Chapter 13 The Witch’s Demand
Amara’s POV
Sitting close to the fire, I tried to slow my heartbeat. Kian had gone to discuss new patrols with the guards. The Obsidian Pack had given me a small hut for shelter, and I was alone myself, listening to the howl of the wind outside.
I looked at the table's silver mirror. It wasn't mine; another pack member had abandoned it after running away from Lilith's threats. I ought to have turned it toward the wall and covered it.
Rather, I was attracted to it.
A dull aching rushed through my mark. In an attempt to lessen the sting, I stroked it absently.
I told myself to stop staring at it.
However, it was too late. The reflection grew gloomy. Like oil in water, shadows slithered across the surface.
A voice crooned, "Amara."
I went cold.
Lilith's visage emerged, her eyes as black as pitch and her features harsh and pallid. A grin curled her red lips.
"Hi, Priestess."
My mouth became parched. "How are you doing this, exactly?"
She laughed icily. Blood magic, naturally. “If you had accepted your origins rather than hiding behind those mongrels, you would have known that.”
I gulped, my voice trembling. "Give me some space."
Lilith smiled broadly. “Yes, I will. I wanted to make sure you heard me first, though.”
My legs felt heavy, as if the air itself had become chains, and I attempted to stand up.
"Pay close attention," she added. "I'll kill everyone you love if you don't voluntarily come back to me. Slowly, in agony. I'll force you to watch.”
It stung how fiercely my heart hammered. I violently shook my head. "No. You can't. You won't—”
"Oh, but I will."
The surface of the mirror moved. I caught glimpses of faces: Kian, his devoted eyes flashing. A wounded warrior is being chanted over by the healer Mira. Rowan, his wolf eyes gleaming in the darkness.
There was poison in Lilith's voice. "Every one of them. If you do not come to me, their blood will be used to colour the snow.”
My eyes filled with tears. "Why me?"
Her smile turned to icy rage. "Because, kid, you are mine. I own your power. I own your life. I'll take it from you and use it to prolong my life.”
I clutched my wrist where the mark flashed red-hot as I gasped.
The darkness tightened.
Lilith purred, "Come voluntarily, Priestess, or see them burn."
A spiderweb of cracks spread across her face when the mirror broke. Before things turned black, she gave a final growl.
I sobbed and choked. My entire body shuddered.
Kian stormed in the door. "Amara!"
I was unable to talk. Tears were streaming down my face as I repeatedly shook my head.
Dropping his weapons, he raced to me and drew me into his embrace. “Tell me what took place. Look at me. What was it she said?”
I sobbed till I could not breathe, pressing my face into his chest. "She will kill them. Everyone. She promised to make me watch, she claimed.”
Kian gripped me more tightly while cursing. "She refuses. I promise. She must first pass through me.”
I said in a raspy voice, "She showed me their faces." She is familiar with them. She is aware of our location.”
Kian's voice trembled with anger, but he massaged my back in calming circles. "We'll relocate you. We will better conceal you. We'll alert everyone.”
"It will not matter," I cried. "She will continue to visit."
I had to look at him because he tilted my chin slightly. He had a strong, determined look in his eyes. "We'll fight after that. Can you hear me? We won't allow her to prevail.”
I attempted to nod, but I felt slack.
Once more, the door slammed open. Rowan stood there, his eyes glimmering gold with rage and his breath breathless.
"What took place?" His voice was rough as he demanded.
Over my shoulder, Kian scowled at him. "Not right now."
Nevertheless, Rowan moved forward. “I caught her screaming. She was crying, and I could hear it. Tell me what took place.”
To protect me, Kian turned me away from him. "You shouldn't be shouting at her."
“Move out of the way,” growled Rowan.
"Enough!" I croaked as I feebly pushed against Kian's chest. He relaxed his grip, but not completely.
Rowan's tone faltered. "Amara. Please. Tell me.”
I used the back of my palm to dab at my eyes. “She talked to me. Via the mirror. She threatened to kill you. Kill everyone. Make me observe.”
Rowan's face turned pale. Then red with rage. He reached out and scraped the doorframe with his claws.
"My pack was threatened by her?" He snarled.
I said, "She threatened everyone."
There was silence.
Kian gripped me more tightly. “She's attempting to shatter you. Keep her away.”
I felt so insignificant and worthless.
Even when Rowan's claws remained out, his eyes softened. "Amara, you're stronger than her. More powerful than the rest of us.”
My throat hurt. "I don't feel powerful."
My ear was ruffled by Kian's speech. “Then, until you do, rely on us.”
The windows rattled in the howling wind outside.
On the inside, however, we were quiet.
Together.
I hoped so.
I tried to sleep later that night, but every time I closed my eyes, Lilith's face appeared.
Her smile caught my eye.
I noticed fire.
Yells.
My mark continued to burn hotter.
I tried to ignore it all by curling up in a ball under my blankets.
The vision, however, struck me like a ton of bricks.
I was there; I wasn't dreaming.
Standing in Lichen Pack's clearing.
Everything was on fire.
Wolves ran, their fur flaming and burnt, roaring in pain. Dead warriors were piled up.
Blood was streaming down Rowan's face when I saw him on his knees.
Lilith smiled as she stood above him.
She growled, "Bring me the Priestess."
I screamed as I woke up.
It was dark in my room. Chilly.
However, I could still smell the smoke in my nose.
And I felt as though my mark would divide me in two.