As we stood before the breathtaking waterfalls, the tranquil atmosphere was a stark contrast to the danger lurking within the Maze."This won't be a easy." Scott said, his gaze flicking to me."Especially since we have to babysit Julianna," he added, a sly grin spreading across his face.I rolled my eyes. "Must you be so annoying?"Scott chuckled. "It's not like I'm lying. You're not exactly equipped for battle, are you? Planning to throw cake at our enemies?"The Thane siblings laughed, and I shot back, "Actually, cake seemed pretty effective against the so-called strongest student in school."Scott's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger."Enough, you two," Kaid intervened, his voice calm but firm.Scott and I protested in unison, "He started it!"Lila stepped in, pulling Scott away. "Leave her alone, Scott."Kaid's hand enveloped mine, his touch warm and reassuring."Let's head to the East Side," he suggested.I looked up at him, curious. "But isn't the finish line on the Nor
Julianna POV The darkness erupted into chaos as Jumpers appeared around us. Their teleportation left swirling distortions in the air.Caleb and Cameron, transformed into they wolf form, charging forward. Kaid swooped and dived as a bat, using echolocation to disorient the enemy.Lila and Lily stood ready, but their eyes gave out a sense of concern."I...can't use my magic," Lila said, her hands trembling.Lily's face mirrored her sister's alarm. "Mine's fading too."The Shadowwood's magic was draining their powers.Scott's hand remained firmly around mine. "Stay close," he said, as we moved through the chaos.A Jumper lunged at us, but Scott swiftly intercepted, his supernatural speed a blur.I watched in awe as he disarmed the attacker with precision. Caleb and Cameron fought valiantly, but the enemy's numbers seemed endless."We need to fall back," Kaid shouted, his bat form swooping past.We retreated, but the Jumpers pursued.Lila stumbled, her eyes wide with fear. "We're trapped.
Julianna POV The claws of the enemy swooped down, mere inches from Scott's face. He wouldn't have enough time to dodge. Desperate to help, I rushed towards him, but I knew I wouldn't make it. Time seemed to slow, but not enough. Just as all hope seemed lost, time froze. Everything halted. The attacker, the wind, even the shadows.But Scott moved.With an unnatural speed, he sidestepped the claws and created distance between himself and the enemy.Time unfroze, and the world snapped back into motion. The attacker, a vampire with glowing eyes, snarled."Impressive, Scott Thane," The Vampire said, his voice dripping with malice. "I expected nothing less.""You know I'm just that good, Kalus," Scott replied, his eyes locked onto the vampire.Kalus sneered. "You may have bested me before, but not this time."Scott's smile was confident. "You sure about that?"Kalus gestured to the surrounding vampires. "Take a look around."Scott was surrounded, outnumbered."Not good," I whispered to myse
MeanwhileLila POVAs Scott and Julianna vanished from sight, we all exclaimed in unison, "No!"Kaid, still in his bat form, urged us to keep moving forward."Keep moving! The Jumpers are right behind us.Suddenly, I felt an energy surge."We must be close to the Shadowwoods' exit," I said.Lily nodded. "Yeah I think you're right. I can feel my powers returning."I jumped off Caleb's back and floated in the air, casting a spell to blast the Jumpers away."Nicely done," Kaid said."Keep moving; they'll be back, and I'm not at full power yet," I warned.After a while, we escaped the Shadowwoods and arrived at on open land filled with grass."I'm exhausted," I said, collapsing onto the grass.Lily lay down beside me. "Me too."But Kaid remained restless. "There's no time to rest. We have to find Julianna."Cameron reassured him. "Don't worry, Scott's with her."Kaid's concern deepened."That's exactly why I'm worried."Caleb countered. "Scott's strong enough to protect her. He is the best
Scott POVI carried Julianna deeper into the cave after she lost consciousness. The memory of time freezing earlier lingered in my mind.How was it possible? I wasn't the one who did it, and I was certain I couldn't stop time.Julianna's pale face and bleeding nose worried me. Why did she pass out? And what triggered the nosebleed?I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on her recovery. As I gazed at Julianna, her eyes fluttered open."Scott," she whispered.I approached her, relief washing over me."How are you feeling?" I asked."I'm okay...where are we?" she asked, confusion etched on her face."In the cave," I replied.Julianna stood up, surveying our surroundings."What happened?" she asked, her brow furrowed."You stopped time," I said, watching her reaction.Julianna's eyes widened. "That's impossible! I don't have powers, remember?""I'm pretty sure you do," I said, conviction in my voice. "Seventy percent sure, anyway."Julianna's face contorted in disbelief. "How is this poss
Julianna POV "Here we are," Lila said, her voice filled with reverence.Welcome to Eir's Stream. As we approached the tranquil waters, my jaw dropped in awe. Eir's Stream was renowned for its magical properties, healing wounds and replenishing mana."Okay, everybody, drink up and recharge before we continue," Kaid instructed.Cameron whooped, "Yahoo!" and splashed into the stream.Lila's face turned stern. "Cameron, stop you idiot! This is a sacred place. Don't desecrate it with your you know what."Caleb joined Cameron, shouting, "Yahoo!" as they frolicked in the water.Lila eyes filled with anger.Lily intervened. "Let the boys have their fun. We do need a break."Thought about what my powers kept me thinking.Kaid approached me. "Hey, Julianna, you okay?"I forced a smile. "I'm good."Lily drew closer. "Hey, Julie.""Yeah?" I replied."What happened to you and Scott in the cave?" Lily asked, curiosity etched on her face."Well..umm." I tried lying Scott jumped in. "We fought vamp
Julianna POVMy eyes slowly opened, and Scott's smiling face came into view."What happened?" I asked, my voice weak.Scott chuckled. "You died."I sat up with a start. "What?!"Scott laughed. "Just kidding, we won!"Lila grinned. "And couldn't have done it without you."Caleb frowned. "I'm still unsure how it happened, though."Kaid nodded. "Yeah, me too.""And why was everyone suddenly on the floor?" Cameron asked.I swallowed, feeling nervous.Scott intervened. "Isn't it obvious? I happened."Lily raised an eyebrow. "How?"Scott shrugged. "My speed, of course. I ran so fast nobody saw me and took down everyone instantly. Then I ran out of mana, so my last resort was propelling Julianna forward."Lily's eyes widened. "Wow... I didn't know you were that fast."Scott smirked. "Well, you know. I'm full of surprises."A golden-haired woman with pointed ears approached. "Congratulations, Thanes."She extended her hand. "And congratulations to you too human. I'm princess Finanna." Introdu
Julianna POV Lyra's eyes widened as she shouted. "What?!"I hushed her. "Keep it down. Everyone will hear."Lyra's grin hinted at mischief. "I can't believe you kissed Scott!"I clarified. "It wasn't a kiss; it was CPR."Lyra teased. "Oh, sure it was."I sought reassurance. "Aren't you surprised I can stop time?"Lyra shrugged. "Not really. I always thought you were special."Her words stunned me.Lyra continued. "You're the only human willing to attend this school, and stay. I figured you had some supernatural in you."She winked. "Now, tell me more about that 'CPR'..."A knock at the door interrupted us."Come in, it's unlocked," Lyra said.Scott entered. "Get up, we have work to do."I protested. "What are you doing here? This is the girls' dorm!"Scott smirked. "No need to shout; you're not naked or anything."I threw a pillow at him. "Get out, pervert!"Scott chuckled. "Meet me at my room in 5 minutes."He vanished.Lyra and I arrived at Scott's room, and I was struck by its vas