Before I can utter a word, Imogen's piercing scream pierces the air, diverting everyone's attention. Our gaze shifts towards her, witnessing the wolf, Edmond, dragging her across the ground by her hair. 'She's a human,' he announces, his words causing shock and confusion to ripple through Gretchen and the wizards.
In an instant, Edmond vanishes, leaving Imogen on the ground a few meters away from Gretchen. His gurgled screams resonate from the darkness hidden within the crops. Venlore, displaying anger and disbelief, attempts to approach Imogen, only to be thwarted by Orelious, who appears furious, his form drenched in Edmond's blood. With a ferocious grip, Orelious grabs Venlore's arm, twisting it and tearing it from his body before casually discarding it. Venlore collapses to the ground, crying out in agony. He waves his staff around his shoulder and uses magic to stop the bleeding. ‘You’ll pay for this!’ he shouts.
Orelious bares his fangs and protectively encircles his arm around Imogen, issuing a chilling warning. 'Touch my Bloodflame, and I'll tear you apart limb by limb,' he growls, his eyes flashing with an intense fierceness.
Gretchen, now aware of Imogen's status as a human Bloodflame, expresses surprise. 'A human Bloodflame?' she exclaims, intrigued by the unforeseen circumstances. 'This is an unusual situation—a partly shifted wolf with uniquely coloured fur and a human Bloodflame here in Felderia. Who allowed a human to enter this world?' she demands.
Suddenly, Xander emerges from the shadows, his book open in one hand while the other hovers over a page, poised to cast magic. ‘I did,’ he says.
Gretchen chuckles mockingly, revelling in Xander's actions. 'Of course, you did. Why am I not surprised? After all, you have already betrayed the Mystic Council and me by freeing Warrick,' she laughs derisively.
Xander stands his ground. 'I should not have helped you bind him in the first place. I know the truth now. I know why you needed to silence Warrick,' he retorts.
Gretchen casts her gaze around, observing the near reunion of our group. 'Look at this,' she remarks, a sinister smile playing on her lips. 'We seem to be missing only one more. Now, tell me where the little witch is,' she warns, her voice dripping with venom.
Venlore stands in an attempt to be by Gretchen's side, but Xander swiftly unleashes his magic. Roots surge from the ground, entwining themselves around Venlore's ankles, immobilizing him. Orelious seizes the opportunity and retrieves Venlore's staff, snapping it in half before flinging it toward the severed limb. Xander vanishes and reappears in Venlore's shadow, his magic manifesting from the open book.
Gretchen listens intently to Xander's ultimatum. 'Let Rose and Warrick go, or Venlore dies!' he declares, his voice firm and resolute.
Gretchen, however, remains unfazed, wearing a smug smile on her face. 'You must be mistaken if you think I care for Venlore's well-being. I was originally only interested in the book in the tower. But now, I find myself even more intrigued by the book the mysterious witch in your group possesses,' she states, her eyes glinting with a twisted hunger for power.
Venlore pleads desperately. His voice filled with fear. 'Gretchen! Don't let them kill me,' he implores, casting a desperate gaze toward Amos and Thaddeus, who now appear annoyed.
Gretchen regards Venlore coldly, her attention momentarily diverted to Amos and Thaddeus. 'This works in your favour,' she remarks, addressing them. 'It positions you higher in line to acquire Solara's Tear and the Starheart Stone, along with claiming more territory to rule,' she reminds them, a sinister gleam in her eyes. Thaddeus and Amos, enticed by the prospects, nod their agreement.
Fixing her gaze upon Xander, Gretchen issues her ultimatum. 'Hand over the witch and her spellbook. Until then, Warrick and the she-wolf shall remain imprisoned in the dungeons of the Starlight Citadel,' she asserts, her voice dripping with malice and authority.
Xander's resolve solidifies, his eyes filled with determination. 'No,' he responds.
Unperturbed by his defiance, Gretchen smiles darkly at him. 'Then I shall continue hunting her down myself,' she declares, her intentions clear.
A surge of magic engulfs Venlore, electricity crackling through his body. Wracked with pain, he collapses to the ground, unable to move. Orelious swiftly moves in, his fangs sinking into Venlore's neck before tearing into his artery. Venlore's life force drains away as he lies motionless, unable to stop the bleeding without his magical staff.
‘Touch Janie, and you will meet the same fate as Venlore,’ Xander warns.
‘Janie?’ Gretchen says, raising an eyebrow.
‘Let Rose and Warrick go now!’ Xander shouts.
Imogen tries to remain calm, staying put behind Xander and Orelious. I can smell Janie’s scent. She must be nearby, hiding and watching.
Thaddeus swirls his staff around me, entrapping me in a similar hold to Warrick’s.
Amos and Thaddeus then lean the tip of their staffs together and chant. A circle forms, and I realise it’s a portal. I can see a grand magical city on the other side. I can see the buildings that adorn the cityscape are architectural marvels, soaring high into the sky with elegant spires and intricate carvings. Glistening windows showcase the vibrant interior of bustling shops, exquisite boutiques, and spellbinding workshops. Each structure is infused with magical energy, radiating a soft glow that bathes the streets below in a warm, inviting light.
‘Get Warrick and the she-wolf to the dungeons and summon Caius and Orlan to the council chambers,’ she says to Thaddeus and Amos.
They nod, but as they manoeuvre Warrick and me towards the portal, I hear Janie’s voice behind us.
‘Let them go,’ she warns.
Warrick and I look over our shoulders to see Janie standing in a fighting stance with spheres of magic in her hands, ready to use.
‘You must be Janie?’ Gretchen smiles wickedly, showing her lack of teeth.
I cringe.
‘Janie, I told you not to come out of hiding,’ Xander tells her.
‘They’re taking Rose and Warrick away, Xander. I can’t allow them to do that. We have to return home to our world with them,’ she says.
‘Your world?’ Gretchen says, tilting her head. ‘No wonder no one knows of you. You’re from the same world as that puny human,’ she says and stares at Imogen, who clings to Orelious’s shirt.
Orelious, his anger ignited, transforms before our eyes. His white hair rises and thrashes while dark mist emanates from his eerie pores.
Gretchen surveys Janie, her curiosity piqued. 'Where's your spellbook?' she asks, a sinister glint in her eyes.
'Do you really think I'd be foolish enough to tell you?' she retorts, positioning herself defiantly in front of a raging Orelious. 'I won't ask again. Let them go,' she demands.
Gretchen's smirk widens, mocking Janie's audacity. 'Why don't you come and get them, my dear?' she taunts, her voice laced with derision.