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In the Shadows Hecate shifted into a fighting stance as soon as her feet connected with the ground. The air hissed as she swung her glaive. Notus scrambled backwards, but they both knew that she wouldn’t get away in time.
Yet, the fatal blow did not fall. The blast of wind sent Hecate flying, tearing the glaive from her hands. She shook her head to clear it as she staggered to her feet. “Not yet, Hecate,” a voice said. “Patience is a virtue.” The girl’s eyes darted around the dark chamber. “Why don’t you show yourself?” “In due time, my dear Hecate. Come, Notus. I still have use of you.” There was a roar of wind and then nothing. Hecate stared at the now empty spot for a moment in disbelief. She was left in the chamber alone to await her fate. Whatever that may be. “I must say that I’m impressed with you, Notus.” She bowed her head, feigning submission. Her hair hung down, curtaining her face. It hid her satisfied smile. “Out of all the others, it was you, Notus, who finally brought me the girl. I should have sent you first and save myself a lot of time.” “I’m honored by such praise, Master, and glad that I have pleased you.” “Very pleased. Yet, I still have work for you. Therefore, I will give you your reward, Notus. Prepare yourself.” She gasped, robbed of breath, as the warm air suddenly invaded her body. However, she quickly found enough oxygen to scream when the air’s warmth turned to fire in her blood. The agony was consuming her. ‘Has Aeolus had changed his mind?’ she wondered, her thoughts almost lost to the searing, unrelenting pain. ‘Has he decided to kill me after all?’ Then it all left her. The burning air and overwhelming pain vanished as quickly as it had attacked her. Panting, Notus fell to her knees. She gingerly probed her side. The once mortal wound was healed, not even leaving a scar in its place. “Your doubt hurts me, Notus. Did you really think that I would go back on my word?” “I meant no distrust, Sire.” “Indeed?” She froze, unsure of how to answer. He was especially dangerous when his mood was like this. Then Aeolus laughed. Relief flooded through her. “I’ve healed you, Notus,” he said, appearing before her. “I hope, for your sake, that you don’t make me regret it.” “I won’t.” He smiled. “Now, go finish the tasks I have given you. We’ll have need of the girl soon.” “At once.” With a pop, Notus disappeared. Aeolus leaned back in his throne. He had no doubt that she would fulfill her duties. The hour he had waited so long for was finally at hand. However, he had work of his own to do. Hecate held her glaive in a white-knuckled grip. She had been left in the dark chamber for what seemed like hours. Time didn’t seem to exist, compounding her disorientation. ‘What’s going to happen to me?’ The question weighed heaviest on her mind. They had never learned why the winds wanted her. With Celeste’s transformation pen broken, only Athene was left to fight. “There won’t be any rescue party coming for me,” she murmured. At least part of her hoped so. She took some comfort in the fact that Celeste and Sofia would be safe. So, this was how it was going to end? Hecate smirked as she made a practice swing with her glaive. Well she wasn’t going to go down without a hell of a fight. “My dear Hecate, I hope that I haven’t kept you waiting too long.” The girl peered into the darkness, her glaive held in front of her. She strained her eyes trying to catch some glimpse of her captor. However, the dim light light of the chamber produced more shadow than illumination. “It’s not like I had any choice,” she replied, her tone acid. He chuckled, irritating her further. “Choice is overrated. Soon, you won’t even care about such trivial things.” “Isn’t the brain-washing thing a little old?” Again, Aeolus laughed, his voice seemingly closer to her. “I will enjoy controlling you, Hecate. You have such spirit.” The glaive hissed as the girl twirled it, brandishing the blade. “I’d like to see you try.” “I’ll do better than try,” he said, all amusement gone from his voice. She dodged the torrent of wind. Hecate rolled to her feet, ready to attack. A shadow appeared as a lighter gray in the dimness. The blade found its mark, drawing blood. Wind roared through the chamber, knocking her to the ground. She scrambled to her feet. By some miracle, she still had her weapon. She glanced at the red stain, smiling. “Did that hurt?” “I will definitely enjoying breaking you, girl!” Hecate kept dodging and attacking, provoking Aeolus further. The force of the wind blasts grew until it seemed like a tempest raged within the chamber. She knew eventually her luck would run out. Yet, she wouldn’t let herself think of the consequences. |
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