The Blood Moon Twins
Chapter 43

REMY

\tThe voice of the creature rang out through my ears, and there was something about it that made me feel like I needed to itch my brain.

\t"Come to me, Remoria," it whispered. It repeated this phrase over and over until it sounded less like a command and more like a soothing lull. I knew that I should listen to Caulder and run as far as I could, but that part of me was being suppressed, and running suddenly seemed to be a terrible idea. \tl took a step forward, and Caulder threw his arms around my waist to hold me back.

\t"The only way to stop everyone from getting hurt is to join me. Come to me, child." It's voice was soothing, and it made it seem like what the creature was saying was the only choice.

\t"I need to go to it," I whispered. It felt like it was the only solution. People were getting hurt because of me, and if I continued running, others would suffer because of me. But if I gave up and stepped forward, joining the creature, all would be at peace. \tl tried to take another step forward, but Caulder tightened his grip.

\t"Remy, what has gotten into you?" His voice was harsh, but it was only because he was panicked. If he could only see and hear what I did, he would understand that this was the only choice to make.

\t"I'm going to fix it. I'm going to stop it." It didn't feel like it was my voice that was coming out of my mouth, but it sounded like it was me.

\tl tried to break free from Caulder's grasp, but he refused to let go.

\t"No. What are you talking about? I'm not going to let you do this." Caulder dug his fingers into my arms as he pulled me flushed against his back. He started walking backwards, pulling me away from the creature.

\t"No, stop him!" the creature screamed. The soothing voice was gone, and it was now deeper and harsher, striking my core with a fear that would linger. "Get free from him now, or I'll kill him."

\tl started struggling against his grip, kicking my feet in the air and screaming. He was too strong for me, and I needed him to let go for his own sake.

\t"Let go!" I screamed. "It's going to kill you if I don't listen!" My voice was hoarse, and my throat still ached from inhaling the smoke, but I didn't care. I felt desperate and wild, and the only thing I cared about was getting free, so I could run and join the darkness. \t"I'm never going to let you do that!" Caulder's grip on me was slipping, and I knew it was only a matter of time before he would have to let go.

\tl continued to squirm until my elbow slammed into Caulder's face. He instantly let go as his hand flew to his face, which was now covered in blood. I landed in a crouched position, and I knew this was my opportunity to run forward. Just a few steps, and I could end all of this right now.

\tl started to move, but then the world around me seemed to move in slow motion. I saw the dark tendrils move together. They were pointing at Caulder now that I wasn't blocking him from the creature. He was still too focused on his nose to notice the sudden shift in the creature. The tendrils lashed forward, aiming straight for his chest, and I could feel the creature's intention, and it was to kill Caulder to get him out of the way permanently.

\tlt felt like a veil was lifted, and I was snapped out of whatever trance I had been in. I was stupid for even falling for the words of this dark creature. Of course, it was never its intention to let everyone live in peace. I still didn't know why it wanted me, but I knew that even after it got me, it would continue to destroy everything in its path if given the chance.

\tl jumped to my feet and threw myself in front of Caulder. The black tendrils continued moving forward, not having enough time to react to my sudden movement. The creature pierced my torso, and the worst pain I had ever been in radiated throughout my body. Everything grew black, and I couldn't process anything else but the pain.

It- \tCAULDER

\tl didn't have time to stop it. I saw it happening, but it happened in the blink of an eye. I didn't understand how Remy could even move that fast. One moment, she was rushing forward, and the next, she was standing in front of me with the tendrils sticking out of her chest. It was such a big wound, and I stopped breathing, knowing that if Remy didn't get help soon, this could mean the end for her.

\tA surge of rage filled my body, and I could feel my core glowing. My magic surged, and I had never felt more powerful in my life. I pushed my hands forward and shot out a wave of light from my hands. I had done this magic attack several times before in my life, but it had never looked like this. The light filled the air around me, and for the briefest moment, I couldn't see anything but the bright light.

\tThe dark creature emitted a screech that made the hair on my arms rise. When I could see again, I saw that the creature had shrunk in response to the attack. It was still there, but I didn't have the time to attack it again. Remy was lying on the ground in front of me, and there was blood pouring out of her wound. She was screaming and twisting her body, and I completely stopped thinking at the sight. I had to get her help.

\tl scooped her into my arms and knew I had to get her medical attention right away. I shifted away from the creature, cradling Remy in my arms. I needed to get her to Doctor Zayla or my mother, but I didn't know where to go. I was sure they would be on their way by now, so if I rushed back to the pack house, I could end up wasting time. I didn't know if it was better to wait for help or go get it, and I felt frozen.

\tHarper ran up to me, and she looked like she was going to be sick.

\tl locked eyes with her, and I could feel the tears starting to trickle down my cheeks. "I don't know what to do. We have to save her."

\t"Put her on the ground," Harper ordered, and I did as she said. "Give me your shirt."

\tHarper pressed my shirt against Remy's stomach, and it instantly started soaking up the blood. She was trying to buy time until someone could help heal Remy.

\tHarper looked up at me, and her face was scary calm. "Caulder, look at me." I did as she said. "I need you to try to heal her."

\tMy hands shook as Remy's blood continued to pour out of her. "I-I can't." I had never been able to heal using magic, no matter how many times I had tried.

\t"You have to try. Help is on the way, but we may not have the time."

\tl knelt down across from Harper, but I couldn't get my hands to stop shaking. She was right. Remy needed help that instant, but I didn't know how I could suddenly perform healing magic. I had attempted it several times over the years, but I always failed. Not all sorcerers were able to use healing magic, so it was normal, but right now I needed to be able to use it. I had to save Remy. She had jumped in front of the attack to save me, and I couldn't imagine a life without her around.

\tl pressed my hands on top of Remy and took a deep breath. Ginger always said that magic started at the breath, so I knew that was my best shot. I took deep breath after deep breath, focusing on the intention of healing Remy. I had to save her.

\t"You've got this," Harper said. I didn't understand how her voice was so steady, but it made me feel more confident. She believed in me, and I wanted to show her she put her faith in me rightly.

\tl could do this. I was strong enough to draw the Council of Magic's attention, so I knew I could do this. I had the power. I just had to conjure it. More deep breaths.

\tRemy's chest heaved up and down as her body struggled against the pain. Her screams quieted into whimpers, and I couldn't tell if it was because I was healing her or if it was because she didn't have the energy to scream anymore.

\tl opened my eyes, but it didn't look like anything had changed. Remy was still bleeding, and her breath was fading. I couldn't do it. My hands started to shake again, and it felt like my body was shutting down. I couldn't lose Remy. Not like this. Not ever. \t"I can't do it." The words didn't feel like my own as I admitted failure.

\t"You have to." Harper's voice broke, and her eyes were wide. She was scared of the same thing as me.

\t"I can't." I wanted to crumple into myself. I was failing Remy. I told Blade I could protect her, but I lied. It wasn't intentional, but it was a lie, and now Remy was dying in front of me, and her blood covered my hands.

\t"It's okay." A hand touched my shoulder, and when I looked up, I saw my mother staring down at me.

\tl quickly moved out of the way, and my mother replaced my hands. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She looked calm, and her hands started glowing. The glow fell over Remy's body, and I knew she would be okay. Remy's breath became steady, and her body seemed to relax. My mother's magic was actually working quickly, but I knew there was only so much she could do. She rarely healed someone completely, but I knew she would be able to save Remy. \tRemy didn't open her eyes, but I knew she would be okay. She had to be.