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Lilah shoved me to the side as she screamed and darted between the two of them and I watched, helplessly, in horror as the blade pierced her chest and appeared on the other side. “Lilah no!”

I didn’t know how to describe the scream that tore from Ally. It was one of those screams that if you hadn’t heard it, you’d never understand. But one that once you have heard it, you never want to again. Tears flowed over more than one person's cheeks as Ly’s new voice filled the clearing.

“Again? They do love to protect you Princess.”

Ally’s eyes went strangely blank again, like his words had triggered something inside of her. Lysais tugged his blade back, and Lilah’s body collapsed to the ground, as I summoned the biggest ball of fire I could to my hands.

“Leave!” I demanded, not knowing who this man was, but he wasn’t the same person who’d helped Ally.

“Ha, little witch, you think you can protect her from me?!” he snarled.

“Not on my own I don’t,” I spat back at him, raising my eyebrow as my fellow witches drew their own magic to their hands, “Now leave or we’ll make you.” I threatened. With a callous laugh he took a step towards me and I threw my fireball at his feet, “The next one won’t miss. You mean nothing to me.” I bluffed.

I watched as he considered his options as more Witches raised their elements, but as he turned and began walking away I let my magic fade and everyone else followed suit. I really didn’t want to hurt someone my friend loved, but I would to protect her.

“Why?” Ally’s voice snapped out, but Ly continued walking, ignoring her, “Why?!” she screamed at him and Jace’s arms wrapped around her from behind, tugging her towards the shimmering portal.

Everyone was riveted on the glowing Gateway that had appeared behind Jacin and Ally, its surface twisting with chaotic rainbow swirls. Frowning, I stared at the archway, racking my mind for where I'd seen something similar. Ally's screams rent the air, dragging my own gaze back to her shattered gaze that stared at Lilah's body. I’d not had the chance to get to know Lilah much, but from the way Ally had spoken about the women had made me want to know her. Now I would never have the chance as the woman laid lifeless on the grass.

Nobody seemed to notice the dark figure standing in the tree line. With a deep sigh, I looked over at the Witches I was just getting to know, my gut telling me that I may not see them again as I approached the waiting shadow. Getting closer, I saw that it was a woman around my own height who was leaning against the tree, with a lit cigarette in her mouth. The tip glowed orange as she took a deep drag of it. Moving closer still, my feet paused as I looked into my own face and my breaths faltered.

She looked just like me, apart from the artificially dyed green hair that wafted in the wind. The woman blew out a steady stream of smoke, her eyes not leaving mine as I felt Dina stop just behind me.

“Hey Sis.” She said with a joyless laugh and raised one of her manicured eyebrows.

The End.