Always light the candles

Chapter 31

I gather all my courage and move quickly, intending to get between Scorpius and the orc. With a flick of my wrist, I aim my wand at the orc and cast a powerful Expelliarmus spell, hoping to disarm the orc before it can deliver a blow to Scorpius.

The spell streaks through the air, striking the orc's longsword with a force so strong the weapon is torn from its grip. The orc growls in frustration.

Enraged and without a weapon, the orc reacts swiftly. With a thunderous roar, it swings its massive fist at Scorpius, connecting with his body and sending him flying through the air. The force of the blow is tremendous, its muscular arm propelling Scorpius backwards as if he weighed nothing.

I see how blood spurts out of Scorpio's mouth on impact. He lands heavily on the hard ground, the wind knocked out of him. He lays there, coughing blood, gasping for breath, his wand lying a few feet away. The orc advances, its furious gaze fixed on Scorpius' crumpled form.

I grip my wand tightly, adrenaline rushing through my veins as I wave my magic wand still manipulating the orc's sword and start stabbing and piercing him with my own weapon.

It's hard to get through because his armour is firmly covering his body. But now and then I hit a place where there is no armour and the orc growls a pained cry. Despite my interventions, he still won't turn to me and is still making his way to Scorpius. If the orc hits him one more time, Scorpius will die.

All the emotions run through my body at that thought.

I have to change my strategy. I swing my wand with a powerful swing and drive it straight through the orc's leg. If I can't stop him, I'll at least slow him down. The orc drops to one leg with an angry growl, trying to pick up his sword, firmly cut from the back of his calf.

That gives me time to run to Scorpius. "Are you alright?" I asked panting and taking Scorpius's head in my hands. Quickly checking for any signs of injuries. His breathing is heavy, bloody scratches all over his body from the orcs long sharp nails.

"I'm so sorry, Albs." Scorpius whispers and closes his eyes. This is no time for apologies nor for shutting eyes. "No, no, no, stay with me!" I scream at him panicking, but the orc is already standing back up.

***

My mind races as I desperately try to think of a way to stop the orc. Its size and strength are overwhelming, and the injury to its leg has done little to slow it down.

I reach for my wand, gripping it tightly in my hand. I consider attacking the orc again, but I hesitate. Its armour and sheer resilience are formidable. I need a new plan, something that can incapacitate it completely.

The anger and fear inside of me grow, fueled by my desperation and the sight of Scorpius lying injured and in danger. I feel the curse within me stirring, the darkness taking hold. My eyes grow darker than they already are, and shadows seem to gather around me, lifting me slightly off the ground.

The orc halts its approach, its beady eyes fixed on me, a hint of fear visible in its usually emotionless gaze.

The orc seems taken aback by my transformation, its advance halted as it watches me hover slightly above the ground. The curse has taken hold, and I can feel its power coursing through me, making me feel oddly strong despite my fear.

For a moment, the orc and I stare at each other, its dark eyes meeting my now black eyes. The air is thick with tension, the sounds of the forest nearly gone. I can sense the orc's surprise and fear, and I know I need to capitalize on that moment.