The demon's grasp was deadly, and I struggled to breathe as I tried to surround myself with light.
It wasn't helping.
Where is the voice?! I need the voice, god, help me!
"Such power within someone so clueless, it's tragic, really." Bale's voice was everywhere, yet almost inside of me.
The door to the house flew open, and I threw myself forward, praying I could make it. Bale sighed and released me, almost like this was a game to him.
"You'll have to come out one day," Bale drawled, his voice fading into the distance as I kicked the door shut, my heart hammering out of my chest.
Tears stung my eyes as I allowed myself to collapse back onto the floor, my aching limbs throbbing against the hardwood.
The ceiling was a myriad of colors, almost like I was looking up at a rainbow sky.
And it was…no. Surely not.
But it was.
It was moving.
"Oh, my god," I whispered, gasping for breath.
"Well, depending on which god you're referring to, depends on whether they're listening."
I jumped to my feet despite the pain that stretched through my limbs, whirling around to see nothing and no one.
Impossible.
"For a witch, you're pretty naive."
Behind me.
I whipped around to come face to face with a mirror, except I didn't see my reflection.
Oh no.
It was a beautiful woman, with deep red curls surrounding her face, making her almost cherub-like.
Her eyes were dark purple, and when she smiled, I felt my aches and pains dissipate.
"Loren. I don't know exactly how many generations I was before you, but you can call me Loren. I don't like Grandma, anyway."
I stared at the mirror, stunned.
"What?"
That's all I could say.
Loren laughed, glancing around me.
"It's so good to meet you finally. Make yourself some tea, and I'll try to fill you in."
I spotted the teapot that sat upon a stove and frowned.
Have I stepped back in time?
"No, not exactly. But no one has been here in many years. Why update things that work?" Loren answered me as I filled the pot. It took a while for the water to start, and when it spluttered and coughed, I moved back, expecting to see green slime or something equally horrid coming from the taps.
But no, fresh, clear water sprang from the taps, and I quickly filled the pot before placing it on the stove.
"Use your fingers to light it."
I snorted, glancing back at the mirror with disbelief.
"Uh, yeah, right. Where're the matches?"
Loren stared at me before making a face.
"You're telling me you haven't used your fingers for fire before?"
She had to be joking. There's no way…
"So last night you made out with a vampire, then a demon chased you through the woods and almost killed you, and you can't even use your fingers for fire."
I considered her words.
"I must be dreaming."
Loren shook her head.
"No, this is real. Have you ever wondered how you used to talk to people no one else could see?"
"Imaginary Friends," I mumbled, falling into a chair by a small table.
"No. Spirits. What about animals? You know how to talk to them; I've seen it."
I frowned.
She had a point there…Mum always laughed and called me the whisperer because I could always calm animals down with a few whispers of kindness.
"If I'm a witch," I said, shaking my head. "Then why didn't I know how to deal with that thing out there?"
Loren sighed.
"It seems you have no knowledge of your power or your history." Loren gazed at me as she beckoned me over. "Come closer."
I stood, moving warily to the mirror, keeping my distance. For all, I knew she could reach out and drag me in there, to god knows where.
"Yellow. Interesting. You're a baby witch," Loren cooed, almost like I was a newborn. "Bale loves young witches."
"Bale," I said, turning to stare outside through the grimy window. "He tried to kill me."
Loren said nothing at first but joined me in gazing out of the window.
"He's just playing. He's a demon; it's what he does."
I almost choked.
"He nearly killed me!"
Loren waved her hand dismissively.
"He's timid compared to the others. But don't worry, you're safe here."
I didn't feel very safe.
This place was old, and I bet if that demon wanted to, he could kick that door clean from its hinges.
"So. A vampire."
The teapot whistled, and I yelped, my heart thundering in my chest.
"Jesus!"
"Are you a Christian?" Loren asked, peering at me through the glass.
"What? No." I grabbed a towel and moved it from the heat.
What the hell was going on?
"Then what's with all the references to God and Jesus?" Loren frowned at me with disapproval.
"It's a figure of speech," I explained, searching the cupboards for a cup.
What am I doing?
There's no way there's any milk or sugar in this place—
"You don't need milk and sugar."
"Will you stop doing that?" I snapped, locating a teabag.
Loren yawned.
"Stop complaining. Tell me about the vampire boy."
Jackal.
I closed my eyes, remembering his lips on my throat—
"Jackal? Hmm."
I sipped the tea, surprised by how sweet and delicious it tasted.
"He's been watching you."
Jackal has?
My eyes widened as I searched around, but Loren laughed.
"He knew you had me. That's why he didn't step in. You have to learn to protect yourself. Vampires don't like fighting demons unless they have to. It's not a fair fight."
"It's not?" I squealed out, feeling better the more I drank the tea.
"No. Vampires can die, despite being immortal. Demons can only be killed by a God or a higher ranking demon."
"Oh."
"Witches can fight demons, but typically, they're supernatural beings. We can hold them off for so long, but we must be confident and aware of everything. More importantly, we have to know their weaknesses."
My head throbbed.
"This can't be real."
"Come on, Anita. Of course, it's real. If you don't believe me, step back outside."
I shuddered, gulping at the scalding tea.
I didn't want to go back out there, but what the hell was I supposed to do?
"I can't hide in here forever."
"You need protection." Loren sighed, turning her attention to the window. "And from a demon, you'll only get that from one as strong. Your vampire boy wants to protect you, but he may not be strong enough."
The thought of Jackal trying to protect me against a demon sent dread through my veins.
"I don't know why he wants to; we just made out at a party," I mumbled, staring into my tea.
"He awakened this, my love. Go and rest; we'll talk when you wake up. Your vampire boy will come soon."