The morning light was pale, filtered through the lingering fog that refused to lift from Brockton Bay. The city seemed quieter than it had the day before, the streets eerily empty as Rose and Glaistig Uaine ventured out of their temporary shelter.
Rose had insisted they explore further, hoping to gain a better understanding of their surroundings. The silence was unnerving, the fog making everything seem closer and more claustrophobic.
"Is this what the city is always like?" Rose asked, her voice low as they walked.
Glaistig Uaine chuckled softly. "The city sleeps with one eye open, little sorceress. The threads of its fate are taut, ready to snap. Do you feel it?"
Rose frowned but didn't respond. She couldn't quite place it, but there was a tension in the air, like the city itself was holding its breath.
---
As they rounded a corner into an industrial area, Rose stopped abruptly. Ahead of them, a group of men stood clustered near an abandoned warehouse, their voices loud and aggressive. She recognized them immediately—the same thugs they had encountered the day before.
"They're back," Rose muttered, her hand tightening around her wand.
But this time, they weren't alone. Among them was a man in a tattered black jacket with a ski mask half on, his presence commanding. He stood taller than the others, his eyes sharp and calculating. The air around him seemed to hum with barely-contained energy.
"That one is a cape," Glaistig Uaine said softly, her glowing green eyes fixed on the man. "His threads are brighter than the others."
The man turned, spotting the pair. A slow, predatory smile spread across his face. "Well, well. If it isn't yesterday's heroes. Thought you'd gotten away clean, did you?"
Rose took a step forward, her wand at the ready. "We're not looking for trouble. Leave us alone, and no one gets hurt."
The man laughed, a low, guttural sound. "You think you're in charge here? I don't think so. My name's Overclock. And these guys?" He gestured to the thugs around him. "They're a whole lot more dangerous when I'm around."
As he spoke, the thugs straightened, their movements suddenly more fluid and confident. Their eyes glinted with an unnatural sharpness, and their steps carried a predatory grace.
"I'll handle this," Rose said, glancing back at Glaistig Uaine. "Let me prove I can do this without—"
"Without me?" Glaistig Uaine interrupted, her tone amused. "Very well, little sorceress. Play your game."
---
Rose stepped forward, her wand glowing faintly as she cast her first spell. A blast of wind knocked one of the thugs off his feet, sending him sprawling. Another lunged at her, but she deflected him with a quick shield charm.
The empowered thugs were faster and stronger than the ones from yesterday, and it quickly became clear that Overclock's power was no small boost. They coordinated their attacks, flanking Rose and forcing her to move constantly.
Sweat dripped down her brow as she deflected a punch with a hastily conjured barrier. She retaliated with a burst of light, temporarily blinding two of them, but it wasn't enough. One of the thugs managed to land a glancing blow on her shoulder, and she stumbled, gritting her teeth against the pain.
"Having fun yet?" Overclock called, his grin widening as he watched from the sidelines.
Rose didn't answer, her focus narrowing as she cast a spell to bind the legs of one of her attackers. But they were relentless, strong, fast, smart and she could feel herself tiring. Her movements slowed, her magic faltering as the thugs pressed their advantage.
Glaistig Uaine watched from a distance, her expression unreadable. When Rose was knocked to the ground, struggling to defend herself, she finally stepped forward.
"You've proven your point, little sorceress," she said. "Now it's my turn."
Before Rose could protest, Glaistig raised her hand. Spectral figures emerged around her, their forms ghostly and menacing. They surged forward, tearing through the thugs with brutal efficiency. Overclock spooked tried to run, but Glaistig's specters caught him easily.
"No!" Rose shouted, scrambling to her feet. "Don't—"
Glaistig's glowing eyes met Overclock's as she reached out, her hand passing through his chest. His body stiffened, and his scream echoed through the fog before he collapsed, lifeless.
A new specter appeared beside Glaistig, its form shimmering with energy. She smiled faintly, her gaze turning to Rose. "Another thread, severed. Another piece for my collection."
Rose stared at her, horror etched across her face. "You didn't have to kill him!"
"He would have killed you," Glaistig replied calmly. "I merely ensured your survival."
---
They continued toward the boardwalk in tense silence, Rose refusing to look at her companion. The fog began to thin as they neared the waterfront, revealing more signs of life. People moved through the streets, bundled against the cold, their faces wary but curious.
Rose's thoughts were interrupted by a shout. She turned just in time to see a group of ABB gang members emerging from an alleyway, weapons drawn.
"Get down!" she shouted, raising her wand.
The gang members opened fire, and Rose reacted instinctively. She cast a wide-area protection spell, a shimmering dome of magic enveloping herself and the civilians nearby. The bullets ricocheted off the barrier, but the force of the spell was too strong. The energy rebounded, striking several of the gang members and sending them flying.
When the dust cleared, a few of the gang members lay motionless on the ground, their injuries severe from the force of the energy. The civilians stared at Rose in shock, their expressions a mix of gratitude and fear.
Rose lowered her wand, her hands trembling. "I didn't mean to…"
"Careful, little sorceress," Glaistig said, her tone almost teasing. "Your power has consequences."
---
They hurried back to their shelter, Rose's mind racing as guilt and regret consumed her. She had wanted to protect people, even if they attacked her not hurt them that bad. But her magic had spiraled out of control, and now blood maybe on her hands.
Glaistig watched her carefully, her glowing eyes thoughtful. "You have potential," she said softly. "Such power, untamed and raw. I wonder… what you could become."
Rose didn't respond, too lost in her own thoughts to notice the intensity of Glaistig's gaze. The Fairy Queen smiled faintly, the threads of fate twisting and turning in her mind.
The game was far from over, and her little sorceress was proving to be far more interesting than she had anticipated.