Book 2: Seven Demon's Hearts

Episode 6: Loyalty

Episode 6: L o y a l t y

"Hello, gal."

My eyes flickered open and I quickly sat up on my bed, looking into the darkness of my room.

From the corner of my eyes, I caught a figure moving out of the shadows.

"Leyla." I gasped, stumbling up to my feet. "You can't be here...how did you even get in!"

"My dear, you would do well to know that I am the best witch in all the realms." She smiled, stretching her arms out to me like she was proud of all her wicked achievements.

I narrowed my eyes and prepared to conjure up energy, but before I could manage to fire a measly bullet, she spun her fingers in the air. Her fingers wove and curled, as if she were writing something into space before she pointed them right at me.

"My....my body!" I gasped, finding my limbs too stiff to move. What ever she managed to cast had made my limbs feel no different that the limbs of a statue.

"I thought I told you, I'm the best witch in the world, gal. Do not underestimate me." She tutted. "Besides, I'm not here to harm you. It's actually the opposite, believe me. I'm here to help you and to also warn you that you need to watch your back."

I lowered my eyes, frustrated by the situation she had me in. If she at least wanted to sound convincing, she could have started by undoing this spell. "What are you talking about. And why should I even trust you after all the things you did to us in the past?"

Leyla shut her eyes, expressing a brief look of urgency and concern before she opened her eyes back up. "Listen, and listen closely girl. I will only say this once. I know that you have been told better than to completely trust me. However, as of now, I'm the only one who can help you with that child you're carrying and I'm also the only one who can provide useful things to keep you safe."

"Useful things?" I scoffed. "Enough of your lies Leyla! Just leave us alone. I want you to do nothing for me or my child!"

"I have the magic you need! Girl, do not speak carelessly or else you'll end up regretting it." I tensed up as she took out a small blue bottle from underneath her cloak. "Here. This will help you."

"I didn't forget what you gave me last time for V. You think I'll use your help again after that silly spell you laced the potion with?!"

"I don't have time for this and neither do you! You do not understand what is coming upon us all. I can already feel them!" She looked around, terrified.

"W-what are you talking about?" My blood froze, seeing her so concerned for the first time.

"They're coming for you Hanul. And when they do, there's no way to escape them without my help! Now take this!"

"Why would I need your help! And who are you even talking about?!"

"The..." she hesitated and opened her eye ominously, "the Blood Magic witches." She quickly walked over and pressed the bottle into my hand, closing my fist around it. "Take one pill a day and you'll find yourself growing stronger. There will be a barrier that keeps your identity hidden from the witches and if anyone in this household—and you know who I mean—tries to harm your child in any way, I will be notified. Trust me on this one, girl. You must have gotten the visions by now."

"Visions?" I gulped down, remembering the weird images I saw earlier during dinner and back when I was with V.

"Your baby is very strong. It might even be too strong for you right now, gal. You have to use these pills or else you won't bear the effects that come with carrying it. Do as I say. Remember, a pill a day!" She turned around. "I do not have time anymore. Heed my warning, gal."