By Your Hand

Illiana was nearly jumping up and down with joy as we made our way back up to the mess hall. I had been unsuccessfully trying to wipe the mud off my face and front, but all it did was make me a laughing stock of Jem and Illiana. She still refused to shut up, constantly talking about her power.

“She’s a bundle of energy.” Jem’s shoulder’s shook as he laughed.

“That she is.”

Illiana had already reached the top of the hill about ten minutes before Jem and I got up enough energy to walk the rest of the way up.

“GUYS! Come ONNN!” She beckoned us with both arms, looking as if she wanted a gigantic hug from the air. Jem and I both snickered at her this time.

Jem tapped me on the shoulder. “Race you?”

“Yeah!” I agreed. “Headstart!” I took off running.

“Hey! No fair!” Jem slipped on the wet grass, but still managed to beat me to the top of the hill.

I stopped near Illiana, and crossed my arms. “So, how and where are we going to do this?”

Jem grabbed us both by the arms and lead us into the pavilion, and back into the kitchen.
“Okay, first of all, we’re not doing it in public. Second of all, Illiana can answer that other part.”

Illiana sighed, and opened her arms out wide. “I can do this like an oracle can, but I have to concentrate and let the spirit come to me. Since she’s always following Viv, it should be easy.”

“Be careful.” I warned, taking a few steps back.

“I will.” Illiana took in a deep breath, closed her eyes, and tipped her head back. She began speaking in a foreign language, her words getting louder and faster as she chanted, before a tremor rocked her body and she reopened her eyes.

“Who calls?” She spoke in a raspy growl. Her once light eyes were now ringed with orange and red. Jem put his arm across my chest, and, annoyed, I swatted him away and stepped forward.

“Who are you?” I asked, straightening my shoulders.

“That is none of your concern.” Illiana’s body crumpled, almost, scrunching down into an abnormal pose.

“Why are you here? What do you want?” I pressed the unknown girl, gazing into the bloody colored irises.

She hissed, sticking out her tongue in a way that a snake would. “I want REVENGE.”

“Revenge? Whatever for?” Jem came up behind me, grey eyes narrowed as he glared at Illiana’s possessed face.

“I will avenge my unneeded death...and HIS.” She screeched, pointing a bony finger over my shoulder. Illiana’s body was rippling, shifting forms until I could hardly even see my best friend’s figure anymore.

“Jem’s?” I scrunched up my nose in confusion. “He’s alive.”

The girl cackled. “The one who is always watching you.”

“Aiden.” I whispered, glancing down. “What is the connection with him and I? Why are you after me?” I cried at her, my face burning with heat and fury.

The spirit ghosted over to me, her rank breath spoiling my tongue and air with the taste of rotten milk. “I. will. AVENGE.” She spat in my face and dissipated immediately.

Illiana collapsed on the ground, rubbing her head. “That went...well.”

“Yeah.” I wrapped my arms around myself and stared at the ground. “She’s going to kill me.”

Notes