Page 74 of Magical Melee

Frank darted around the counter, snapping at Bryce’s ankles.

“Frank!” I shouted, finally finding my voice.

The thought of something happening to my one faithful companion gutted me.

Bryce sneered and kicked toward Frank, but the little bulldog dodged the man’s foot. His growls deepened as Gideon raised his hands.

A wave of dark energy surged toward Stella. The air thickened with black fog, making it hard to breathe again.

Shadows danced through the space, swiping and swirling as they reached for us.

Stella braced herself with magic, forming a golden shield around her body.

Her eyes flamed red as her body straightened, and a hiss seethed from her lips.

Gideon pushed his hands forward, and a wave of black thrust toward her.

The force of the attack pushed Stella back, her feet sliding against the floor, but she stood her ground.

She whipped her index finger toward Gideon, and flames ignited around him.

Surprise dashed over him for a split second, but he recovered with a snap of his fingers, and the flames extinguished as he darted toward her.

I couldn’t just stand there.

The thought of Celeste churned through me like a tidal wave. I had to be brave for her. I needed to choose the right side of this.

Summoning every ounce of courage I had, I reached for the nearest object—a heavy ceramic teapot—and hurled it at Gideon.

He laughed, catching it effortlessly. His eyes flashed with amusement.

“Fiery,” he said, setting the teapot gently on a table. “I like that.”

The room pulsed with an unrecognizable energy. The walls vibrated with the force of the clash. The floor rumbled under our feet.

Stonewick was awakening. Stella was holding her ground, but it was clear she was struggling. The trio of men advanced on her with fluid movements as inhuman as Gideon’s.

I glanced at Gideon, who was muttering something I couldn’t decipher.

“Maeve,” Stella said through gritted teeth, “you have to get out of here.”

“No,” I said, my voice firm despite the fear gripping me. “I’m not leaving you.”

“Think of Celeste.” Her eyes raged with anger as Gideon’s laughter filled the room.

Gideon took a step closer, and I felt that invisible thread pulling again.

“This is just the beginning, Maeve,” he said, his tone almost gentle. “There’s so much you don’t know. So much you deserve to know. So much I can teach you.”

I took a step towards Gideon and straightened my shoulders. “Get. Out. Now.”

On cue, Stella unleashed a final, blinding burst of light. The entire shop was bathed in a searing flame, and I had to shield my eyes.

When the light faded, Gideon and the three men were gone.

The room was silent, except for my ragged breathing and Frank’s low growl.

Shattered teapots and spilled herbs littered the floor, and the air was thick with the lingering scent of burnt magic.