CHAPTER 39: THE SMOKE

My heart is trembling in fear as Mellon takes steps closer and closer to me until he's in reach of my hand.

The presence of dominion clings with him, and I, on the other hand, is impotent in every way.

"What should I call you?"

His bare stinging deep blue ocean eye is on me, hypnotizing me, commanding me to talk and answer him right away.

On my account, I couldn't help my mouth to speak. Either I'm left frightened or am already under his charm.

His eye glowed, and I felt my whole body responding, and I couldn't stop myself from being manipulated by magic.

"Nicole," I answered.

There's something around my neck, I can't see it, but I can feel it. It's burning and piercing through my skin. There isn't blood dripping from my neck, but something's draining me.

My legs weakened and eventually fell on my knees, touching my neck and wheezing for air.

"Mellon," I heard Serena's voice speak. There's a hint of worry in her tone as she watches my skin turn paler than how pale I already am.

"This