Wattys 2021 Bootcamp

Charlie Duke - One Broken Legacy

Showcase entry for Charlie-Duke

Pitch:

 A witch legacy with no powers must try and keep the peace between humans and the supernatural while finding her place with a siren girlfriend and two werewolf friends.

Blurb:

Alexis has been struggling to find her place in a supernatural world as the powerless daughter of an influential witch lineage. While her girlfriends, friends, and family do their best to understand, it doesn't help the pressure she's under. When the chance to help an overlooked werewolf find his way back to a pack emerges, she seizes the opportunity to prove her worth. It will be a piece of cake, wait for Nick to shift then introduce him to the territories Alpha. Easy until circumstances change and the town becomes unpredictable. It's not safe for humans or the supernatural, but with one girl caught in the middle, her mission is only just beginning. 

First 1K words:

My skin was red as the scorching water beat mercilessly down. I stood, watching the crimson liquid circle the drain before disappearing into the nameless pipes below. I should be doing something, washing my body, or getting dressed again, but I was paralyzed.

When the water turned cold, I summoned the energy to reach for a towel and step out of the tub. The vanity mirror was coated in a thick layer of steam, and I wiped it away to get the first good look at myself.

I looked like hell.

The soft curves of my chin and cheeks were now hollow. A crooked nose, most likely broken based on the angle, matched my swollen eye. My hair hung. in dripping clumps, droplets ran down my face like tears. For all I knew, they were.

The moment I stepped through the door, the thin layer of peace was gone. The band-aids holding me together would have to be stitches; broken would have to be healed.

Uncle Finnigan was waiting when I opened the door, releasing the steam into the otherwise chilly room. I waited, rocking back and forth as he finished reading a long document and added it to the pristine stack next to his open briefcase.

His movements were slow and silent, limbs poised like a dancer. After a long pause, he turned. His pupils were blown to an impossibly large size, making him appear even less human. I hated when he did that, it meant his emotions were elevated.

"I'm sorry," I started, hearing the desperation in my voice. "I didn't think it would attack, and I let it get out of control. I'll do better next time, you'll see. I can-" I was cut off by a long sigh, the whistle of wind sucking the words out of my mouth.

"I should have known you weren't ready, Alexis." His deep voice filled the room. "You're still too weak. I should have kept a closer eye on you."

"I can do it. Just give me another chance. I know what to expect now."

I held my breath as my uncle looked me over. He looked like an owl, his body turning as his head remained motionless. "I'm afraid it's too late anyway."

"What?" My pulse raced.

"I sent someone better equipped to handle the demon. It won't be a problem." "Then it's over? The girl, she's safe and healthy?"

"As healthy as can be expected after that ordeal. You suffered more physical injury in any sense." I sunk into the bed, my face in my hands. At least there was one upside. "Here." Something small hit the mattress next to me. "Your aunt wasn't able to be here today, but she sent this just in case."

I held up the vial, green liquid. Having earned my fair share of well-won bumps and bruises as a kid, so I knew what it was: superficial healing draught. I uncorked the bottle and gulped it down, the familiar taste of lemon taking over my mouth. The physical wounds would heal soon, but the pain would last a few days.

"Did you tell her what happened?" I asked, my cheeks heating at the thought of my failure. "Do they all know?"

"Just Beatrix," he confirmed. "No one else knows where you are or what you're doing." "It will be good to see them again. When do we return home?"

The long pause unsettled me. His eyes were fixed on the wall, unblinking. "You won't be returning yet. I have another assignment, one that is better suited."

"How long will it take?" My throat felt dry, like someone had run sandpaper over my tongue. "Another four weeks or so. It will be easy, scouting at the least, a small intervention at the most." "When do I leave?"

"As soon as your bag is packed." He finally turned to face me, expression unreadable. "You don't have to go. We can always return to the manor and keep training."

"I'll go." I couldn't keep disappointing my family. Running home would only bring more stares. "I need to prove I can lead the family."

"I trust you will. Everything is arranged. I'll give you the details in the car." He stood, to collect his papers, placing them neatly in his briefcase before straightening his suit. When he saw my lingering gaze on the wall, he stooped low to meet my eyes. "Is something more the matter?"

"What about Kiri?" I whispered. "It's already been three weeks and I haven't talked to her once. Could I stop by, just to talk to her?"

"I'm afraid time is of the essence. Kiri was doing well the last time I saw her. She was training with the recruits and seemed to be making friends."

I nodded, but it felt hollow. I wasn't okay with the arrangement, but it was for the best. She would still be there and safe when I returned.

Still, I missed her hugs and laughter but her calm more than anything. Kiri had a way of soothing the pounding in my head, making everything clear. At least she seemed to be doing well without me.

"Alright, I'll pack my bag." I collected my thoughts, assembling the broken pieces scattered in my head. "Did you give her the letter?"

"Yes, she received it, but I couldn't tell you what she thought of it. She didn't read it in front of me."

"It's fine. I didn't expect to be gone this long. Could you tell her that I'll hurry back and explain everything soon?"

"It will be my priority after getting you settled. Shall we?"

I didn't have much to pack and Uncle Finn knew that. He took my small duffle, and he steered me out of the hotel room. In the silent hall, the stains from the pearls of blood left a track to the door. The staff would never get that out. 

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