Karin: The Demon Sleeping Within

Chapter 21: A True Mage

Hey, everyone! Just a friendly little warning, this chapter includes a crossover from one of my other books The Reaper (girlxgirl), with Crystal/Prudence and Stella. I made sure to be as mindful as I can to those of you who haven't read the book, leaving out as much spoilers as I can, but if you are wanting to read their designated book to fully understand them prior, I understand, though I think you'll be fine reading this chapter even without. Anyways, enjoy! :)

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The next day couldn't have passed any slower as we all stood near a cavern, far from any civilization, anticipating on Prudence's arrival.

Outside the entrance, snow covered the ground's cold surface. A river was stationed near the cave, the stream curving around half of it, the rise of limestone evident in the icy interior of the cavern's walls.

I let out a foggy breath, and I crossed my arms, shivering. The temperature was considerably colder than the day before, dropping to its low twenty-seven degrees Fahrenheit, though never reaching thirty-two.

Satania took off her cloak without hesitation, and I braced myself for the heat as she dressed me in it.

"Thank you," I pronounced.

She smiled as she adjusted the cloak, straightening it.

"Of course."

Leone puffed air, his finger resting below his watch as he glanced at the time.

"Prudence should be here any moment now. She has to open a portal to reach our realm, which takes a lot of energy in itself," Gabriel spoke.

Leone looked at Gabriel, baffled.

"She is going to be using two incredibly consuming magic spells all in a day's time... who is she?"

As Gabriel's lips parted to answer, a small hole pierced through the air in between us, forcing us to step back. That ominous hole quickly expanded, swirling and gleaming, bringing color to the snowy scenery we were accustomed to.

I stared at the hole in both amusement and curiosity. Could I learn something like that? It would be super useful. Imagine never having to walk anywhere again. Oh, and I could travel to different realms as well. I could take shelter somewhere and learn how to survive in different environments. Maybe, witness new wildlife.

A pinch of a smile showed on my lips as my imagination ran before me.

We'd soon be rid of the queen forever, after this day. Our options seemed so limited before, but now, doors were finally opening up for the two of us- for Satania and I.

"If you think I will go without a fight, you are delirious." A headache emerged along with Keres' whisper of promise.

I creased my brows, frustration surfacing for only a moment. I wouldn't have ever thought of you making it easy for us. And, despite you not liking this, there's not much you can do about it.

She could scream and threaten all she wanted, but all she could do was rattle her cage.

Feet extending from the other end of the portal, two women crossed the border, the portal slowly vanishing behind them after they had fully walked through.

Magic practically bounced off of her from every angle. Ripping off her mask and letting the cloak's hood fall, her snow white hair fell perfectly in place, and her eyes pierced right through me as I fell in a trance by her overwhelming aura. I was stunned in place, my eyes capturing her powerful essence before me.

She then spoke as everyone else was rendered speechless.

"Hi, Gabriel." She mustered a smile, glancing in Gabriel's direction. For someone who had just exerted so much of her energy opening the portal, she didn't seem weakened at all. She appeared completely alert.