The Rise of Nix
Chapter 31

Their two silhouettes disappeared into the bush just as Nix stepped from the hut. She looked around concerningly, hoping she would catch the ruffled dark hair of Rafael peeking out from behind a tree. The little trickster loved to joke around with them, playing games too, which they were unfamiliar with, and to find him jumping out with a playful grin on his face was all she wished for. Nix could not imagine losing a child, especially becoming a mother herself. Rubbing her belly as she lovingly glanced down, a tear rolled down her cheek. Wiping it away, she looked up with determination. If Deimos can use his powers to find the boy, then she should also. Jumping into action, she looked around their home, finding needed items as they lay scattered around. First, she found some dried branched, grabbing their fire starter rocks next. She could easily use magic to light the flames, but she needed her strength if she was to locate the boy. Sheaving the heavy bundle to her chest, she searched for anything else she might need, but the rest was inside. Dropping the rocks and sticks after she entered, Nix listed the required items in her head, ticking them off as she found them. Moments after she began, the spell was almost ready. After lighting the fire near their door, so the smoke won’t fill the hut, she moved on to the book. Carefully flipping each page, her hand stopped, hovering over the delicate page, the illustration one she is deeply familiar with, even if she only, on accident, cast the spell once. The pictured purple orb on the bottom of the page felt smooth under her skin, recalling how she had called forth the ability to create the portal. It had been an accident. The early morning session watching the sunrise had led to the remembrance of her lost friend and then the sudden appearance of the sphere.

Straightening up, Nic leaned back, resting her weight on her legs as they tugged beneath her. She closed her eyes and watched the fire’s orange light dance against her dark lids. Her held-out hands swept over the warmth of the flames, the cool air of the empty hut clashing together. Slowing her breathing, she allowed the memory of that morning to enter her. Sadness, an empty ache of loss, and a tinge of anger filled her, pushing away the fear for Rafael’s life. But she held onto that, using the image of his sweet, innocent face to direct the portal. A tingly warmth crept down her arms to gather in her palms. It felt different compared to the fire’s heat. A slight smile curled at the edges of her mouth as she knew the portal was forming and that she was successful. But a voice at the back of her mind was screaming, the words muffled by the cracking of the flames. Opening her eyes, she glanced outside and caught a white sparkle against the setting sun. The magical dome Deimos had constructed to protect them became visible to her gaze, a beautiful sight as the sun’s rays clashed against it, sending multi-coloured shimmers around it. The warning he had given her returned, the one about not doing this spell inside the dome, but she had no other choice. She could do the spell and find Rafael, and when Deimos returned, he could fix what she broke. No harm would come to them in the short time it was down. Or so she hoped.

Tearing her gaze from the disappearing dome, she silently prayed for protection as she focused on the portal. Moving her hands in front of her, she forced the magic to gather in her open palms, and a purple glow emitted from them. The colourful sphere grew the more she focused on its intended. Recalling the first time she met Rafael at the beach, his smiling face before her, Nix watched as the spell grew until the purple ball of energy stopped morphing. Pleased by the outcome while hoping it was ready, her arms quickly pulled away as the warmth from the ball left her palms and dropped to the ground. Like the day at the beach, the magical sphere crashed into the dirt, sending shocks of power shooting out. A pool formed by her feet, and she bent down to get a closer look, the dark surface calming down. Hesitantly, she poked her finger into it; her eyebrows pulled taught with confusion. She did not expect it to feel warm, yet it did, but it also didn’t feel solid. Her finger came back naked when she lifted it closer to inspect. Shrugging her shoulders, she continued. Dipping it back inside, her fingers played with the mysterious power, making her wonder if this was what magic felt like or if it was just this spell. As her mind wandered, the darkened surface suddenly shifted, turning bright. The need to find Rafael returned, and locking her gaze down while still connected to the portal, Nix willed the spell to show her where the boy was. The movement from her finger broke the calm surface as images began flickering. It was distorted at first, but slowly the picture became clear. Thick trees lined the back, making her think of the woods, but it was still blurry. Focusing harder, the image cleared, finally becoming visible.

Nix choked, her hand covering her mouth when she realised what she was seeing. A body lay on the ground, their eyes closed and skin pale. Thick hair covering his head registered with her, and she instantly recognised him. It was Rafael, and he looked like he was dead. Or she hoped he wasn’t, but the image changed before she could locate him or know if he was alive.

“No, wait,” Nix frantically yelled, her fingers inside clawing at nothing to try and keep him. But it was useless. Gone was Rafael’s image; instead, it turned black. Keeping him in her mind, she tried recalling the portal to show him, and when it started to flicker and change, she thought he would reappear, but something or someone else showed up. A familiar head of red hair flashed across the surface, making Nix forget about the boy as her mind focused on her friends. The image cleared, revealing Mary’s face. The woman looked tired, with dark circles under her usually bright features. As the portal pulled out, Nix saw more of her friend and what surrounded her. The village surrounded Mary with the night above her. The usual fire was not lit in the centre, and it seemed bare from people. Only Mary was there, sitting on a log, her body bent as her head perched in her hands, elbows propped on her knees.

“Mary,” whispered Nix.

Mary’s head whipped up as she looked around, confused. Nix pulled her hand out of the portal, shocked by her friend’s reaction. Did she hear her call her name, or was it something else that spooked her friend? Deimos said a portal goes both ways, so maybe Mary did hear her. Testing the theory, Nix spoke again.

“Mary, can you hear me?”

Jumping up, Mary spun around, looking for the source of the voice. “Who is there?” she asked, fear visible as her body shook.

“Mary, it is me. Nix.”

“Nix?” murmured Mary.

“Yes,” replied Nix. Leaning closer to the portal, she called out, “I am here, Mary.”

“Where are you?” asked Mary, who glanced around frantically for her friend. “How are you here? Come out and show yourself.”

The need to touch her friend consumed Nix. She wanted to hug her and tell her everything was good, but it was impossible. At least she was able to see and speak to her.

“Where are you?” asked Mary again.

“I cannot explain. But know I am here,” reassured Nix.

“This is crazy,” said Mary. Dropping down onto the log, she brushed her face while she shook her head, mumbling something under her breath that Nix could not hear. “This is not real,” she said out loud this time.

“This is real. I cannot explain how, but know I am here.”

“O, how I wish you were real,” Mary spoke to no one, her mind not accepting the fact that Nix could be here. Maybe she was going crazy, or perhaps she was dead, and this was hell. “It is bad, Nix. You were smart for getting away. Maybe you knew something we did not.”

Nix began to worry. She took in more details and realised her friend did not just look tired. She was sad and heartbroken. Her eyes seemed puffy, as if she had cried a lot. And for the village to not gather for the nightly feast seemed suspicious. Something was wrong, and Nix had to find out what. “What happened? Please talk to me.”

“They are gone.” Mary said, “They took the girls after he died.”

“What girls? Who died?” Nix begged to know why her friend seemed defeated.

Mary began to cry as tears rolled down he face. With no energy left, she let her face get wet, her hands playing with the hem of her shirt. Mary revealed the chilling truth with her shoulders slumped forward and her head hanging. Not knowing if Nix was listening or not, she led it out.

“It is bad. Really bad. They took them by force after Khan’s death.”

“What? Who?” Nix asked desperately, her face leaning closer to the portal.

Mary looked around again after Nix spoke but gave up looking for the source. She just accepted that the recent events had made her lose her mind, bus she answered anyway. “He killed them, Khan and Leela. He looked mad like a man possessed. His eyes were dark as he tore through the village. Afterwards, his men came and took the unmarried girls. That was the last we saw them. Sometimes I swear I can hear their screams at night. Most of the people left after that night. Some of us stayed since we did not know where to go. Nix, it isn’t good. I just hope that you are safe. Please be safe.”

Nix sat back as her words sunk in. Her old village was gone, and so was Khan. She would lie if she said she was sad that the cruel man was dead, but Leela. The girl had some problems, but she did not deserve death. Who could do that to the innocent?

“Who, Mary? Who did this?”

“The devil himself?” replied Mary.

“Who?” pleaded Nix. Deep down, she already knew that what Mary described could only be a beast.

“Maverick,” revealed Mary. “Maverick killed them and took the girls. Beasts, that is what they are. Monsters.”

“No,” gasped Nix. Deimos had been right all along. Maverick was dangerous, and she was too trusting to believe it. And now her friends were dead, and she was here. She should have warned them when she discovered what he was and tried to stop him. Now it was too late.

“At least tell me you are safe?”

Nix leaned closer and answered her friend, “Yes, I am. But what about you? Is he still there?”

Before Nix could get a reply, the connection became lost. The portal’s surface turned dark, and she reached her hand inside, trying to get her back. “No,” she groaned, but it was useless. Her friend was gone, leaving her alone in the hut once more. As the portal slowly vanished into the ground, Nix held out her hands, calling the magic back, and the familiar warmth trickled down her arms, and she could feel the connection to it, but a voice broke her concentration.

“Nix, my love, I found you.” a voice spoke from in front of her.

Looking up, her eyes clashed with dark orbs, and her breath hitched in her chest when she instantly recognised the man standing before her.

Right there, at the entrance to their home, stood Maverick, his tall frame filling the door as his eyes locked onto Nix. “I found you. My mate,” he spoke softly.

The shock of finding him at her home sends Nix stumbling back and falling on her behind. Looking up, she knew the fear was present on her face, but she tried to keep it under control. Somehow Maverick had found them, but right now, he does not know she knows what he did. He was unhinged, and if she was going to get out alive, she needed to pretend to be his friend. Or just until Deimos returned. Her magic could save her, but her heart was beating too fast right now, and she didn’t know if she could control it.

“Mav... Maverick,” she stuttered. “You are here.”

Stepping into the hut, he said, “Yes, I am. We are finally reunited, my love.”

Calling her love confused Nix. Struggling to stand, she wiped the dirt on her hands over her pants, all while keeping an eye on him. Why is he saying that to her, she thought. They shared only one kiss, and leaving with another man showed she was not interested in him. After she stood, Nix took a step back, making sure the fire was between them. Sweat gathered on her brow as she watched him, her legs ready to sprint if he made a move. “Why are you here?”

Light from the flames flickered over his features, emphasising the dark shadows on his face. As he watched her, his dark eyes changed to normal, and his mouth curved into a smile. “I came to save you, darling.” his voice softened as he spoke.

Sneakily eyeing their hut, Nix tried to figure out how to escape, but his vast form blocked the only escape. Maybe she could talk her way out, which means she has to play along to whatever game he is playing. Forcing her own smile, Nix said, “It is good seeing you. You must have travelled far to get here. Maybe you are thirsty. Would you like some water? We have a small river running behind the hut. I will go get you some.” Calming her nerves, she reached for an empty cup on the table behind her, grasping it tightly as she slowly walked over to him, praying all the way that he would move out of the way.

“That is so kind of you,” said Maverick. Turning his body, he remained by the door, which allowed enough space for her to get by.

Taking the chance he offered, she reached him, holding her breath as their bodies brushed against each other. His warm breath caressed her cheeck as she slid by. A hand brushed against her back, and she jumped slightly from his touch.

“O, how I have missed you,” he whispered. Bending down, he felt her freeze as he pushed his nose into her neck, inhaling her scent.

As he smelled her, Nix stopped, not wanting to make any sudden movements. She did not know if he was mentally fine or if he would attack. With freedom just outside, she allowed him to smell her, hoping that was all he wanted.

“You smell different,” noted Maverick.

“What do you mean?” she asked. As he lifted his head, Nix grabbed the opportunity and stepped outside while keeping her back to him. Watching the entrance that led from the village, she prayed Deimos would show up, but as seconds passed, she knew it was only Maverick and her. Making her way to the river, she felt this heaviness on her back, knowing he was eyeing her as he followed.

“I don’t know, but it smells divine,” he said as he walked behind her.

“Thank you,” she needed him to believe she was happy to see him, just until she could figure out a way to get away from him.

“Yes, your scent has changed. My wolf can tell for sure that you are our mate now.”

Keeping him at the edge of her gaze, Nix lowered to the river, dipping her hand with the cup inside. The cold water splashed over her hand, shaking her awake. Counting to three, she smiled as she stood up to face him. Holding out the full cup, Maverick returned her smile as he took it, downing it all in one go. Wiping away the excess droplets, he said, “Thank you.”

“You are welcome,” replied Nix, the gratitude on her face not reaching her voice.

“I am so glad that you are my mate. Kind, beautiful. Is there nothing you can’t do?”

The air became cold as shivers ran down her spine. The setting sun basked them in a shadow that made his smiling face seem dark, the intent in his eyes matching the dread she felt. He does not know that she knows what he did, and being here with her means he wants her. So far, he had not noticed her stomach, and she feared what he would do if he learned the truth. Maverick kept calling her his mate, and after she and Deimos had left, she learned what it meant. Each wolf has a mate, a partner out in the world. One that makes the wolf whole again, but she was not his mate. In their first meeting, she did feel a bond, but it was barely alive, but after meeting Deimos, her heart was taken by the God and not the wolf. But still, Maverick kept his illusion alive, even following her all this way. Nix really became worried as her mind spun. Maverick scared her, especially after discovering his murder spree, and with the power she wields, Nix could stop him in a heartbeat, but the more she tried calling the power up, the more naked she felt without the warmth and tingle it provided. What is wrong with her? She wondered. Never before has the magic hidden from her; the moment she truly needs it, it disappears.

As her fingers fumbled in her hands, Nix peeked at Maverick as he still smiled down at her, his dark gaze locked on her. She saw them slowly lowered down her body, and instinctively she moved her hands to cover her bulging belly, praying that he won’t notice her condition. He didn’t since, after his inspection, he settled on her face again, his smile growing more prominent—the look of pure sinister over his features. The sudden change in him sent her feet stepping back, which he luckily overlooked.

“I was busy preparing for a meal but noticed the meat was finished. I was going to go hunting, but since you are here, would you mind helping me out.” lied Nix. The small structure behind their hut was filled with drying meat, but Maverick did not have to know it. One trade Nix knows he has, is the need to provide. So if he falls for her lie, he would leave to assist her, giving her time to find Deimos so that he could help.

Maverick remained quiet as he pondered over her request, his eyes never leaving her.

Tiny drops of sweat gather on her palm and back as she felt them rolling down her spine, all while waiting for his answer. If he did not take the bait, there were no other ideas.

Nix’s body began shrinking the longer he stared at her, his attention creeping her out, but suddenly, his head twisted to the left, and he said, “She will not betray me. She is my mate,”

Confused, Nix scanned the area behind him, but nobody was there. Maverick really did lose his mind.

“This is the plan,” he kept speaking. “You will not tell me what to do.”

Her heart and body jumped slightly as his face shot back to her, his eyes black with a feral gaze looking at her.

“You won’t betray me, would you?” he asked, taking a step towards her.

Now she felt scared. The man before her was not the same one she had met. He was not the man who cared for the children in his pack, the one who protected them. No, the monster glaring down at her seemed wild, and his ruffled hair did not help his image.

“I... I..” she was at a loss for words. How does one handle a crazed wolf who looks like he has his prey in his line of vision?

With the river at her back and his massive frame blocking her front, Nix began to panic. Flexing her palms, she begged the magic to help her. Sparks shot down her arms as they gathered in her palms. She let out a breath of releave, but it was too late.

Maverick moved closer, his vast body casting a shadow over her petite body, murder in his dark eyes.

And he was staring down at her.

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