Dacia Wolf & the Prophecy

by Mandi Oyster

  Cody squeezed my fingers. In that single action, I could feel his fear for me, his desire to take me away from all of this, to save me.

  Sarah smoothed her tan slacks. “I believe Nefarious had to let your powers develop before fighting you.”

  “Why?” I sat up straight, pulling my hand from Cody’s.

  “I believe he has to fight a worthy opponent in order to rule the world. He could have killed you before, but it wouldn’t have fulfilled the prophecy.”

  Anger burned in my stomach, setting fire to my limbs. Sparks flickered on my fingertips. I clenched my hands and fought to calm my emotions. I swallowed over the lump in my throat. “Why did you let me learn? Why didn’t you just leave me alone?”

  Sarah held her hands up like she was surrendering. “I can see where this doesn’t make a lot of sense.”

  “It doesn’t make a lot of sense? It doesn’t make any sense!” My voice rose, and I feared for everyone in the building.

  Cody’s hand covered my wrist. His thumb traced a path on the back of my hand.

  When my breathing slowed, Sarah said, “If I’d left you alone, he would’ve killed you and taken his chances with whatever came next. It’s not like there are very many people out there who could challenge him. I wanted you to have a chance.”

  “A chance?” It didn’t sound like Sarah had much confidence in me either.

  “I should have said something to you earlier. I’m sorry.”

  “Yeah.” I let a breath out through clenched teeth.

  Cody continued tracing circles on my hand. “If Nefarious attacked before, you’d’ve died. Training was for the best.”

  “Whatever.” I fought back tears. I felt like they were trying to sacrifice me, and I didn’t want to play the part of the lamb. Sarah shouldn’t have kept this from me. It should’ve been my choice.

  “I’m sorry, Dacia.” Sarah ran her hand over her face. “I should’ve told you.”

  “You think?”

  “I didn’t. You already thought I was nuts when I told you about the prophecy. If I’d have told you then, you wouldn’t have come back into my office ever again.”

  “Maybe I shouldn’t have!” The books on her shelves rattled nervously. “I’m sorry that I don’t like being sacrificed!”

  Sarah stood in front of me. “I am not sacrificing you! I’m trying to help you save your life and the lives of everyone else on this miserable planet. If you can’t see that, I’m sorry! I wanted you to stand against Nefarious and fight, not cower in some corner while he destroyed you. I guess I assumed you would want a chance.”

  The room filled with the silence left when words were spoken that shouldn’t have been. Silence that makes you want to apologize but whispers in your ear all the reasons you shouldn’t. I looked at my lap trying to avoid eye contact with Sarah. She stood in front of me with her arms folded, staring at me. I knew she was right, and that just made me madder.

  Cody’s words about now or never played through my mind. I swallowed my pride and said, “Sorry.”

  “Me too,” she said.

  

  I snuggled against Cody. Earlier today, I felt like his contact gave me strength. I didn’t tell him what I planned because I didn’t want to get his hopes up. I rested my head on his chest and focused all my energy on my leg. My skin tingled, and the burning sensation dulled.

  Cody fought against a yawn, holding it in until it erupted from within him. “Sorry. I’m really tired suddenly.”

  “I think that might be my fault.” I moved away from him. “I thought you might be able to help me heal.”

  “Then use me.” He pulled me down.

  “No, I didn’t know it would hurt you.”

  Samantha flipped through the channels, not finding anything worth watching. “What if you used some of his energy, then tried to use some of mine?”

  “I already used some of his.” I scooted further away from Cody. “We’ll see how he’s doing in the morning.”

  Samantha stopped on the local news. “A winter storm is approaching,” the weatherman predicted. “We could see up to twenty inches of snow in some areas over a two day period.”

  My heart dropped, landing with a painful thud. I was running out of time.

  “We’ll have more on this as the storm approaches. Stay tuned to Channel 5 for ‘The Most Accurate Weather in the Area’.”

  “Awesome! I love snow,” Cody said.

  The blood drained from my face. “No, no, no,” I whispered.

  “Are you okay?” Samantha asked.

  I shook my head. “I’m terrified.” I looked into her eyes trying to convey the extent of my fear. “All of my nightmares have been snowing lately.” I squeezed Cody’s hand.

  He pulled out of my grip and wiggled his fingers.

  “Sorry,” I said. “I’m not ready, and I have no idea what to do.”

  Samantha set the remote down. “Well, if this storm hits before next weekend, I doubt I’ll be going home. I know it’s not much, but I can offer you moral support.”

  “Yeah.” We sat in silence for a moment. “Let’s not dwell on this right now; it’s not like weathermen are always right. Pick out a movie so we can get our minds on something else. Something funny would be nice.”

  The movie wouldn’t work for me, but Cody and Samantha didn’t need to worry about Nefarious.

  Samantha and Cody argued over which movie to watch before settling on The Princess Bride. As soon as our supper arrived, we turned it on. I couldn’t get into the movie or do more than pick at the food, but I tried. There was no reason to let them see how upset I was. About halfway through the movie, I drifted off into a tortured sleep. Either Nefarious or Cassandra waited for me around every corner. No matter what I did I couldn’t get away from them.

  I wasn’t ready.

  Chapter 33

  Optimism And Pessimism

  Wednesday morning, I awoke free from pain. I slid my feet to the ground and stood, favoring my injured leg. I allowed my full weight to fall onto it. Tight skin caused a little discomfort. My lips broke into a grin. Yes!

  The insurmountable space between Cookie Monster and the door no longer felt oppressive. I took one tentative step after another until confident my leg wouldn’t give out. Then I grabbed my bathroom bag and marched to the door.

  “Where you going?” Cody stood and stretched. His shirt lifted, revealing his abs.

  Heat shot through me. “To check out my leg. I think it finally healed! Look at me. I’m standing here.” I used both hands to emphasize my position. “I walked here!”

  “That’s great, Dacia.” Cody put his hands on my shoulders. “Please come right back.”

  “I will.” I strode down the hall, my steps lightened by relief. The closer I got to the bathroom, the heavier my steps became. What will it look like? Will I ever be able to wear shorts again?

  I sat on a bench with my hand above my leg. My fingers shook. I unwound the bandage, peeking at my leg through squinted eyes.

  When the wrapping fell off, I sucked in a deep breath of air and opened my eyes. The jagged scar ran from my knee to my ankle, angry and red. I’d never be able to show it, never be able to explain what had happened. The violent scar belonged to a victim of war, not a college kid.

  At least the pain is gone. I swiped at my eyes.

  Water pelted my skin. Steam rose in the air, but I shivered. My stomach dropped, and bile rose in my throat.

  Three or four days. I stepped out of the shower and wrapped myself in the towel. If my dreams were predictions, I only had three or four days before I fought Nefarious. I need more time.

  I dressed and went back to my room.

  “Well?” Cody asked.

  I covered my lips with a finger, then pointe
d at Samantha sleeping in her bed. “Let’s go somewhere else to talk.”

  He grabbed my hand and led me outside.

  Normally, the crisp mountain air rejuvenated me, but today it sent my spirits even lower. “I’m going to class. I’m sick of sitting around with nothing on my mind but Nefarious.”

  “You’re leg’s better then?”

  I pulled my pant leg up and showed him the hideous scar. I gave him points for not cringing.

  His eyes traveled over my leg then met mine. “Wow.” He squeezed my hand. “I thought it’d be worse.”

  “Worse?” I shook my head. “I’ll never be able to let anyone see it.”

  “Why?” He pulled me to a bench and sat, wrapping his arm around me. “Yesterday, it was gruesome. Today it’s a scar. Maybe tomorrow it’ll be a memory.”

  I threw my legs over his and laid my head on his chest. I could always count on Cody to see the positive side. Maybe he’d be right. “How are you feeling? Did I take too much?”

  “Fine.” He traced my ear with his finger. “I slept like a log.” His other hand ran down my side and collided with the pouch hooked on my belt. “Did you figure it out?”

  “No, but I think I should keep it with me. It has to serve some purpose. But if it’s not with me, I won’t have it when I need it.”

  “Makes sense.” He drew his finger down my neck, then lifted my chin. “Everything okay? You seem down. I thought you’d be happy since your leg’s better.”

  “I was ecstatic. It felt great to walk around on my own but, when I was in the shower, I thought about my dream with Nefarious. In it, my leg was healed.” My chin trembled. “I don’t want it to be better before this weekend.”

  “You don’t know it’s this weekend.” He brushed his thumb along my jaw. “You know it snowed and your leg had healed. You don’t know if it’s this weekend or next year.”

  My skin tingled along the path his fingers traced. “You’re right. I’m not sure it’s this weekend.” But I know it is.

  “Let’s leave.”

  “What?”

  Cody dropped his hand, and my skin chilled. “Let’s go away before the storm hits.”

  I sat up. “And lead Nefarious to our homes and families.” I dropped my head. “No. I can’t take that chance.”

  Cody held me close. His hand traveled the length of my spine, up, then down, soothing, comforting. “I know you can’t see it, but it’ll work out.”

  “I know what the light at the end of the tunnel is, Cody. It’s the pearly gates, and I’m not ready to see them yet.” My tone left no room for argument.

  “Have a little faith.”

  “I do. If I didn’t, how would I find myself standing at the pearly gates when this is all said and done? You don’t end up there without faith,” I explained as I pulled away from him.

  He stood up. “Please don’t give up.”

  “I won’t.” I wrapped my arm around his waist, needing him closer. “But the odds are against me.”

  “Still going to class?”

  “Yeah, I should.” I inhaled deeply and straightened my shoulders. “I better keep my grades up in case you’re right.”

  

  Even though Cody didn’t have Speech with me, he insisted on walking me to my seat. The amulet warmed against my skin. Why? I glanced at Bryce, Alvin, and Vanessa. Who else is possessed?

  “Watch your back.” Bryce’s voice sounded more like a plea than a threat.

  I stared over my shoulder at him, wondering if it’d been my imagination.

  Pain shot through my leg. I felt Nefarious’ fiery whip tightening, burning my flesh. I clutched Cody’s jacket and limped to my chair.

  Cody knelt beside me and asked, “You okay?”

  I sucked in an unsteady breath. “My leg feels like it’s on fire again.”

  “I’ll understand if you need to leave.”

  I shook my head. “No, I’m okay. I just hope it’s not injured again. I don’t think I can handle that.” The pain subsided, and I breathed easier. “Nefarious must be controlling one of them.” I lifted the chain so he knew what I meant.

  Cody rubbed his forehead. “They’re all possessed.”

  “Go to your class, Cody.” I squeezed his shoulder. “I’ll be fine.”

  When class ended, Cody stood by the door. He walked to my seat, helped me up, put his hand in the middle of my back and guided me past Bryce, Vanessa and Alvin.

  I narrowed my eyes at him. “You skipped class.”

  He looked down at his hands and nodded. “I was worried.” He tugged on one of my curls. “I didn’t like the looks they gave you.”

  He walked with me to my next classroom. English Literature didn’t start for over an hour, but it eased Cody’s mind knowing I didn’t have to walk here on my own.

  “I’m late.” Cody gave me a quick peck. “Stay here.”

  “I know you’ve heard it before, but I will.”

  I sat in the empty classroom and pulled out my English paper. My eyelids pulled closed. I shook my head and focused on my homework.

  The lights flicker, once, twice, then die. The amulet scorches my skin, flaring too brightly for one of the Potato Heads. This is no ordinary power failure.

  My heart strives to free itself from my chest. Out of the corner of my eye, I see them. Yellow eyes pierce the darkness.

  “Leave me alone!”

  He answers with menacing laughter.

  I attempt to stand, but my arms and legs are bound to the chair. How? I struggle to free myself, but the harder I fight, the tighter the ropes become. I slump back. “What do you want from me?”

  “Death.”

  I feel his words like a blow.

  The ground shakes with every step Nefarious takes.

  I fight to free myself, calling upon my powers. Nothing. Please … please, don’t let him find me, I silently pray. Please help me out of this. Closing my eyes I picture myself in my room.

  When I open my eyes, I see an empty desk. I wiggle my fingers, nothing. Awesome!

  His eyes reflect what little light is in the room. I watch them as he moves closer. I want to dart across the room and take cover, but I fight to stay where I am. You’re safe here. He can’t see you. Don’t move. Don’t make a sound.

  He stands right in front of me, a ferocious roar tears from his jaws. “I know you’re here. I can smell your cowardice!”

  I’m afraid to breathe for fear he’ll hear me.

  Nefarious pushes the desks out of his way. They fly across the room and crash to the floor. He swats the chair in front of me, and the force from his massive claws cutting through the air knocks my head backward. I gasp. Another swipe and my chair flies across the room. My head collides with the wall, and everything goes black.

  “Dacia,” somebody in the distance called. “Dacia,” the voice said again, a little closer this time. I fought to open my eyes, but they rolled back. “Dacia.”

  Cody. He grasped my shoulders and shook. The fog in my mind dispersed.

  “Dacia, please wake up.” Emotion choked his voice.

  Sharp pain sliced through my head when I tore my eyelids apart. I squinted against the light. Everything blurred. I blinked, trying to pull things into focus. I rose up, and the room spun. I lay back, fighting off the dizziness.

  Whispers joined together, becoming undecipherable. I opened my mouth to ask Cody what was going on, but cotton stuck my tongue to my teeth.

  Cody swept me up and carried me toward the door. I lay limp, my head tilted way back and my arms dangling. I kept my eyes open as he carried me out. Desks were scattered helter-skelter throughout the room.

  As we walked past Bryce, I heard him say, “I warned you.” He rubbed his hand down his face. “I wish you
’d have listened.”

  Cody tensed, but he kept going without acknowledging Bryce’s presence.

  I slipped in and out of consciousness, waking up when Cody knocked on my door.

  “Just a minute,” Samantha said.

  “I can’t wait, Sam.” Cody’s voice sounded frantic. “Hurry!”

  “Just hold your horses, Cody,” Samantha said. “I was still sleeping. You have a …” Her voice trailed off when she opened the door and saw Cody holding my limp body in his arms.

  “I know I have a key”—his voice was hard—“but I couldn’t reach it.” He carried me in and placed me on the floor. “Please call Sarah, and tell her to hurry.”

  “No problem,” Samantha said before everything went black again.

  Chapter 34

  Washing My Hair

  Distant voices drifted across the room. I strained to open my eyelids. Sarah, Samantha, and Cody huddled by the computer, whispering.

  I lay on the floor, haphazardly covered by a blanket. My head rested on a pillow. The smell of blood filled my nostrils.

  I licked my lips and tried to get some moisture in my mouth. Then in a gravelly voice, I asked, “Wha … happed … to … me?” The words were hard to form, and even though I had a hard time hearing them, they heard me.

  Cody rushed over. “Dacia.” His voice trembled. “Thank God.”

  In the same raspy voice, I said, “Wa’er.”

  Samantha responded, “Sure, I’ll get it.” She pulled a bottle out of the fridge and brought it to me.

  I pulled myself up onto my elbows. They wobbled, unable to hold my weight, and I fell back.