. The change affects everyone differently and unfortunately for me a lot of the changes are happening at once and its been making me weak. To be honest I probably shouldn't have come here but I needed to see you" He says earnestly. 

"Are you going to get better though? It doesn't sound like fun" I say squeezing his hand. "Mum thinks the changes will slow down soon then I'll be able to get used to what's going on but I don't know to be honest. I wake up every morning feeling sore and tired because of the growth changes and the powers I've been developing. The first time my eyes changed it felt like they were going to burn away, I screamed for hours apparently" He says worriedly. I can't believe the difference in our changes. Mine has had a few ups and downs but has been a fairly straightforward process so far compared to Mark. 

"Eye changes are rare you know. Probably means you'll be very strong when you get through this" I say with a small grin. He scoffs. "Little Starr, I'm already more powerful than most conjurers could dream of being" He says confidently. "Is that so? Even me?" I say raising an eyebrow.

"Definitely you" He says as his grin grows more impish. I know him and know where this is going.

"In fact I challenge you to a battle. of sorts... Midnight on Christmas I want you to meet me at the old football grounds. We can see who's more powerful" He challenges. 

Knew it.

"Challenge accepted" I say making sure my eyes glow purple. He opens his mouth in shock then laughs. "I'm going to regret this aren't I?" He laughs.

I shrug, "yeah probably". 

He shakes his head and laughs some more before kissing my forehead and standing up. "I should probably head home. Mum will get suspicious about where I am. Ill see you at the football grounds though?" He checks.

I nod, "Of course. Hopefully before that if we can manage to sneak round your mum though". I stand up and give him a big hug before he sneaks out my window. I lie on my bed thinking about Mark. I love him still, that much is obvious to me. And yet... it's not the same. Something in both of us has changed. I feel nervous about Christmas night. He seems to weak to have any powers but he was confident. And those burning eyes fill my mind, I can't escape them.

All of a sudden a darker pair run into my mind and I can't help but sigh. I can't believe that I had a crush on Henry. Stupid, handsome, Henry. I couldn't even hold on to his friendship. I wondered what he would be doing this Christmas and felt bad. His mother was dead and his father in prison. I knew he didn't have any siblings but maybe he had cousins he could spend the holiday with. 

I close my eyes and fall into a deep sleep and start to dream....

Willa?

I look around wondering where the voice is coming from. I'm in green countryside with stormy weather surrounding me. 

Willa please... we need you

I run, searching for the voice but cannot find it. I don't recognise it. It's soft and feminine and yet different to any I've heard before. 

I need you

A pair of grey eyes appear in front of me, as dark as the storm around me. A flash of blonde hair and then-

I'm awake.

I sit up suddenly and feel sweat across my forehead. That had to be the weirdest dream I've had in a long time. Who was this girl and why was I dreaming of her? 

AUTHOR NOTE: Hey guys hope you're enjoying the story! What do we think is going to happen with Mark? And who is this mysterious blonde? Give me some comments I want to know what you guys are thinking <3