Rebirth: The Awakening Of A Witch Read online

  “Sorry to interrupt you guys, but snacks are ready.” He winked at me before he closed the door behind him. I sighed and stood up, walking towards the door with Adrien close behind me. I instantly tensed up once I reached the foot of the stairs. I knew I had to learn to relax so I would be able to easily point out everyone’s presence. This, and one other thing occupied my mind as I made my way to the dining table. I knew I had to discuss it first with Elise. I didn’t know if she would actually agree, but I had to try.

  “Absolutely not, Skylar!” Elise fervently responded as I just told her my idea. We were in my room now. I told Nana that Elise was staying over and that we would be going to school together in the morning. I managed to request Elise to be the first one to be my ‘watchdog.’ Adrien didn’t seem too pleased with my choice of term, but he easily agreed, seeing that I was willingly participating in the whole 24/7 babysitting thing.

  “Please, Elise. You know that I need this.” I begged her, tugging on one of her arms.

  “You won’t need it. Trust me. Plus, it’s too dangerous for you to even go that close to them,” she retorted.

  I sighed. “Even just the basics? I can’t be a sitting duck while you’re all risking your lives to save me.”

  The moment she came back half an hour ago, bringing her duffel bag full of clothes just to keep up with the sleep over act, I immediately dropped the bomb on her. I told her to teach me a few martial arts moves just so I could help out and save my own skin if worst comes to worst.

  She shook her head. “You’ll have your powers soon, Sky. They won’t even be able to come near you when that happens. You won’t need to learn those moves. We only used them just to keep up with the act that we’re ordinary humans,” she said as she rested both her hands on my shoulders.

  Ordinary? What’s so ordinary about that? Did she actually see herself fight? I resisted the urge to open my mouth in shock. No ordinary human would be able to do that. I frowned, trying to figure out if she was bragging about it or something. I sighed and hung my head, not liking the fact that this discussion wasn’t going anywhere at all. “Until I get my other powers, I don’t have anything to defend myself with. Come on, Elise. You know that there’s a need for me to learn.” I tried one more time with my pleading attempts with her. She sighed and looked at me with a helpless expression. She was going to give in. I couldn’t believe it. I smiled and immediately pulled her in for a hug.

  “Only the basics,” she emphasized. “And we’ll stop when I decide we stop, okay?” I nodded, still hugging her tight. I couldn’t believe I was actually throwing myself into this. I knew very well that I was going to get myself killed with my clumsiness, but there was no other choice.

  We started going at it for an hour or two, Elise insisting that we have to take a lecture on safety measures first. I immediately felt like I was in Mr. York’s class at the rate that she was going, but I didn’t complain. I know that I could only ask her among the three of them. Adrien would’ve flat out said no, and Cole… well, Cole would just laugh at me first before saying he won’t agree to any of it in between chuckles.

  By the time Elise said it was time to go to bed, I happily agreed with her. It wasn’t as bad as I thought. Maybe it’s because Elise was being gentle with me, but I can only know the answer to that once I actually put it to the test. I shuddered at the idea and just went in to bed beside her. I wasn’t able to sleep instantly. This has grown to be my normal routine now. It was rare for me to sleep early nowadays, because my mind was just too preoccupied with many things. When I felt that familiar aura visiting me again, I grabbed my phone before my eyelids immediately gave in to the heaviness.

  ‘Thanks’ I typed in and sent the message. I was becoming so used with Adrien’s presence, too. He was like a natural sleeping pill that I was rapidly growing addicted to. I wouldn’t know if that was healthy, but I needed his presence to sleep tonight.

  ‘No problem’ Adrien replied almost immediately. I smiled as I finally welcomed sleep.

  I know I agreed to be babysat, but Adrien really went overboard. I frowned as I made my way out of the classroom. It was during Social Studies, our last class for the day, that I couldn’t take it in any longer. I wanted to get away from Adrien even for just a bit, since he’s been hounding me all day, sitting right next to me during each class and shadowing me wherever I go. I thought I could escape him by going to that one place I was so sure he wouldn’t dare to go. My remaining patience sliced into shreds when I saw Elise already waiting for me outside the ladies’ room.

  Really now? I certainly need to talk to him about this again. This time I’ll make sure I won’t be backed into a corner.

  Elise smiled at me, not looking the least bit sorry that she was casually giving in to her older brother’s obsessed paranoia. I sighed and went in ahead of her. Once we were inside, I looked through every cubicle before turning on her. “I can’t believe him! Even in the comfort rooms? Oh my God!” I hissed as I started pacing the short distance between the sink and a stall. “I can’t even pee in peace. This is just absurd!” I grumbled again, continuing with my very limited distance march.

  Elise laughed. “You know, you both suit each other well. Adrien certainly needs a rebel like you,” she said in between giggles.

  “I’m not rebelling! I’m just displaying a perfectly normal reaction because he’s choking me to death by being too dictatorial!”

  She sighed then. “Skylar, he’s only doing this for your safety. That’s all we’re doing.”

  I slowed my steps when she said that. I felt guilty for her and Cole. I pondered on it a little, but it was easily pushed aside when I saw Adrien’s silver eyes in my head. “Yes, but this is seriously taking it to the next level. Next thing I know Cole is waiting for me outside to actually walk be back to the remaining half-hour of my class,” I snarled. Elise stiffened, and I stopped dead on my tracks as I felt another presence outside the bathroom. I looked at her as she bit her lip, suddenly looking all guilty. That presence felt all too similar with hers. It can’t be. He wouldn’t! I angrily trudged out of the rest room and felt my anger erupt when I saw Cole leaning casually on the wall right beside the door I just opened. He smiled innocently at me as I glared at him. “You two follow me now!” I growled and stomped towards the stairs leading to the next floor of the building to where the Art room was. No one would be occupying that room at this time.

  Once we made it there, I distinctly felt that this has somehow happened before. I brushed it off as I waited for them to both enter the room, telling Cole to close the door behind him. Once he did, I leaned back on one of the windows right across from them. They both stared at each other, questioning the other with their eyes.

  “Adrien, come here, please.” I spoke with an unyielding voice. I knew he heard me like he clearly heard me yesterday when I called him to my room. I crossed my arms and tapped my foot, waiting for him to arrive. It didn’t take him long to appear. I felt his presence at the door, and I dragged my eyes to that direction. He was suddenly there with a tensed look on his face. He obviously felt how furious I am right now. When he was about to open his mouth, visibly wanting to start giving me his own lecture, I stopped him with my own rant. “You domineering beast! Even in the ladies’ room? Seriously! I can’t even pee by myself now?” I lashed out, glaring menacingly at him as I clenched my hands.

  He immediately walked forward and settled himself in between the twins. Cole instantly rested his arm in the middle of his brother’s chest, a silent gesture asking him to calm down and stay back. Adrien turned slightly to Cole and let out an exasperated breath, weakly nodding to him with his jaws clenched. “Skylar, it’s for your own good. You should know that by now!” he retorted angrily as he fixed his eyes back to me, his voice tinted with frustration.

  “Adrien, stop. Let’s give you both a breathing space before you start saying things you’ll regret later,” Elise said in a firm voice.

  “Tell her that, Elise,” he snarled. I st
iffened. This scene, the position they’re in right now, my own casual one leaning against the windows, and how we were all arguing felt all too familiar. Adrien immediately tensed as he saw my reaction. “Skylar, what is it?” his furious expression instantly changing into one of concern.

  “Stay down!” I cried out, suddenly remembering where all the familiarity came from. That hazy premonition I have of this room hastily cleared up as I realized we were the four figures in that vision. And a loud bomb was going to blow up soon. I tried to reach out for Adrien, but that deafening, explosive sound already went out before I could even move a step towards them.

  Chapter 13 - Captured

  It was already too late. The green smoke that enveloped the entire room didn’t even clear up, but I was certain that they were already on the ground, knocked unconscious. I immediately stepped away from the window and started walking towards them, fiercely hoping that they were alright and drowning the anguish I instantly felt. I didn’t even make it through two steps before I felt instant warmth surround me. It was scalding hot, prickling my skin as it got even hotter each moment that passed by. I tried running away from the heat, but a pair of arms snaked their way around my body in a vice grip, pulling me towards the scorching heat. I tried fighting back, reaching my arms out as far as my body would allow. But the grip on my body tightened until I couldn’t move anymore. I felt myself lose the battle as a hazy cloak of darkness devoured me. I finally stopped struggling as I felt my body slowly slip away into oblivion.

  “Adrien,” his name managed to escape my lips before I thoroughly succumbed to the obscured shadows.

  I woke up in a daze. My head was hurting and so were my arms, for some reason. I blinked back hard so my eyes could adjust to the darkness. But I couldn’t make out anything. I felt my eyes grow heavy again, and I was just about to slip back into that unconscious state when I saw two piercing silver orbs staring intently at me in my head. I snapped my eyes open.

  “Adrien,” I whispered.

  “Ah. So the Princess is finally awake.” Someone sneered behind me. I felt her aura and I instantly didn’t like it. It carried a heavy weight of anger and hatred with it that it was awful to feel the intensity of its presence. “You certainly took your precious time sleeping, my Dear. It’s terrible manners to sleep and keep your hosts waiting,” she hissed, clicking her tongue at me disapprovingly. I tensed my body as I prepared myself to face her while she was nearing me. She sent out a ball of fire right above us as she stepped even closer to me, the faint light catching the yellow in her eyes that looked much like a cat’s.

  “Rhiannon,” I breathed out, staring warningly at her as she made her way in front of me.

  Her golden eyes narrowed as she smiled coldly. “I see you already know who I am so there’s really no need for an introduction now, is there?” She went closer and lightly scratched one of her long fingernails on the side of my cheek. I immediately cringed, instinctively pulling my face away from her. I grimaced when she harshly grabbed hold of my face, digging her nails on either side of my cheeks as she forcefully pulled my face back so I was facing her. I spat on her face as I violently struggled on the tight metals that were holding me against a massive post, ignoring the pain it brought at my constant thrashing.

  She let her cat-like eyes completely display the loathe she held for me as she held back her hand and slapped me right across the face. I instantly turned my head back to glare at her, taking her by surprise. Her Roman nose scrunched up, distorting her tanned face as she looked at me. “Why you little…” she began while she again brought one of her hands back, obviously planning on hitting me once again. But I stood firm on my ground, staring her down and never flinching even once.

  “Rhiannon, enough!” A rugged voice commanded behind her. I stiffened and she immediately straightened up, smiling harshly at me. I dragged my eyes away from her face and over her shoulder to where the voice vibrated from. This presence was a lot different than hers. It was completely robust and intimidating that my courage immediately started cowering away. I smothered the fear and tried to keep up the brave act, preparing myself to face whatever was coming next.

  A tall, dark figure loomed behind her. He stood so still that he could’ve easily blended in with the shadows. I couldn’t see his face because of the limited light brought on by the ball of heat his sister made. I wrinkled my brows as my eyes attempted to focus, trying to have a clear view of him.

  He laughed in a raucous voice. “I’ll step into the light for you, Princess. We wouldn’t want you exerting any effort here,” he said in an amused voice that was filled with malice. My body recoiled away as the shadow slowly moved into the light. If only I could escape these cold steel bars. I viciously struggled against them as I saw him take slow, easy steps. When the light finally caught him, my eyes widened. He was the exact image I saw in my vision—clad in dark clothes with his head hiding behind a hood. As he slowly revealed his face, my heart galloped wildly at the look he held there. His yellow eyes were blazing with frenzied madness, completely overflowing with fiery abhorrence as he fixed his gaze on me. That familiar, dark sneer slowly lifted the sides of his lips as he came even closer to me.

  Rhiannon gladly stepped aside, casting me a challenging smile before she sank into the background, generously giving way for her brother.

  “How should we do this, Alastor?” she asked in a high-pitched voice that almost sounded like she was screeching. I couldn’t tell if that was her excited voice, but it was a terrible sound to any human ears.

  “Hush, Sister. I want her to show us her tricks before we finally get rid of her,” he said as he stood in front of me, cocking his head to the side as he studied my face. He thoughtfully rubbed his chin with his thumb as if he was thinking of something. I shuddered, refusing to imagine any of the thoughts that were surely crossing his mind right at this moment. He dragged his eyes down my body then. “Such a beauty. It would be a waste to have to kill you,” he sighed. “But I guess it can’t be helped now.”

  He brought his face closer to me until it was only inches from mine. I flinched and turned my head to the side, refusing to look at him as I ordered my heart and breathing to calm down. Be brave, Skylar. I commanded myself to wake up. I have to focus and think of something. I can’t die here like this. I wouldn’t give them that satisfaction. He gently placed a hand on the side of my cheek and firmly pulled it back to face him as he sneered. “Would you please show us what your abilities are, Princess? I would really love to know what I will be getting once I kill you,” he quietly said.

  “I don’t have any powers,” I answered him directly. “You’re only going to be sorely disappointed for going through all this trouble just to find out that I’m useless to you,” I continued on, trying to keep my voice firm despite the hammering in my chest.

  “Oh, but it won’t be a waste. Didn’t those guardians tell you? Even if I decide to kill you now, all your powers that have yet to develop will still be mine,” he smiled darkly at me, cocking his head to the side, allowing his jet-black tousled hair to flow around on the side of his face.

  “You won’t get anything from me. I would gladly kill myself before any of you touches me yet again.” I lashed out, suddenly understanding how my grandfather felt during that time that he asked Adrien’s father to kill him. My view on why he did that immediately changed. It actually felt noble if you have this kind of reason to back it up.

  “Oh, so feisty, are we? Is it perhaps this particular quality of yours that your dark-haired guardian is so enticed to? I wonder…” he said as he slightly leant back away from me. “Shall we have him here with us to visit? So he could see you die in my hands?” he mused.

  I gasped as my fear nearly drowned me with its intensity. I shook my head violently, trying to chase out the horrible images. No, Adrien wouldn’t be that stupid to come barging in here. I heard Alastor laugh in that eerie, booming noise that was so close to my ear. I turned my attention back to him. “Calm down now. I would
n’t do that to you. You are, after all, our guest.”

  “Alastor, if you’re going to bring him here could I have him for myself to play with?” Rhiannon suddenly spoke. I turned to look at her and saw her vicious eyes fill with what could only be raw lust. My anger flared up at that moment. I wanted so much to slap that hideous smirk off her face with my bare hands. As I felt my fury spread, something else felt like snapping inside me. But I totally ignored it. I was still itching to get out of these bars so I can march towards her and let her feel my wrath.

  “My, my, my. What a jealous little minx you are,” Alastor laughed, and I instantly dragged my eyes from his sister back to him, directing my anger towards him instead. That numbing fear that I had before gradually dissolved as the fury I now felt slowly crept its way into every fiber in my body, replacing every other emotion I previously had there.

  “You will not lay a finger on Adrien. This feud against the Imperials ends with me!” I growled, staring back at him with every hate I have in me clearly displayed in my eyes. For once I think I actually saw a spark of a different emotion in his eyes. I wasn’t sure what it was, because he instantly brought back his crazed look with another one of those rowdy laughs.