concentrate.
Searing pain lanced through my skin as the devilish thing’s burning claws
raked into me. With a yelp of surprise and despair, I spun and sent a burst of
uncontrolled dark magic at the monster. It flew backward with a sizzle.
Casey hooted. “Nice shot! Now extinguish it before it extinguishes you!”
The thing charged, but feeling more confident, I backpedaled, calling the
shadows. Streaks of darkness coiled around my hand and slithered across the
floor. I waved my fingers, and the shadows moved like a black fog, but
before I could strike, the burning thing leapt to the wall, and then plunged
down onto me.
Its claws dug into my shoulders, and its touch burned like pressing my
hand to a hot grill. I screamed and lashed out with my magic, sending the
demon careening across the floor.
I struck out with the shadows, pushing them toward the demon. The
shadows slithered and darted like serpents, and the creature’s flames flickered
and began to fade. It screeched and struggled to get away, but I showed no
mercy as I willed the darkness to extinguish it.
Suddenly, it vanished in a puff of smoke, leaving an unearthly chuckle
hanging in the air. It was laughing? How was I supposed to interpret that?
You got me this time? or I’ll be back?
I shook my head in wonder as Casey started applauding. Chest heaving, I
placed my hands on my knees.
“You got it, Cuz! Nice job,” he shouted.
“Yes. Well done. Now try more,” my aunt quipped, and then began
chanting again. Seconds later, the room twisted, and demons began leaping
from the flames.
I was still bushed. This was too much.
My heels pounded on the stone as I darted toward the circle. Casey
shoved me back before I could get in.
“What the hell?” I shouted as I dodged away from the clutches of a