Noir

Gran had barely uttered his words before my vision swirled as my senses seemed to heighten, my awareness of the room expanding beyond the bounds of my body. The fire danced and sang across my skin, the warmth spreading outward, making me feel alive, powerful. I looked down at my hands, now encased in flames, and flexed them, the fire obeying my command. My flame wasn't new to me, but this inferno that consumed me was.

Gran's eyes widened, and he took a step back, shaking his head. "Oh dear, oh dear."

I felt my confidence surge along with the fire, and I stood up, stretching my arms overhead. The fire flowed with my movements, shifting and dancing gracefully. I felt powerful, more than I ever had before. I looked around at my friends and family, knowing I'd been born to protect them.

Eton and Thorin exchanged a glance, their expressions a mix of awe and fear. Noir gazed at me with a speculative look in his eyes, but otherwise his face remained impassive, giving nothing away.

My gaze flicked to Jericha, her expression one of shock and disbelief. She took a step back, as if afraid to come any closer. I felt a surge of protectiveness well up inside me, and I reached out to her, my body now solid and unburning. "Jericha," I assured. "It's okay. I'm still me."

She hesitated for a moment, then slowly, cautiously, took my hand in hers. I would protect them all.

Jericha met my gaze, her expression still uncertain. "What does this mean?" she asked softly.

"It means," I said, my voice firm but gentle, "that I'm not just your friend anymore. I'm here to protect you, to keep you all safe." I looked around the room, taking in the faces of my friends and family. "And I won't let anything hurt you." Gran nodded, his expression solemn. "Yes, dear, I can see that. You're going to have to learn to control this, though. This power isn't something to be taken lightly. It comes with great responsibility."

I nodded, feeling the weight of her words. "I know, Gran. I'll learn. I promise I'll protect you all."

However, I had also gained knowledge, information that I both welcomed and feared.

My senses and magic had matured, and I could feel the uprising of evil back home. It was time we returned there was no longer a need to look for the scroll: it was burned into my skin. **SIX MONTHS LATER**

The city glowed with a soft golden light, the sun setting over the Mississippi River, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets. I adjusted my night vision goggles as I scanned the alleyway where I had spotted him earlier. He was tall, dressed in a black suit, his features obscured by the darkness. I couldn't help but feel a chill run down my spine.

"Got him," I hissed at Sterling. We didn't very often hunt demons. They mostly stayed beneath our radar. But this one had begun making a nuisance of himself.

As I crept closer, I saw him duck into a dilapidated warehouse. I glanced at Sterling, who nodded grimly. We were in this together.

Inside, the air was thick with an unsettling aura of decay. Shafts of dim light filtered through boarded-up windows, casting eerie shadows across the dusty floor. The walls were covered in graffiti and occult symbols. The demon seemed to sense our presence, and hissed sharply.

"We need to act fast," I whispered to Sterling. "He's powerful, and he knows we're here."

We crept forward, our steps silent and deliberate. The demon let out a cackle that echoed through the warehouse, and I could feel my heart racing. It was now or never.

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"I'll distract him," I whispered to Sterling. "You take the chance to attack."

I crept closer, my heart pounding in my ears. The demon's hiss echoed through the warehouse, and I could feel its presence like a cold hand on my spine. I took a deep breath and hurled a silver-tipped dagger at its chest. It struck true, and the demon let out a roar of pain.

Sterling launched himself forward, his sword flashing through the air as he attacked. The demon's movements were quick and fluid, but Sterling was relentless. They danced around each other, their weapons clashing in a blur of steel and magic. I held my breath, my heart in my throat.

The demon growled, its massive form towering over Sterling. With a swift movement, it knocked Sterling's sword from his hand. Before I could react, the demon had its claws around Sterling's throat, choking the life from him. I felt a scream tear from my throat as I watched, helpless.

"Let him go!" I shouted, aiming another dagger at the demon. It sneered at me, seeming unperturbed by my threats. "You don't know what you're dealing with," it hissed. "I've been here longer than you, and I'll be here long after you're gone." I threw my last dagger, but it was no use. The demon caught it in midair, its eyes glinting with amusement. It tossed the dagger back at me, and I barely managed to dodge.

"You're too predictable," it sneered. "And pathetic."

Before I could react, the demon lunged at me. I threw myself to the side, rolling across the floor to avoid its claws. I scrambled to my feet, my heart pounding in my chest. The demon let out a deafening roar, its breath hot against my neck. I could feel the heat emanating from its body as it closed in on me, its claws poised for the kill.

"You are nothing," it hissed, its voice echoing through the warehouse. "Just another insignificant little witch who thinks they can stand against me."

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Despite its words, I could feel its hesitation. It didn't want to kill me, not yet. There was something it needed me for. I had to buy time.

I lunged forward, grabbing a dagger off the ground and aimed at its heart. The demon dodged to the side, its movement almost lazy. I cursed under my breath. It was playing with me.

"You think you can best me with that?" it sneered. "Pathetic."

The demon lunged forward, its claws outstretched. I dodged to the side, feeling the air whoosh past my cheek as its claws slashed through the air where I'd just been. I scrambled to my feet, my heart racing. The demon circled around me, its movements fluid and graceful, almost hypnotic.

"You're wasting your time," it hissed. "You're nothing but a insect, and I could crush you with a single blow."

I didn't reply, instead, I focused on its movements. The demon was growing tired of toying with me, I could see it in its eyes. I had to make my move now. As it circled closer, I lunged forward, driving my dagger upward toward its throat. The demon reacted with surprising swiftness, knocking my arm aside and sending me stumbling backward. It roared with laughter, its hot breath washing over my face.

"Pathetic," it sneered. "You really think you can defeat me with that?"

I scrambled to my feet, gazing at it. "No, but I can with this," I hissed, a ball of fire dancing on my fingertips.

"You're wasting your time with your cute little fireball," it laughed.

With a smile, I unleashed on him.