(Our Realm)
Alethia focused her mind, channeling the elemental energy that surged through her veins. Heat radiated from her hands as she opened her eyes, meeting Chris's warm smile. "And that, my dear, is the art of controlling an element," he said.
Alethia nodded, a newfound sense of confidence coursing through her. "Well, I suppose I won't have to worry about freezing anymore."
A soft chuckle escaped Chris's lips as he gazed out across the water, perched upon a rocky ledge near the waterfall's peak. "Indeed, being a fire elemental ensures perpetual warmth."
A sigh escaped Alethia's lips, concern etched upon her face. "Chris, something seems amiss. Are you alright?"
Chris turned his gaze back to her, a shadow of worry darkening his eyes. "I'm fine, don't worry about me."
Alethia's nod was slow and understanding. "Chris, ever since your encounter with Slade, you haven't been yourself. What's troubling you?"
Leaning back against the rock, Chris closed his eyes and let out a heavy sigh. "I'm torn, Alethia. I don't want to aid Slade, but I fear for your safety, as well as the others."
Placing a reassuring hand on his knee, Alethia squeezed gently. "Chris, you don't need to carry this burden alone. We can take care of ourselves. Your priority should be staying away from Slade and his White Doves, ensuring your own safety and well-being."
Chris's gaze met hers, filled with a mixture of determination and concern. "My duty is to protect you, Alethia. I can't fulfill that if I'm sick and distracted."
Alethia sighed, her voice filled with conviction. "You need to trust in our abilities to protect ourselves. Slade won't lay a finger on me, I promise you that."
Opening his eyes, Chris held her gaze firmly. "Just promise me you'll stay with others, never wander alone."
Alethia nodded, her resolve unwavering. "I understand, Chris. I'll always be with David, Jen, Corie, or Russell. You can count on that."
A smile tugged at Chris's lips as he patted her back gently. "Good. Don't ever forget that."
Together, Alethia and Chris strolled along the path, making their way back to the bustling streets.
"Shall we grab a bite to eat before heading home?" Chris suggested.
A smile brightened Alethia's face. "Sounds perfect. What are you in the mood for?"
"Well, I know what I want," a voice sneered from behind them.
In one swift motion, Chris turned, positioning himself protectively in front of Alethia. "What do you want? I've told you, I won't be of any assistance to you."
Slade's grin widened as his menacing group encircled them. Two of his lackeys advanced on Alethia, grabbing her wrists, while another swiftly struck her from behind, rendering her unconscious.
Fury ignited within Chris as two others approached him, his attention fixed on Slade. "She has nothing to do with this. Leave her out of your twisted games."
Slade's smile remained, his eyes glinting with malice. As one of his men struck Chris forcefully on the back of his head, he taunted, "Rest well, my dear guide. We shall continue this discussion in a more private setting."
****
Alethia's eyes fluttered open, the pain pulsating through her head as she found herself propped against a cold, stone wall. Her hands were tightly bound behind her back, causing her shoulders to ache from the unnatural angle. Chris, still unconscious, slumped in a chair nearby, his head hanging limply against his chest.
As she surveyed their surroundings, she realized they were trapped in a dimly lit basement devoid of any windows. Slade, sitting nonchalantly by a table near the door, flipped through a magazine, oblivious to her awakening.
With a racing mind, Alethia cautiously began working at the ropes that constricted her wrists. The self-proclaimed Witch Hunters had captured them, holding them against their will. Panic surged within her as she considered Chris's lifeless state and their uncertain fate.
Slade's gaze lifted from the magazine, a sinister smile curling on his lips as he observed the subtle movements of Alethia's wrists. "Ah, it seems you've regained consciousness before your dear friend," he taunted, his voice dripping with sadistic delight.
"No worries, my dear. You and I shall have a little... amusement." He placed the magazine aside, his slow approach sending shivers of fear down Alethia's spine.
Alethia observed his approach, stealing a glance at Chris for any signs of alertness. Slade now stood before her, running his fingers through her hair and along her cheek. Alethia turned away, her voice laced with defiance. "Keep your hands off me!"
Slade smirked, his tone dripping with superiority. "It appears, my dear, that you have no say in this matter. I hold the key to your freedom, after all."
Closing her eyes, Alethia delved into the depths of her power, attempting to summon the otherworldly energy that could potentially loosen the ropes binding her. Slade's fingers trailed down her cheek, his words filled with sadistic pleasure.
"Open your eyes. I want to relish the fear I see in them when I have my way with you." With a sharp slap across her face, he left a stinging imprint.
Alethia's eyes flew open, her gaze filled with fury as she glared at him. "You'll regret that."
Slade's grip tightened around her throat, cutting off her air supply. "I highly doubt I will have any regrets."
Struggling for breath, Alethia caught sight of Chris stirring, his eyes fluttering open as a soft moan escaped his lips. Slade's attention shifted to the bound Chris, a wicked smile on his face. "Ah, it seems you've decided to join us."
Chris shook his head, his voice filled with determination. His eyes locked onto Slade, who stood over Alethia a few steps away. "Release her, Slade. She has no part in this." Slade laughed, his fingers curling around her hair. "On the contrary, my friend. She is the key to ensuring your cooperation."
Chris shook his head defiantly. "I won't tell you anything."
Alethia focused her mind, delving deeper into her power, attempting to break free from the tight bindings around her wrists. With unwavering determination, she turned to her tormentor, delivering a swift backhand across her cheek. The impact stung, but it only fueled Alethia's resolve. She swiftly retrieved a dagger from her assailant's belt, its sharp blade glinting ominously in the dim light.
Tracing the dagger down the fabric of her shirt, Alethia exposed her bra, a calculated move to unnerve her captor. The cold steel of the blade then found its way to her cheek, a chilling reminder of the danger she was in. Alethia's gaze locked onto Chris, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and defiance. The pressure of the dagger against her throat intensified, causing a trickle of blood to trickle down.
"Don't say a word, Chris," Alethia urged, her voice strained but resolute. She knew that giving in would only bring more harm. Yet, the threat against her life was too great for Chris to bear. His internal struggle etched across his face, he finally relented.
"Alright, fine," Chris relented, his voice laced with resignation. "I'll tell you whatever you want to know, just please, spare her."
Slade, maintained the dagger's menacing presence against Alethia's throat, a sadistic smile playing on his lips. "Ah, a wise choice, my dear Chris," he sneered. "I knew you would see reason eventually."
Chris locked eyes with Alethia, a silent apology etched on his face for the chaos that unfolded. "The boys, Marcus, Jason, Bobby, and Allen, attend Fenelon High. They're all in my grade," he disclosed.
Alethia felt the surge of magic coursing through her veins, igniting a fiery energy that engulfed the ropes restraining her wrists. With a focused determination, she kept her hands hidden behind her back, channeling a different type of energy this time. Slade nodded approvingly. "Good. And what about the girls?"
Alethia materialized behind Chris, a soft smile gracing her lips. "I believe today's lessons have sufficed," she whispered, her hands resting gently on Chris's shoulders. She willed the magic to manifest once more.
Slade lunged forward, but it was too late; they had vanished into thin air. "Damn it all!" he cursed, frustration etched on his face.
His second-in-command entered the room, sensing the tension. "What happened?"
Slade hurled a chair across the room in a fit of rage. "That wretched girl was one of the Chosen. She wielded magic!"
The girl appeared puzzled. "How does that make her Chosen?"
Slade's fist collided with the wall, leaving a visible dent. "Only the Chosen possess the right to wield magic in perilous situations. Brolly was right—I should have dealt with her when I had the chance."
****
Chris gingerly massaged his wrists, the marks of the tightly bound ropes still smarting. Alethia, having freed him from his captivity, stood nearby, her own wrists now submerged in a basin of cold water, seeking solace from the abrasive touch of the rope.
Turning Alethia to face him, Chris embraced her tightly, his voice laden with remorse. "I beg your forgiveness, Alethia."
She reciprocated his embrace, her arms enveloping him with warmth and understanding. "Chris, there is no need for apologies. We have managed to escape our ordeal."
Chris nodded pensively, his mind burdened with concern. "Indeed, but I fear for the other guides. Slade, deceived by his belief that they are the Chosen males, will surely seek retribution."
Seated now, Alethia nodded slowly, her expression tinged with worry. "I have never experienced such a surge of magic here, as I did in that moment."
Squeezing her hand reassuringly, Chris spoke with conviction. "You possess untapped potential, Alethia. Continue to hone your abilities, and with each passing day, you shall grow stronger."
