Just Like Fire | J. Saltzman - Legacies [2]

T H I R T Y - F O U R

"It's party time, Stallions! Report to the gym, or else..."

A hooded figure stands in the center of the boxing ring with Salvatore students surrounding him. "Vampires, witches, and werewolves. Children of all ages." He removes his red hood to reveal his almighty self to the audience. "It's the event we've all been waiting for," the Necromancer says. "The...Merge!"

As he completely takes off the robe, he eyes a dark witch slink into the room, a deep glare on her face. "I thought he was dead," she mutters next to a werewolf.

"Me too," Jed replies as the Necromancer winks at Stella before throwing his cape into the sea of students.

"In the crimson corner and robe, hailing from Mystic Falls, Virginia, the former Queen of Codependency, the reigning Sultan of Siphon, Josie Saltzman!"

The doors to the gym open to reveal Josie clad in black attire, flanked by two figures in cloaks. Confetti explodes as the audience boos—all except for Stella who stares at the girl in wonder.

The two hooded figures stand by the edge of the arena and take off their hoods to reveal a wondrous blond man and Alyssa Chang.

"Thought she was dead, too," Jed says as Alyssa blows him a kiss.

Stella clenches her jaw and leans over the nearest railing, pursing her lips as Josie flips into the arena. She shakes her head when Jose meets her gaze. "Working with the Necromancer? Are you kidding me? This is not why I gave you more black magic."

"Surprise." Josie grins as she looks around. "Besides, I'm using him more than he's using me. We have a deal."

"A deal to do what, Josette?"

"You'll see." Josie turns to the Necromancer. "You are one hell of a hype man."

"Houdini said the same thing," he chuckles.

Stella simply glares at the two of them.

"And in the blue corner, the Queen of Mean, the blonde Banshee, she-who-is-about-to-be-siphoned-into-oblivion, your very own Elizabeth Saltzman."

The door does not open again for Lizzie despite the roaring applause from her classmates. Stella laughs to herself before she meets Josie's gaze and nods. "Time to follow through on our threats."

Josie takes the hanging microphone from the Necromancer with a giggle. "Well, my selfish sister didn't show up. Who's gonna die? Should it be vampires? Maybe witches? How about some werewolves?"

"Single me out. It will maintain our cover."

"Or how about my very own eljun?" Josie narrows her eyes at Stella as a spotlight appears over her. Even Josie can't hide the apprehension over her face.

"Please don't make me hurt you."

"Don't worry. I can handle a few bruises. It will bide time for Hope to drag Elizabeth back here."

"Stella, please—"

"That's not who I am anymore. Do what I tell you to do, Josette."

Alyssa drags Stella onto the stage, whispering apologies in her ear. Stella straightens her back as she faces Josie, a stoic expression on her face. "What are you going to do?" She asks, spreading her arms. "You know I can beat you."

"Can you?" Against her will, Josie's hand jolts forward.

Stella flies back, hitting the back of the gym and falling onto the bleachers. Blood trickles from her cut cheek as she struggles to her feet. "Is that all you've got?" Stella calls out. "Because I'm right here."