Orelie

*22*

*22*

The sound of heels clicking on stone had me open my eyes. My head felt heavy as I slowly looked up. The Witch has returned. What more could she want from me?

"Hello, Orelie," she grinned as she walked to the table. "My, you've been here quite a while now, huh? Three days, I believe. And no sign of your master. Tut, tut. I guess he just doesn't care."

I wanted to cry, but I didn't want to give her the satisfaction. She's been collecting my blood, as well as my tears and sweat. She takes anything. Just what am I to these Witches?

"Hm?" I met her gaze again. She focused in on my arm. "And what is this? It kind of looks like..."

She paled a bit. This is the first time I've ever seen fear in her eyes. "You've been branded. Thankfully, I haven't hit the mark yet. If that were the case, that Demon would be here faster than a Merfolk drowns her prey." I didn't understand her analogy, but I almost hoped she would hit the brand.

Demons don't take too kindly to their blood source being harmed. An idea suddenly struck me. I felt the rough part of the wall with my arm. If I can just get it to cut the brand...

The Witch came over to me and held my chin. "Tell me what I want, Orelie." She forced me to look into her eyes. "Tell me my future."

I gulped, but complied. Soon, my vision shifted and I was seeing the Witch. She had a wild look in place, her arms and legs bloody. She was fighting something off.

"Just because she's yours doesn't mean I'll willingly give her up!" The Witch shouted. A feral snarl sounded as she leaned back and slashed at the attacker with a wickedly sharp knife.

When I turned to take in the situation, I caught a quick glimpse of the figure. A sharp pain shot through my thigh. I couldn't stop the scream from coming out as I was pulled from the vision.

"That's what I wanted." She gave a dark chuckle. "Orelie give off the most magic right before a vision ends." She collected my blood and kissed the vial.

"Demon..."

"I'm sorry?" She faced me again.

"A Demon," I grinned as I met her gaze once more. "He's coming."

"What do you-" she gasped as a biting pain stung my arm. I had found a sharp rock and cut myself right along the brand. "You little wench!" She strode right over to me and drove the knife into my other leg.

My tears spilled out as she ripped the knife out. "You shouldn't have done that! You have just ruined your life! I still have more to collect from you, but I won't let it all be in vain! I'll kill you before the Demon gets here!"

I clenched my fists at the pain. "No... no you won't!" I took in a deep breath and blew right at the Witch. The gust of wind knocked her off her feet and on the other side of the room. Instantly, I felt a small trickle of blood run out my nose.

"You!" She snarled and stood from the broken table. "You won't get away with this!" She charged and I blew at her once more. She knelt to her knees and held her arms up.

"I won't fall for that again!" When I ran out of breath, she quickly stood and ran for me. I quickly placed my hands flat against the wall and shut my eyes.

Soon, the whole place began to shake. The Witch stumbled and looked at me in disbelief. "No... not possible! Stop this! You'll doom us both!" I didn't listen. I felt energy swirl through me as I made the shaking stronger.

I grimaced as heat filled my body the more the place shook. More liquid trickled out my nose and mouth. I'm definitely causing harm to my body right now.