Sylvana Ward's Story

"My old friends! How good to see you!" A voice cut through the silence that had formed in the room as the small group was preparing to leave Evanpool. Wyatt didn't even have to turn to see who it was. He knew. Once upon a time, he and Jacob had been nearly inseparable especially right after the black magic user had arrived at the Shadow Sage to begin their formal training. His mother's half had been completed, even though to the young boy, his mother's had been much harder.

It wasn't until he'd met Sylvana and listened to the things that haunted her young mind and found that they too had been burning on his did he start to drift away. Not only from people like Jacob, but from the Shadow Sage in general. Only it had taken the white magic user leaving for him to pull himself away. Now he was hoping that Jacob didn't know he'd left against orders to find out the truth for himself and not to just blindly follow orders. If the gray magic user didn't know, then there might be a chance to get himself and the others out in one piece. Maybe.

Sylvana repressed a gulp as she turned to face the voice that had called out to them, fearing the worst. She was right. It was Jacob. Almost a spitting image of Jasper only she knew their personalities to be completely different. She liked Jasper for the most part. She'd always felt uneasy around the other.

Wyatt made sure that the other three members of the group were behind him as everyone seemed to be turned to face the newcomer. He inclined his head to his old friend. "Jacob." The male's black eyes bored into the other's blue. He didn't bothering asking why he was there. It wasn't going to be anything good and the man could be there for any one of them. Though, without a doubt he knew who he was after. It wasn't a coincidence that he had run into Jasper on the way up here nor into Jacob here. But then again, he'd also found Sylvana who had escaped the Shadow Sage taking all of their information with her. Not to mention himself basically doing the same thing and he knew nothing about the Katherine girl to know whether or not he could be after her. Maybe he should ask, but he thought better of it.

Sylvana, take the other two and head north. Don't worry about the supplies, we will find a way to manage, but get them and yourself the hell out of here. And please, don't argue with me on this one.

The white magic user had started to object, but thought better of it. She would get them headed north and then come back for Wyatt. She wasn't leaving him to fight this on his own. It went against everything she was. Not to mention, she wasn't losing him again after just getting him back. She nodded knowing he didn't have to see it to know she would do as he bid.

"Come on." She whispered to Jasper and Katherine. She knew it would be difficult to get other male out of there, but she had to do it. They could explain everything once they were safe. He didn't need to hear it coming from Jacob. She knew without a doubt that Jasper was a strong person in his own right, but he wouldn't be able to handle what was coming. "Follow me." She made sure Katherine went first before dragging Jasper. She just hoped she could get them far enough away to safety and make it back in time.

Please be careful, please. She pleaded to Wyatt knowing he would hear, but wouldn't respond as he stared down the enemy once a friend.

Jacob wouldn't let himself be intimidated by the taller Wyatt and that hard look in his ebony eyes. He tucked his arms behind his back and tilted his head sideways, rocking a little on his heels. He needed to keep the appearance of ease, because it would be a failure to let any of the four witches in front of him see that he was uncomfortable. Yes, he knew his weak brother was a witch and that factored into his opinion of the man. They were both witches, but only he, Jacob was abandoned. One of his hands curled into a fist, but as it remained behind his back, the others wouldn't see.

The paler blond turned toward Sylvana as she tried to get the other woman, who rudely hadn't been introduced yet -whether they knew or not, his question about her was sincere - and Jasper, his hated brother, away from the scene. "What's the rush? It's been a while, I just want to catch up." Jacob turned back to Wyatt and gave a smile. "This is a tourist town. Aren't you here to relax?"

Jasper resisted Sylvana's pulling him away from the scene. "At least let me see him," he said quietly and gently maneuvered around closer to Wyatt's side than behind him, because the dark witch was taller than he. The healer's eyes widened and he gasped, "It's you!" He took a surprised step back. He did know this Jacob. He knew that face. "Every night for nineteen years, your face is the first I see when I close my eyes. How...? Why...?" So many questions pushed to the front of his mind that he couldn't even finish voicing one of them. He closed his eyes and pushed his right hand to his forehead until he finally managed to sputter out four words. "What do you want?"

Jacob turned to his brother's interruption. Looking into the face, the same chiseled face as his, the same prominent cheekbones, the same nose, the same mouth, Jacob trembled at the resemblance. There could be no doubt they were brothers, but there were differences as well. Jasper's hair was longer and darker blond, more gold than white, and messier too, which gave Jacob a chuckle. His brother's skin was more tan, as Asiali got more sunshine than Eliradia, longer summers and even a warmer spring. "It's been even longer since I've seen you in the flesh, brother. I do have a portrait, though." To prove it, he pulled a ragged and permanently creased scrap of parchment out of his own white fur cloak. He even dressed identical to his twin. Carefully Jacob unfolded the parchment, exposing a true to life charcoal drawing of Jasper as a child nineteen years ago, when his dreams started.

Jasper trembled at the sight himself, and rasped, "How did you get that?"

Jacob shook his head. "I won't tell you. The artist prefers to keep to himself, and I won't interfere with his wishes. It was a great gift to get the portrait in the first place." He carefully folded up the parchment on its creases, and lifted his head up. Now he actually was at ease. "As for what I want, I already answered that question. I want to catch up with old friends and my estranged brother. Since you have a new friend, I want to get to know her too. Aren't you going to introduce me?" Those ice-blue eyes, harder in appearance than Jasper's, though unintentionally right now, panned over the group.

As the group was leaving the changing rooms, a young man similar in appearance to Jasper blocked their exit. While Wyatt didn't looked to pleased to see him, the blond man looked positively thrilled to see them, "My old friends! How good to see you!" he called out jubilantly to Wyatt and Sylvana. "Ah! A new friend?" He said, looking to Katherine. Katherine suddenly had her guard up. There was something about this man that didn't sit well with her, even just on sight. That and the fact she could tell from Wyatt and Sylvana that they didn't want him here. She kept her mouth shut, not speaking a word to this man until she was more certain of his intentions.

Wyatt blocked the newcomers entry, Jacob he called the blond man. Katherine heard Sylvana whisper to her, "Come on," Katherine didn't know what they were planning, but she had a feeling that mindspeak, that's what they had spoken about earlier when Jasper had collapses, was involved. She made a note to herself to learn how to mindspeak, it seemed to come in useful from time to time, "Follow me," Katherine wasn't about to argue with Sylvana on this. The way she was reacting and the way Wyatt was blocking the man just screamed 'trouble'.

She didn't see Jacob catch them moving, but he must have for he asked, "What's the rush? It's been a while, I just want to catch up." Catch up? Wasn't it clear that Wyatt didn't want him around, that Sylvana didn't want him around, hence why they were trying to get away. Katherine's eyes went wide as the reason he and Jasper looked like one another dawned on her. "This is a tourist town. Aren't you here to relax?" Jacob continued. Katherine managed to hold back a sarcastic laugh. This was hardly a relaxing trip for her. She didn't know about the rest of the group, but she certainly wasn't having a relaxing trip home.

Katherine watched Jasper pull away from Sylvana to stand by Wyatt, "It's you!" She heard him exclaim, "Every night for nineteen years, your face is the first I see when I close my eyes. How...? Why...?/What do you want?" Jasper finished. Katherine took several steps back into the room, feeling that this deserved to be a private conversation, or at least not a one for her ears to hear. She tuned out the conversation, until she heard Jacob say, "Since you have a new friend, I want to get to know her too. Aren't you going to introduce me?"

Katherine took the few steps to Wyatt's side, getting her first proper look at Jacob. His eyes were blue, much like Jasper's, but much harder and colder than his brother's were, "My name is Katherine," she said coldly, her arms crossed, subconsciously creating a barrier between herself and Jacob. She squeezed past the human wall that Wyatt had created, "I'm going to see about supplies," she mumbled, pushing her way past Jacob and heading down into the village.

Things were not going according to plan. When did they ever really? At least Katherine had sense enough to get herself away. If she could get them some of the needed supplies for the trip at the same time than they were doing good. Maybe they could still make it out of this in one piece. Or hell, Evanpool still standing.

Sylvana wanted to curse at herself for allowing Jasper to get away from her. Judging from the conversation she was hearing it wasn't a good thing that the two brothers had been reunited. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself. Jasper wasn't used to the magic, but he was going to have to get over it.

Jasper, I need you to listen carefully to me. You need to come with me and get away from here. Wyatt can take care of Jacob. You have to understand, he is a threat. While he may be your blood, I promise the only thing between the two of you is hatred. Please trust me. Come with me and get away from here as quickly as possible.

She was pleading in her mind with him even though she was standing only a few feet away. Her face never gave away the fact that she was using magic except for the eyes she kept hidden, staring at the floorboards between her feet. Wyatt had it made with his black eyes never giving anything away.

On the inside, she was shaking. She knew she was a good fighter, but even she wasn't sure she could take on Jacob and win. Wyatt sure, but not with the rest of them around to distract him. And while they made a great team, she knew he would be more worried about protecting her than fighting Jacob. Besides, she had to protect the others and get them out of Evanpool safely and without attracting attention of the locals.

Sylvana, I said get him out of here.

I'm trying, damnit. He's just as stubborn and hard headed as you and Jacob. She turned her attention back to the male in question. Come on, Jasper. Please trust me. We need you out of here. Before he kills us all. She decided she needed to let him know just how grave the situation was with his twin in hopes that he would understand.

Jasper started when he heard voices in his head again. Last time that happened he was in pain and couldn't move. Briefly he panicked, and tried to force whoever it was out. No, he wouldn't let a witch hurt him again! Only witches could do it, -that's what Sylvana said - wait... Sylvana. It was Sylvana's voice. He relaxed and let her finish. A few words grasped his attention, take care of... "How?" How exactly would Wyatt take care of Jacob? The brooding witch wasn't afraid to harm other people, even if he had never harmed anyone in their group. If he feels threatened, he will kill. He said so himself.

So far though Jasper hasn't seen Jacob do anything threatening. He hadn't attacked them, or did he? Did Jacob cause him pain and paralyze him? Why? Too many bloody questions! Many of them probably only Jacob could answer. Feelings atypical to him grew inside him. Anger and hatred. No, it can't be. Jasper never hated anyone in his life. He did know anger, but he never worked violence in his anger. Could he...? Jasper glanced back to Wyatt and Jacob's standoff, and then to Sylvana with her head down. He didn't realize his hands shook again as he reached for hers.

Jasper didn't want to leave. He never knew his estranged brother, Jacob's exact words, but he didn't want to give up without getting a chance to know him. Why were they estranged? Where did that picture come from? Did it have something to do with his powers? If so, was he really a witch? The only magic Jasper knew he had were his vivid dreams. Many people praised his ability to heal. It truly was something to be praised, as he never lost a patient, but he didn't recognize it as magic. He didn't even know how magic worked. Sylvana and Wyatt definitely understood how it worked, and possibly Katherine too. Since Jacob was well-known to at least two of those three witches, the likelihood was just as great that he understood it. Jasper silently cursed himself. He truly was the weakest person here, and he really couldn't do anything. Even though he was weak, he couldn't run away from this path he set his feet on back in Whitemouth. Promise made means that promise must be kept.

"Am I..." He started to ask Sylvana a question, but changed his mind, because he didn't want Jacob to hear the answer. All these witches could mindspeak, but he didn't have that ability. "You know how to reach me, if something happens." Did he just invite those powerful witches into his head? He must be crazy.

NONONONO! This could not be happening! First the Katherine girl pushed past him, and he resisted reaching out to grab her to steer suspicion away from his intentions. He didn't know much about her, but he thought she would be of interest to his family. Unfortunately, Wyatt was already suspicious as noted by his action to block Jacob's access to the other three, two now. That news was bad enough, but now, Jasper, the easiest target of all of them was pulling away. He even reached for Sylvana's hand. Sylvana who he fought to get away from, only moments ago. Of course, if he traveled with the two of them, he did trust them to some degree. Since Wyatt and Sylvana didn't trust Jacob, he didn't trust him either.

Katherine wandered through the village, searching for Arianna. Despite the huge secret she was keeping from Ari, Katherine knew the girl could be trusted. She spotted Arianna, the girl was deep in conversation with the butcher, most likely bartering fiercely as her mother had done. Katherine fell back until Ari walked away from the butcher before sneaking up to her. She dug her fingers into Ari's sides as they had done as children, making the girl squeal.

"Katie Fletcher!" She yelled, twisting around to face Katherine, "You've been nothing but mischief since the day you were born." Ari tried to sound serious but Katherine could see from her friend's attempt to suppress a grin that she wasn't in trouble.

Katherine pressed a finger to Ari's mouth, silencing the girl, "And that is exactly why you love me. And that is the reason I need your help," Ari raised an eyebrow, indicating her wish to speak but Katherine kept her finger against Ari's lips, "A place to sleep for the night for me and my companions, and some food, if you can." She said quickly, almost business-like in her attitude.

Ari nodded slowly, wondering what in the name of all things good Katie Fletcher was up to this time. "You and the girl can sleep in the house," She said, remembering Katherine's travelling companions, "We have room. The boys will have to sleep in the barn. Father won't allow them in the house, not while there's unmarried women around," Katherine nodded, remembering how uptight Ari's father was about young men in the house, "Food... food," Ari thought for a moment, "I'm sure we can spare a few coins to help you. The crop was good this year, we're hardly struggling."

Katherine wrapped her arms around Arianna, embracing her tightly, "Thank you, thank you, thank you," She pulled back from Ari, keeping her hands on the girl's shoulders, "may the gods bless your home forevermore," She quickly embraced Ari again before heading off back to the springs, albeit at a slower pace when she was sure she was out of sight of Arianna, mulling over the man, Jasper's brother, that had found them. The feeling she had that something was a little off about grew more and more the closer she got to the springs. She hoped he wasn't still there when she got back, that maybe he was one of these people who could take a hint that he wasn't wanted here. Kicking the snow off her feet as she walked, delaying her return to the springs even more, she wondered why Jacob had actually come to find Jasper. Something told her it was more than sheer curiosity that had brought Jacob to them. She sneaked through the woodland to get back to the springs, not wanting to waste more money on paying entry. She kept her distance from where the group had been, wondering if they had managed to take off or if she would need to run at a moments notice.

Maybe she was getting lucky after all. Jasper seemed to be wanting to come with her. It seemed like she wasn't going to get overly chewed over by Wyatt if she could get the two of them out of the springs and out of the town as quickly as possible. Sylvana took Jasper's hand, letting the magic she'd been holding onto go, so that she could raise her head back up as her eyes returned to their normal shade.

Without a glance at Wyatt, she gripped Jasper's hand tighter, turning back around and leaving the area as quickly as she could basically drag the man. On the way out, the young woman saw Katherine had come back, but had chosen wisely to stay back away from the group. The woman was definitely smart and had earned some points in the white magic user's book.

She didn't say anything as she passed the woman just nodded at her. Sylvana hoped she understood that it meant follow her, or get out of there. She lead the way back out of the springs having gotten all of their gear. Finally she turned back towards Katherine.

"Were you able to get any supplies for the cold?" Wyatt may have wanted them out of the town but she had to make sure they would all survive the journey to the Witches' Fortress. She also let go of Jasper's hand, took a deep breath and turned to him. "I know you have a lot of questions and I promise I will do my best to answer them. Once we're out of Evanpool." They needed to get moving and as quickly as possible.

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Once both Sylvana and Jasper were out of the hot springs, Wyatt was finally able to relax his tense muscles. He was still ready to move at a moments notice, but now he didn't have to worry about covering anyone's back but his own. He uncrossed his arms, allowing his hand to fall near his weapon's pouch just to be on the safe side.

"What are you really doing here, Jacob? I know it's not to catch up. You hate your brother and his family. You've said so you're entire life as long as I've known you." The black magic user wasn't going to be fooled like Katherine or Jasper to the man's antics. He grew up with the gray magic user. He knew most of his tricks.

So long as Sylvana got the other two out of Evanpool, he would be safe to fight Jacob if it came down to it. He was hoping it wouldn't, but there would be nothing he could do about it if it did. He would protect his traveling companions, Sylvana above all and then the townsfolk from the man. Very few people could stand up to the man and he was one of the few and even he knew he would struggle.

Jacob cried out and turned to the door as Sylvana and Jasper left. No, he can't lose! He can't fail! The man's face flushed as he heard Wyatt. Curses! He let his guard down and Wyatt saw it! Still he quickly turned his embarrassed expression to a smirk. Maybe the other witch didn't notice. "He is still my blood you know. It's undeniable." The shorter witch leaned against the wall, crossed his arms and closed his eyes. It was the same pose he held when looking for the Raven when he received his secret mission in the first place. It was a habit of his that he always used before starting any magic duel.

While living in the Northern Tower, Jacob enjoyed duels with other students to sharpen his skills. Dueling actually served him better than reading dusty books in the library, because his mind wandered less while active. Sitting still too long bored him, and in that boredom distracted easily. His master accepted his hobby, since the tower was more isolated than other Shadow Sage bases. Even if it wasn't, Jacob was clever and knew he'd find a way to duel anyway.

After a moment or so, he opened his eyes again but surprisingly didn't attack. He said sweet as honey, "Someone needs to look after him, and who better than myself. I've spent many years learning about him, and he didn't even know I existed until he saw me. Even though he claims I've been in his dreams for nineteen years, he didn't even think I was a real person." The honey words sharpened as a knife, ...but I've always known him. I've always known of his existence. He may see me all the time, but I feel him. I've felt his rejection and hatred of me burning under my skin all these years." The paler witch dropped his head and took a deep breath. He needed to be calm. "Of course that's in the past and dwelling on it doesn't help our unfortunate situation. You're correct that I'm not here just to catch up. The king's wrath at witches is growing. He's building an army of Witch Hunters, and witches that don't know how to use their powers will be the first and easiest targets. Anything they do in ignorance could be considered a threat, and that's why I need to protect him." He gave a heavy sigh and dropped his shoulders in dejection. "Since he's already with you, I thought I could ask for your help, but if you aren't willing..." Jacob turned his back to Wyatt again and pressed on the door.

~~~

Even though he knew his weakness, Jasper couldn't help himself from looking over his shoulder as Sylvana pulled him along. Because he kept looking back, it felt like dragging, which wasn't comfortable for him, and just as likely uncomfortable to her. The two of them passed Katherine, as she came back from wherever she went, but no words were spoken until they were a distance away from the hot springs. Sylvana asked if Katherine found any supplies and told Jasper that she knew he had questions but couldn't answer until they were out of town. The healer wasn't happy with the forced continuation of his confusion. "I want to ask Jacob some questions too, if I can." He looked back again and crossed his arms, since she let go of him temporarily. "I know you don't trust him and think he's dangerous, but he is obviously my brother, even if we didn't grow up together. He is my family and the reason I started this journey." He looked around and then dropped his head. They were out in public again and remembering the reaction when he first mentioned his dreams, it wouldn't be safe to address it. "I wanted a name behind a face that refused to leave me. I have the name, but this journey isn't over yet." Jasper sighed and drifted into silence.

Katherine saw two figures coming towards her, a man and a woman. The dark hair of the woman and paleness of the man told her it was Sylvana and Jasper. Katherine let out a sigh of relief, at least they had managed to get away safely. From here, it looked like Sylvana was having to drag Jasper along behind her. Katherine waited patiently for them to arrive, wondering how they had managed to get away from Jacob, when he had seemed so intent on keeping them there for as long as possible. Sylvana passed her with a nod in her direction. Picking up on the hint, Katherine fell in line with the other witch.

"Were you able to get any supplies for the cold?" Sylvana asked

Katherine looked up, "My friend, Arianna, said the harvest was good this year so there's plenty food that won't be missed," She explained, hoping that she wasn't going to have to steal from her old friend. Arianna was a good person, with a good soul. Katherine didn't want to steal from one of her few friends. "She offered us a bed for the night too, but I'm starting to think we won't be needing it tonight," She added, casting a look back over her shoulder. From this distance, if she squinted, she could see the blurred outline of Jacob standing at the changing rooms. Wyatt was hidden by the shack.

Katherine looked at Jasper, hoping she didn't look like she was pitying him. She knew what it was like to want answers and not get them. It was a horrible place to be. Katherine looked between Sylvana and Jasper. On the one hand, Jasper deserved to have his questions answered, to not be kept in the dark, on the other hand, there was something a little off about Jacob and she wasn't altogether sure that the answers Jasper got from him would be the absolute truth, "He deserves his answers Sylvana," she said quietly, her tongue apparently making her mind up for her, "At least let him try and get them."

((Want to start off by saying I'm sorry for taking so long to post. Have been going through a rough time at the moment with health issues that doctors can't explain, but I should be all right to get my posts back to being regular again.))

Wyatt wasn't simply going to allow Jacob to get out of the door. Here in the changing area, he was confined and more easy to control. Once he was out of the building there might not be any chance at keeping the locals from getting a large whiff of what was going on. The fact that there were four witches in their town and one who was now becoming highly likely to be a witch himself for whatever reason Jasper denied it. Unless it was true.

"I think if he's made it this far he needs no coddling from the likes of you. Regardless, we both know he's safer away from you. And believe me when I say he doesn't hate you. I don't think he could hate anyone even those who try to kill him. You know nothing of him and I'm not allowing you near him."

The black magic user wasn't sure when or why he'd come so protective over the healer. He'd just met the man and had threatened to kill him himself on several occasions, but even then he knew he would only kill those who came at him first. Jacob was an exemption. He was being given a golden opportunity to take the gray magic user out, but because of their surroundings he couldn't do it. Not without risking everything around him.

"You know for a fact I will give you no aid. We didn't exactly part on friendship terms if I recall." Wyatt's blood was boiling. It had been when Sylvana had left after everyone had learned she had white magic. Jacob was very vocal about it. The black magic user on the other hand didn't care what kind of magic people had, it didn't make them distinctly one way or another because of the type. No their personalities did. Had it been the other way around Jacob would have had magic blacker than his own, but he only had gray; a mix of black and white. Didn't he know he was half like the woman he despised?

"So we have two options, you leave willingly now without making a scene. Or I will make you leave."

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Sylvana shook her head. "No." Her voice was strained. She knew she was fighting a losing battle, but she wasn't going to stop. Allowing Jasper or Katherine back near Jacob wouldn't be a good thing. She took a deep breath knowing she was going to have to take charge.

"Katherine, go get the food from your friend. Also ask if any of the vendors have supplies for braving the cold. Buy what you can. Then meet us at the gate leading north. Go as quickly as you can. We need to be away from here as soon as possible in case the two of them start fighting." Her voice was low in fear that someone around them might hear what she was saying.

The woman turned to face Jasper, she sighed. "I know you want and deserve your answers, but believe me all you will get is lies from that man. If he even is a man. I won't be able to answer everything you want to know, but I will do my best." She took one of his hands between her own and held it up. "I promise, but come with me to the north gate to wait with Katherine. I will explain what I can there."

She turned, keeping a hold of his hand and lead him to the gate. There were two guards stationed outside of it now, but she already had the story in her mind on how to get past them without any real fuss. Jasper's job was going to be a great use and Wyatt she knew could just sneak out without being caught.

Once they were by the gate, out of view of the townsfolk, did she turn back to the man. "I am truly sorry that it has to be this way. But take this to heart when I say I am glad you are nothing like your twin at all. I much like you better than that scum. Now ask your questions quickly, but keep your voice down."

The others may have slipped past him, but Jacob turned to block the door with his slight frame at Wyatt's answer. At least one of them wouldn't escape him. By claiming they could no longer be friends, even if it was true, Wyatt now also fell in the same category as Jacob's parents and brother: people he trusted who rejected him and therefore scorned his trust. Jacob's trust already waned when the taller witch started spending more time with Sylvana than him. His lover. When he ran away with her, their relationship was over. In Wyatt and Sylvana's case, Jacob would be rewarded for his revenge. The Raven made him promise not to kill though. One way, perhaps the only way, he was like his brother was that Jacob did keep his promises.

The challenge the black magic user presented, stirred his blood and put a light in the cold eyes. A duel! Leaning on the door with crossed arms, Jacob flicked his fingers and smirked. Wyatt may feel a slight pulse of the paler witch's magic, but it didn't strike him yet. "Go ahead and try," he challenged right back. "It's been a long time since I've had a good duel."

~~~

Jasper wasn't sure if he was embarrassed or flattered that the women argued over him. Soon, he decided on embarrassed, because the argument was over what he should be allowed to do. A grimace touched his mouth and he grumbled slightly under his breath. "Stop!" he called out louder and harsher than he expected. More gently, the healer added, "Please, stop treating me like I'm going to break. I appreciate the concern and I know there's a lot going on that I don't understand. I don't want pity. I just want answers..." Turning to Sylvana with a stern look, he added, "...and I wish you would stop dragging it out."

She didn't respond immediately as she apparently thought she needed to act as leader while Wyatt was tied up, which didn't trouble him, but the unspoken fear they might not have enough provisions for the last leg of their journey troubled him more than Jacob. He slipped out of sight and removed a small leather bag from his person. The bag itself was no different than his tea bag, except for its heavy weight of coin. In most ways, especially right now, Jasper stood at a significant disadvantage, but he knew he had one strong advantage to share. "Katherine..." he called gently. "Take this so we need not fear running out of supplies."

After handing Katherine the money bag, he turned back to Sylvana, who took his hand and made more promises to answer his questions. With a sigh, he followed after her again. Finally they stopped and she gave him freedom to ask. He looked around, noting the guards at the gate. Not the best circumstances for free conversation. Well, maybe he could save his questions about witches and magic for later. "To start with, how do you and Wyatt know Jacob? Where and when did you meet him? Why don't you trust him? Why do you think he's dangerous? How could I have lived my entire life and never known my twin brother? Why were we separated?" Jasper swallowed tightly. He shouldn't expect either Sylvana or Wyatt to know that answer, but he thought it was the most important. Why would a parent keep one child and leave behind another?

Wyatt didn't like the way Jacob had stopped. Before hand he was more liking to keep on talking, but the conversation was becoming crisper. And the stance he was holding? The black magic user knew it well. He'd watched the man take it against many others before. Others who he'd beaten down. He had to stay calm. Jacob knew all of the same things that he knew. All the things the Shadow Sage had taught them. There was one major difference between the two of them.

Their total training.

Jacob had learned completely from the organization with no outside interference. Wyatt on the other hand had been bred for them using his parents and their training first. It was all he needed to beat Jacob. He calmed his breathing down allowing his heart beat to slow to conserve energy for later as well as to give his magic for bursting power.

He could feel Jacob's magic around him and he smirked. He wasn't nervous. This was what his mother had beat into him since he could walk, since he had access to his powers. His black magic flooded his veins. He felt his body gaining strength. The warmth coming off the springs wasn't the only thing battling the cold now. Since his eyes were already black unless the other witch could sense magic like he could there would be no way for Jacob to know he was just as ready.

"You knew I could best you then and I sure as hell can now." He was going to have to forgive himself for damaging the town, probably leveling it to the ground after this. He always tried to avoid fighting in cities, but unless they both transported away there would be no hope of escaping it.

"But let's not destroy both of our covers. To the woods." If he could get Jacob there willingly, he might have a better chance. He could go full out without having to restrain himself or worry about the locals and the other witches. They needed a clean getaway from Evanspool to the north.

He was steeled ready for combat at a moment's notice. It was time for the gray magic user to see why the higher ups had wanted his parents to have a child combing both of their powers. He'd see why they'd gone nuts trying to find him when he told them he wouldn't follow orders blindly without knowing the truth for himself. He hadn't set out after Sylvana. He'd gone to his parents, mainly his mother, for more training and let set out of the Witches' Fortress only lucking into finding the girl.
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Glancing over her shoulder, the young woman made sure the guards weren't paying them any attention. They weren't. Then she looked back towards the springs almost as if she could will Wyatt to appear unarmed and Jacob out of their lives. She sighed when she heard the first question. Then the rest seemed to come out in rapid secession.

"Wyatt and I... I don't know how much you know," her voice was low. She would be speaking things that should never be spoken of. "After the King ordered all witches dead regardless of their training, place in the murders, anything, the darkest witches joined together. They formed the Shadow Sage. It's a large underground network for black magic witches, like Wyatt.

They recruit as young as they can. They train them to fight to one day take out the ruling party and put witches back in a seat of control. Now some of the kids don't turn out to have black, others have gray like Jacob which is a combination of magic. Others like me, who they find out have white are killed. They deem us weak. I hide my magic until I couldn't. We know Jacob from the organization. We were all trained there."

She let the first part, the most daunting she believed hang in the air as she watched their surroundings. She didn't want anyone to over hear what was being said. They didn't need to draw more attention to themselves. Not with Jacob and Wyatt possibly going to try and kill each other in the middle of Evanspool.

"I met Wyatt and Jacob when I was young, but not a toddler. They'd already known each other and were thick as thieves. Though they had many major differences.Wyatt was quiet, brooding, and dark but not a mean dark. Jacob was more outgoing, if that makes sense, and mean. But his darkness was like a deep pit of hell. It's not something you see or understand. It's just something I felt. Maybe because I have white magic. I was different from them. We were all at one of the many underground training places. I don't remember which, sorry."

Two questions down and she already felt like she'd either said too much or was going to be repeating herself for everything he was asking. Sylvana took a deep breath and rubbed the back of her neck with her hand. She frowned and shook her head. "I never trusted him. He always picked on me, was always mean to everyone he deemed unworthy which was pretty much everyone. I couldn't even fight back against him for free of anyone finding out I didn't have black or gray magic. And if you can't see he's dangerous from anything I've said then you're a damned fool. Use that brain of yours for more than just healing and feel him. He'll stop at nothing once his mind is set on a task. You are in grave danger if he wants you."

"I can't really help with the latter, but I know that some places look down on twins like a curse or something. Maybe he was the youngest and didn't want two heirs if you two were the first children. Maybe he was sickly and they didn't want to waste your mother away to try and care for two, risky everyone including you. It's not uncommon to never know. Be glad you never knew him. I just wish he had died. It would have made life a lot easier."

The woman knew her words were harsh, but he wanted and needed the reality of the life he was living in now. Jacob wanted Jasper. The only thing standing between them was Wyatt and Sylvana. She just hoped it was enough. A quick glance around told her the guards still didn't care about them, but she wondered where Katherine was. They needed to hurry.

"I hope I could help any."

Well, Jasper got what he wanted. He wished they wouldn't treat him over-cautiously and that's exactly what happened. "Shadow Sage," he hissed and backed away. Every one of these witches except for Katherine were assassins, trained and raised to kill. The air rushed out of his lungs and he clutched his midsection against a sudden flash of pain. He trusted them and they can't be trusted. He even made a promise to do whatever he can to preserve their lives. He promised to go with them until they arrived at the Witches' Fortress. "What have I done?" he groaned but looked back to Sylvana. She seemed to be struggling too and he sighed.

The healer turned and leaned his head back against the wall of the gate. If what she said about herself and Shadow Sage opinions was true, then she did still need protection. Unfortunately, an assassin wanted him too. As expected of assassins, they want to kill anyone they don't like and don't care about consequences. Jacob is an assassin, an arrogant, mean-spirited, and stubborn assassin. Jasper twisted his mouth in a bitter grimace and dropped his head. His twin brother is an assassin and most likely dislikes him.

Sylvana said she wished Jacob died and Jasper hissed again. "Even now I don't wish him dead; I wish we could have grown up as brothers. I think if we did, he wouldn't be like he is now." The healer paused and closed his eyes, without moving. An observer may even think he slept, until he said, "Katherine needs to know who you and Wyatt are to be fair. Where you came from. Give her a chance to make a fully informed decision." He met her eyes and added, "Not only did you answer my questions about Jacob, but some I had about you and Wyatt also. I'm glad I didn't have to ask, but those answers are troubling." He turned away again and rested his head on the wall. "I need time to think," he said quietly. The healer could have asked more questions, but first he needed to process what he already knew. Sylvana could not answer the next question he had anyway, What should he do now?

It seemed almost too easy to get Jacob to agree to head into the woods to fight. That fact alone bothered Wyatt the most, but he quickly shoved it to the back of his mind. He had more important things to worry about. He had to focus on the fight and not everything else around him. Not Sylvana or the Witches' Fortress.

"I didn't plan on it." He smirked to himself as he allowed his magic free reign, no longer having to keep a cap on it. The blackness was dancing around his entire body making the paleness of his skin seem even more extreme than before. He allowed a little extra to form around his hand and sent the rest back inside now that the magic had flexed itself. He wasn't about to show much of anything to Jacob about himself. He'd kept the man in the dark growing up and he planed to keep it that way - for anyone.

The extra energy formed small spheres that he released from his hands and sent sailing at his opponent. He needed to test the man to see where his power laid before things got really serious. Test them. Know their strengths and weaknesses. Then go for the kill. His mother's words screamed through his mind over and over.

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To be fair, Jasper had the reaction she had expected from him even if she's hoped he'd be better than that. Sylvana sighed and shook her head as she stared at the ground. Finally, after she'd gathered herself, she looked up at the blonde, eye to eye.

"Jasper, you look down on us simply because of the people and place where we were raised. Judge only by character not a past. And most witches now a days were trained there."

She shook her head again. She didn't know what to say to him after he had basically called her evil. She'd been taken in when she could have been left to starve. She owed them that much and not much more. She trained her magic on her own. The only thing they had trained had been her body and how to use weapons.

"I thought someone like you wouldn't treat us the same as everyone else. I guess I was wrong." She muttered under her breath no longer having the will to look at him. She could feel the tears forming and she fought back against them. All she wanted to do was run away. To leave the town and keep heading north. But not without knowing if Wyatt was okay or not.

She could sense magic she was familiar with, meaning it was likely Wyatt's, but there was a chance of it being Jacob's too. She took a deep breath and glanced back at the healer. "Come with Wyatt when he is finished with your brother. He will finish with him. Then you need to head for the wilderness."

Sylvana turned around and watched as the gate guards stepped away from their posts to switch out with the next shift. She made sure no one else was looking as she crept over to the door, opened it only enough for herself to slip through and shut it behind her. She was free. Funny, she felt more trapped now then ever.

Katherine caught the money bag from Jasper. It felt heavier than her own. That was a good thing. She left Sylvana and Jasper to their conversation and headed back to town. She was moving awkwardly slowly, the snow melting onto her cloak, making it heavier than it already was, her feet dragging through the snow.

The market was busy, busy enough that no one noticed the girl in the blue cloak. Katherine kept her wits about her. There was no point getting caught by an old friend now. She needed to get their supplies and get out as quickly as possible. She wanted to get to the Fort as quickly as possible. What would they need? A small amount of meat. Not too much though. Too many fires would get suspicious and she didn't much like the idea of carrying around raw meat for longer than was necessary. She came to the meat stall, slipping a small cut into her bag, looking as casual as she could so as not to arouse suspicion. She then caught the attention of the stall owner, indicating the piece of meat she was actually going to pay for. Handing over the right coins, Katherine dropped the wrapped meat into her bag, shuffling it around so the stolen meat was wrapped in the paper as well.

Her dealings in the market continued in much the same way; stealing a small amount and paying for a little more. By the end of her trip around the market, she had gathered what she hoped would be enough bread, fruit, root vegetables and berries to last them the journey to the fort. If there wasn't, she knew the northern hunting grounds well enough to salvage something, even in this cold. As she headed back to Sylvana and Jasper, she was surprised to see only Jasper standing there. She gathered her cloak and dress in her hand and ran as best she could to Jasper, "Jasper," She gasped, "What happened? Where's Sylvana?" What she desperately wanted to ask him was if he had got his answers but she refrained. She knew it wasn't her place to ask. If he wanted to tell her, that was up to him, she wouldn't push him.

"Shadow Sage killed a friend of mine, so of course I have reservations," he muttered as Sylvana turned away. It was the closest any of his companions had heard him speak in anger. Who was he angry with, himself or Sylvana? She did give him his answers like she promised over and over again. He now had a background about his brother's attitude and situation.

Despite being trained as an assassin in Shadow Sage, she never threatened him at all. Neither she nor Wyatt had been unduly cruel. Sylvana was passionate about what she believed in, just like him. She definitely wasn't heartless as he expected from Shadow Sage. No, she wasn't heartless, and what he said hurt her. She left him alone, so he couldn't be a prisoner and Katherine was left alone even more often than him. Neither of them were prisoners.

Both Wyatt and Sylvana had been respectful of their wishes for the most part. Wyatt constantly pushed everyone to hurry up, but he never physically dragged anyone along. He never forced them to go with him, though he did make threats when they first met. Wyatt in general had a more abrasive personality than any of the group. That didn't mean he was heartless or cruel though. He kept watch while others slept and made sure they never ran into any bandits or Hunters. Jasper smirked at his next thought. Wyatt was also very gentle with Sylvana. They came from the same place, but that doesn't guarantee a relationship like that. No, Wyatt isn't heartless either.

Could he be running away from Shadow Sage? He loves Sylvana, but she isn't 'worthy' of Shadow Sage's claim to power, just like the old king thinks all witches aren't worthy to live. Why did he let her go? Jasper couldn't chase after her yet either, because of Katherine. Katherine was supposed to meet them at the gate after she gathered the supplies. He stayed until he heard the other woman's voice. Finding him alone seemed to make her anxious, so he reached for her hand hoping to calm her down.

"Sylvana..." he paused and sighed, dropping his head. "Sylvana is upset with me right now. She went ahead." He pointed at the new guards at the gate. Jasper didn't get himself away in time, but she also wanted him to wait for Wyatt.

Jacob wasn't playing the game the way he had when the two boys had grown up. If nothing else, he was being the complete opposite. He was playing it safe. Something more than just coming for his brother was going on. But having been out of Shadow Sage for so long there was no telling what Jacob's real mission was. Briefly he wondered if the gray magic user had learned the truth about Wyatt or hell even about Sylvana. The stories the two of them told were all lies, his less than her own.

The black magic user shook his head. He had to focus. If he went down, Sylvana was the only one who could protect the others. He didn't know Katherine's abilities and Jasper even if he might be a witch surely wouldn't know how to fight, let alone against someone like his brother.

It seemed Jacob was starting to play the game. He saw the energy and released another quick wave to neutralize the magic. It still hurt, but much less than it would have if the hit had actually landed. Wyatt smirked. He started moving. The woods were his natural element. He'd grown up fighting in them and one day he knew he would probably die fighting in them.

As much as he was a magical attacker, he relied on something a lot of witches didn't have - physical strength. He went for Jacob, appearing and disappearing with his transports allowing the magic to have reign so it was less predicable. Once he was close enough, his plan was to take the other witch down without using as much magic as possible.

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The weather outside of Evanpool wasn't much different than inside of the walls. It was cold, but not as much as it was going to be further north. The white magic user was propped up on a boulder just outside of the closed gate, but not where she could be seen should one of the guards decide to walk outside like they did at night. But she could see the gate. It wasn't where she was looking. While her eyes were focused on the snow capped peaks ahead of her, he r mind was back in the woods behind the town with Wyatt.

She could sense his magic. She understood exactly what was going on. Her foot started tapping on the stone. She was tried of hiding. Wyatt always called her irrational and impulsive especially when it came to doing whatever she wanted. He had always had to rein her in to keep her from really messing things up or as he loved to point out, getting herself majorly hurt to the point he had to use his magic time and time again to save her.

The woman sighed. Nothing had changed. She stood up and brushed herself off. Her head tilted towards the sky. She took a deep breath. She just didn't care anymore. She was tired of hiding. Hiding the truth of who and what she was from everyone. The only person who knew the whole truth was Wyatt because he'd been on the opposite side of the coin from her. Their parents had once been best friends. She was done running.

Turning her attention to where she could sense Katherine and Jasper, her magic gathered around her and she disappeared. One second there and the next nothing. She appeared beside the two of them, her back to the people of the town. She could hear them and their reactions, but she didn't care anymore. Her normally bright, green eyes were clouded over with magic white with a hint of a darker color running through the background. She stared at the other two members of the group.

"Leave now. Head north as quickly as you can. I'm going to help Wyatt. I'm sick of always running. It's time to turn and fight back. Leave before it gets worse or the villagers figure out what's going on." They wouldn't go for messengers. that quickly and it would still take them days to make it back the way the four of them had just come. By that point, the group would be long gone. Or Evanpool.

Her back was straighter than it had ever been. She was standing tall, her head held high. She was confident. She didn't care whether she lived or died. She wanted to live a life before she died not die wishing she'd lived.

The problem with the woods was that it had many places to hide, unlike the tundra. Even with the enhancement of his senses, Wyatt could still hide from him and did. Either temporarily blinding him with a burst of magic to interfere with what Jacob called his life-sight or physically disappearing from the background with those bursts of magic. Transporting around the clearing multiplied his speed exponentially, and Jacob's physical agility couldn't compete with that. He needed to pull back his life-sight before he could even try.

A roar of a wild beast tore from the pale witch's throat. As part of the wilderness around him, many of his human reservations dropped. The most obvious being the cold mask he always wore. He pulled back his life energy slowly, just enough to think about the change in situation. This battle wasn't over yet. He stopped his rhythmic dodge, because it wouldn't help him now. Pulled back a little more. Grab him. Catch him. Kill him! His nostrils flared, his body tensed, and he growled under his breath. Do not kill. Bring him back alive. Those were the Raven's orders. Catch, but do not kill. He may be a wild beast, but that beast was on a chain until he could rise up in the ranks. He needed this prey to break the chain.

Since he couldn't keep track of Wyatt in his multiple transports he pulled a staff out from under his cloak. Because he was forbidden to kill, he couldn't use his favored daggers as he regularly coated them in a lethal poison. Snarling he circled the clearing. If his opponent was moving so was he.

~~~

"I learned something I didn't like and reacted badly," Jasper admitted and rubbed his neck. He didn't know why he felt like he needed to explain himself. Katherine wasn't even there at the time to have a bad opinion of him.

He started and blinked wildly when Sylvana appeared beside them. This was only the second time he'd seen anyone teleporting. "Sylvana!" He reached for her shoulder, but he stopped and frowned at the look in her eyes. It was a cold look, a dangerous one. Did he do that to her? In the short time since he saw her last, she changed. "I'm so sorry."

The most dangerous enemy is the one who has nothing left to lose, and he had a bad feeling that Sylvana had come to that point, but he didn't want her to feel that way. "You're the one who told me that if we stayed, Jacob would kill us. You wouldn't let me go back to talk to my twin brother and now you're going back? Wyatt stayed behind to challenge him, so he could protect you." Jasper took a deep breath and softened his tone. "You are the most important person to him. I know that and I've only known you both for a few days. You said Jacob grew up with you, so he would have to be blind not to see it himself." He sighed and pressed his hand to his head. "Jacob could be here for you just as much as me." He dropped his hand and continued. "You also said I should feel him. I do. I think I have since we arrived. Hatred and anger and fear too. He's afraid of something. He has something to lose. Something we can use against him, reduce his threat. But if you are his target, and you go to him, he'll win. Where would the rest of us be then? How would Wyatt feel about that? Even if you survive whatever he has planned, what would you do for supplies? Katherine and I have most of them."

Katherine. She had no idea what he was talking about. He took a deep breath to calm down. "I probably don't have to tell you that Jacob is indeed my twin brother. The resemblance is uncanny and painful now that I know who he is." It didn't work very well and he ended up pressing his hand against his forehead again. "Jacob...He..." Jasper winced. Let me go, Jacob. Let me be myself. "He's an assassin. He has a mission and won't give up until he finishes the job."

He gave a strained sigh and looked to the gate guards. They could help him but they won't. They won't stop any witch from dying. Jacob is a witch and they'd cheer for him until he killed another witch and then kill him too. They'd kill all five wandering witches without a care. "I don't want him dead, but I don't want him to win either. His victory will only come at the cost of another's life."

For someone who really didn't want to be around a Shadow Sage member, even an ex one, Jasper sure was turning a leaf rather quickly. His words almost caused Sylvana to falter. She knew Wyatt cared about her. She'd learned that one when she was still a teenager because the Shadow Sage, but she couldn't tell the other two members of their group about that. The lie she'd been lying for years had to stick, because if anyone learned the truth, especially anyone from the Shadow Sage, she was dead. Not only would she be wanted for being a white magic user, even though it had been the elders who let her in, but she would be considered a turncoat, a traitor. She would have too much knowledge and power to be let go.

Was that why Jacob was really here? Was Jasper just icing on the cake and Wyatt's location being found the cherry? What about Katherine? Was she working for them secretly? Suddenly everything seemed dark and hostile, but the woman wasn't like that. She trusted a little too much, a little too naive for her own good and way to hard headed to listen to someone who barely knew her. Only the black magic user had ever been able to talk sense into her and that was usually after the fact. Now he wasn't around to stop her from doing something really stupid, like going off to fight Jacob.

"Jasper, one day you will understand, but today isn't that day. I know how Jacob could and will use me against Wyatt, but together we are stronger than separate. We have fought many battles, many beings together. And we have... always come out on top. One way or another. I wish I could tell you the truth. Everything, but for your protection I can't. Please just trust me. Get above the wall and head north. Wyatt and I will catch up with you. And if not," her shoulders shrugged as she looked at the sky a small smile on her face.

"Then whatever higher being controls our fates will have finally succeeded in taking my life when they have failed from the moment of my birth." She turned back to face the male. "I can feel Wyatt. He's going to need my help despite his orders. I know him. I know Jacob and I know myself. Jacob knew the old me. We'll be fine."

With those words, she disappeared again trusting Katherine and Jasper to listen to her.

Reappearing in the trees just outside of where the two were battling, the white magic user studied what was going on down below. Wyatt appeared to be keeping Jacob on the run by constantly transporting himself in and out of sight. It was going to wear him down way to quickly. It would sap at her best friend's strength and give the gray user an advantage he didn't need.

Summoning her magic around her, she allowed it to rein just as free as Wyatt's. Let Jacob see he was out numbered and overpowered.

You shouldn't be here. I told you to take the others and leave Evanpool. Wyatt's words cut through her mind harshly at her disobeying him.

You should know I don't listen well to orders.

Learn to try before it gets you killed...

Wyatt, I'm not the same weak, little girl you once knew.

That was the problem. He'd always see her as the girl who needed protecting and not the woman fully capable of doing it herself.

Don't die on me... again.

I'm not going anywhere.

Wyatt's words were low as he focused on Jacob not wanting his guard to slip. He could feel the three of their powers combined and it was overbearing. Even the non witches would probably be able to feel them. This was bad. They were going to draw too much attention if they didn't end this as quickly as possible. But having Sylvana where he knew her location and could protect her, put his mind at ease and he could finally focus on the battle.

He went in for a leg sweep knowing it was going to be avoided and followed it up with a quick elbow to the ribcage.

The forest was thick with energy. Sylvana could feel it, she could almost touch magic that wasn't her own. It was like drowning without water. Wyatt's black magic surged as she felt the beast beneath the surface struggling against him. He was always pushing it down, reigning it in. Jacob's on the other hand was lighter compared to the darkness, but he felt his own sinister feelings. Had she walked into the situation and based on feelings alone, she would have been more afraid of Jacob than Wyatt.

Something she couldn't pin point unnerved her. It was unsettling not knowing what it was exactly that bothered her so much about the man and she knew him. Not well enough and too much most days, but this was a side of Jacob she'd never seen, only felt during their few encounters.

The white magic user took a deep breath to calm herself down. The battles weren't the hard part. She just locked herself into a part of her mind where she could concentrate on nothing but fighting. It was going head long into battle that unnerved her. She hated it. Fighting was pointless most times. She just tended to find herself in fights that seemed to always matter.

Another quick breath and she transported herself down to the forest floor, not directly where the battle was raging, but close enough that she could assess the situation before going in, a final last second hold before charging. When she appeared in the bed of the woods something didn't feel right. The airs on her body were standing on end. Everything seemed heightened, but over what was the question.

Sylvana took a few steps ignoring the odd sensation stirring in her body. She could just make out Wyatt and Jacob. The gray magic user appeared to be counter attacking against the black user. That was when the feelings got worse. Something was definitely wrong. Images of a time once forgotten flashed through the woman's mind. A time she never told she'd have to live through again.

A half step caused her legs to buckle out from under her. Everything hurt. She didn't know what was causing the pain, but she knew what it reminded her of. Have the Orb's powers worn off? Am I back to the way I used to be... is this how I'll die? The disease that fought so hard to claim me as a newborn succeeds now? When Wyatt needs me the most?

Her heart rate had gone up to keep oxygen flowing to the major organs. Her breathing was labored as everything constricted; the body trying to fight off the invisible foe it knew nothing about it.

"No..." She whispered, her hand clutched at her heart, her worst fears plaguing her mind. She couldn't even scream. The pain was getting worse and while in the back of her mind, she knew this wasn't the same as all the other times, her conscious didn't rationalize it because of the similarities.

Her eyes grew heavier and she fought to stay awake. She had to help Wyatt defeat Jacob. He had done this. He had to have. It was the only thing that made rational sense. He'd done something she hadn't expected of him, something she'd never seen before. She was paying the price of not thinking all the way through. Wyatt was going to have her head if she survived.

Wyatt transported away to avoid Jacob's attack. He could feel Sylvana moving, but when he appeared again, he couldn't sense the outpouring of magic anymore. Turning his head, he caught sight of her laying on her side just inside the protection of the trees. His already pale face drained of color. He knew the position she was in. He'd seen it before once before almost eight years prior.

They'd been at her family home. She'd saved his life after her family had tried to kill him. In the end, it had all been her brother. She'd gone to confront him and he'd killed her. Wyatt had found her only moments before and begged pleaded with his magic to do the one thing it couldn't. Heal her, to bring her back. She'd been laying in the same position, hand at her chest on her side. But this time he could still see the rise and fall of her chest. It was labored as if it hurt just trying to breath.

Another position he'd once seen her in multiple times thanks to the same brother and his experiments. Her condition had only made things much worse. She had been cured of the problem, but he still feared for her safety. He wanted to go over and check on her, let his magic heal her from whatever had caused her distress.

Wyatt turned to Jacob, fury in his eyes as he glared at the other magic user. All he could see was red. He fought better when angry, he drew on a strength from the beast within his magic. His mother always told him to fight with his mind as much as his strength, but right now he needed to end this. For Sylvana's sake.

He drew on more of his strength and went straight for Jacob, letting volley after volley loose before following them up with physical attacks. He was going to wear himself down quickly, but he planned on ending it before it got too bad.