“You got another power?” Emma asks.
I wince as her jealously courses through me. When she sees my expression, she tries to hide it, but I felt enough. “I’m so sorry, Emma.”
“It’s not your fault, Ryanne. There’s nothing you can do.” She means it. She doesn’t blame me, but it upsets her that she hasn’t come into her magic yet. If I could give her some of mine, I definitely would.
“Mr. Prowler, could you please direct your anger somewhere else?” Liam asks him. I glance up at Colton, who’s watching me intently, making sure that I’m okay.
“I’m fine now, I promise.”
“What are you doing here?” Mr. Prowler asks us.
Instead of waiting for Tom or James to reply, I step forward. “Mr. Prowler, I’m sorry that we’re intruding on your home, but we need your help. Dravin is getting more and more confident in his abilities. He has a plan that, if put into action, will make humans his slaves. He doesn’t think that we should be able to help each other. He thinks that since we have powers, we should be able to rule over them. According to him, mages should stand above humans and dictate them. He’s already killed so many of those who stood against him while looking for me. I’m not going to run and hide anymore, but I’m not stupid enough to believe I can do this on my own.
“Dravin is building an army. He’s recruiting mages to do his bidding. They are killing off anyone who stands in their way. I’m not going to let him kill anyone else because of me. I can stop him, but I need help. You two were once working for Dravin. You know how he thinks; how he acts. You know him and what he is capable of. Whatever he was capable of when you knew him though, is nothing compared to what he is capable of now. If you don’t want to help me, I understand, but don’t think because you’re not fighting this doesn’t involve you. Whether you like it or not, mages are rising. Power is shifting, and a battle is ensuing. The end is near, and I hope you’re ready for it.” I step backward until Colton wraps his arms around me again. Mr. Prowler and his wife are both watching me. I don’t sense Mr. Prowler’s anger anymore. I’m not sure what I’m sensing right now.
Mr. Prowler stands up and walks over to the fridge. Getting out a bottle of beer, he turns around and watches me again. “You don’t look like a mage,” he states around the bottle as he takes a drink.
Colton growls and steps forward. I place my hand on his forearm to calm him. “I wasn’t born a mage. My parents were humans.”
“But you have magic.”
“Yes, I have magic,” I say.
“Just like the prophecy states,” he mumbles.
I step away from Colton again as Mr. Prowler walks back into the living room. “Look, I know I don’t look like much, but I’ve been through hell and back. I’ve fought off Dravin and his men countless times, and I’m still standing. Granted, I’ve actually died, but I’m still here. I’m here for a reason, Mr. Prowler. I’m supposed to do this. If I don’t have your help, fine. I’ll go find others more willing to help, but I need more people on my side. Dravin is building an army, and I can’t stand up against him alone. You once fought for him. You left because you knew of the evil in his heart. Now, he’s worse. He doesn’t think with his heart. He doesn’t think about others. He thinks about what is best for him and what can benefit him the most. I need to stop him, and I’ll do it with or without your help. Now is not the time to be scared and hide. Now is the time to fight and stand for what you believe in.”
“We’re not hiding!” he yells at me. I try to keep my fear hidden from him. His anger crashes over me in waves. Instead of letting them dwell in my mind, I keep them flowing into the box. From behind me, I’m hit with Colton’s anger. I hear whispers of those around me, but I don’t acknowledge them.
“Then prove it, Mr. Prowler,” I say calmly as I take another step toward him. I may be way smaller than him, but size doesn’t mean anything. I can be just as intimidating if I want to be. “Prove that you’re not afraid. Prove to Dravin that you’re not going to stand by and watch him take over the world. Prove it. Retribution is coming whether we are ready or not.”
I’m standing less than a foot away from him now. He’s staring down at me, curiously. He doesn’t know what to think about me. I know that I don’t look like the typical mage, but that shouldn’t mean anything. I can fight. I can defend myself. I can do anything these guys can. I’m not some helpless damsel always needing rescued…well I’m not helpless. Usually.