Orelie

*20*

*20*

"This is... odd." Mystic muttered aloud.

"It is." I glanced around. "He should have been here by now." I fiddled with my necklace. I've been at Mystic's place for almost three days now. Not once has Crae shown up. Does he not care?

"I'm going to talk with the Fairies." I nodded as she got up. "They should have the answers we're looking for. Keep the door locked and don't open it for anything"

"I promise." I said as I moved to the couch.

"I'll be back later." She shut the door behind her. I sighed to myself and stared at the cup of water before me.

We've been practicing moving the water from this cup to an empty one a little ways from the first. It's difficult, but I'm slowly getting it. I took a deep breath and held my staff tightly. I twirled my fingers over the cup and watched the water react.

Slowly, it rose out of the cup, a couple of drops landing on the table. I glanced up and spotted the empty cup at the other end of the coffee table. I can do this. All I have to do is get it in the cup.

I took another breath and wiggled my fingers, willing the water to move towards the cup. It slowly moved closer, a couple of water droplets hitting the table. Just a little farther... I'm almost there!

I lost all my concentration when the door suddenly slammed open. "I know why Crae hasn't come looking for us!"

I stared at the puddle of water on the table, clutching my chest as I tried to ease my rapidly beating heart. "What's wrong?"

"The Demon is back!" I felt my body run cold. "Crae has been searching for it with Brykas these past couple days. He'll be on his way soon to get you."

I clutched at the necklace Mystic bought for me. "Are you certain the Demon can't touch me so long as I wear this?"

"Absolutely." She gave a firm nod. "You are perfectly safe. Just don't ever take it off."

"I promise." I fiddled with the pendant, watching the salt crystals glint off the light.

Why does this Demon want me so bad? Why is it after me? It has to know that I'm an Orelie; that's the only explanation. As it had been explained to me before, our blood is more addictive to Demons. But why? What about our blood is so captivating?

A hand waved in my face. "Hey, snap out of it. You okay?"

I blinked and nodded. "Yeah, sorry. I must have zoned out. Should we continue?" I gestured to the cups.

"Oh! Right, of course." She used her magic to pick up the water and put it back in my cup. "Whenever you're ready."

I took a deep breath and twirled my fingers over the cup. Once it was out, I gently guided it to the cup near Mystic.

Just as I was about to set it in, the door burst open and we had another mess. "If I had been in the right of mind when I first discovered you took her, I would have torn you to pieces!" An angry Crae shouted.

"Nice to see you too..." Mystic mumbled as she cleared the water off her.

"I mean, honestly, what were you thinking?!" He strode in with heavy steps. "Taking my apprentice out from under my nose was a dirty trick, but to keep her for three days!? That's way out of line! You should have told me you took her day one! Left a note! When I discovered the Demon was back and found her bed empty, I was beyond worried! It could have-"

He cut himself off as he reached for me. I stared up at him, fingering the pendant. We locked gazes for a few seconds before he took a deep breath and turned away.