Magixx

CHAPTER 8

Lola paced the room while I studied the map Raven spread on the table. Annie leaned on the windowsill, watching the dark clouds roll in.

"The black market meet is in an abandoned theater downtown", Raven explained. "No cameras. No guards. Just magic dealers and criminals in velvet cloaks pretending they're gods".

"And The Shade will just walk in?"

Lola asked, crossing her arms.

"He's been known to attend these when a 'special' item's being sold"

Raven replied.

"That's why we'll use the box Darcy found"

"no way" I said immediately.

"it's too dangerous. We don't even know what it really does".

Raven smirked. "which makes it perfect bait".

I hesitated, then nodded.

"fine. But I'm not leaving it out of my sight.

We gathered our gear, I wore gloves lined with frost stone to help channel my powers more efficiently. Lola strapped knives beneath her jacket, while Annie loaded gadgets into her backpack. Even Raven carried a slim wand holstered like pistol.

My mom stood at the door, worried but composed.

"Be careful, all of you"

Darcy hugged me tightly.

"come back"

"I will", I whispered.

*****************************

The old theater loomed like a forgotten beast, shattered windows,faded posters, silence echoing from a time longe gone. Inside, low red lights cast eerie shadows ever rows of cracked velvet seats. Dozens of figures stood around the stage,draped in cloaks and masks, whispering in coded languages. Tables were filled with f*******n artifacts: crystal daggers, floating scrolls, stones that pulsed with light.

I walked in with confidence,the silver box in hand. The second I placed it on the stage, the room shifted. All eyes turned toward me.

Then the lights flickered,and died. In the darkness, a scream. Then a crash. My breath hitched as a cold wind pass by my neck.

"The Shade", Raven hissed.

I sent out pulse of ice, lighting the room in blue. But he wasn't there. Instead, on the box sat a second black card.

This one read

"Next time I won't miss".

I slammed the card down on the kitchen table.

"He was there. Watching, waiting".

My breath steamed in the air, my emotions riling my powers again.

Frost spread across the table surface, curling around the cards like vines.

"He's not scared of us",

Lola said, pacing, "he could've attacked. But he didn't".

Annie frowned.

"He's playing a game. And we're walking right into it"

I shook my head

"No. He's not after the box anymore. He's after me".

Darcy stepped into the room, rubbing sleep from her eyes. "Did he hurt anyone?" I softened.

"No, sweetheart. Not this time".

Darcy came closer and held my hand. "You're stronger than him".

I looked into my little sister's eyes. Innocent. Brave in a way only someone pure could be. It calmed me. I had something to protect. Someone.

"I have to end this", I whispered