Chapter 238 - Second Stage of the Competition (7)

Adrianna had leapt in a way that she landed on the tip of the broom, making Fleur lose control. In the process Dmitri also lost control as he slipped outwards. He fell over but somehow managed to catch the broom. Fleur couldn't take the groom to the ground because of the fear that Adrianna would jump on them again. Adrianna was once again on the floor of the cave near the stream. She growled loudly as she looked at her enemies. Her growl was blood curdling. 

"Hang on there Dmitri," said Fleur as she went right to the top of the stairs and came to a standstill. Quickly, Dmitri hopped on the staircase and started mounting the broom. "Quick, Dmitri! She is coming closer!" shouted Fleur. 

This time Fleur and Dmitri barely missed Adrianna. It was the closest to death they could get. They heard Adrianna's growl becoming louder. She was running up the stairs, aiming for the two of them. She was chasing them at a high speed, growling and itching to kill them. Fleur was now paler than snow. Without thinking she drew her wand out. She was ready to strike but Dmitri saw her in time. He knew that Fleur was panicking. "Fleur, move!" he yelled at her. 

Immediately Fleur directed her broom to steer clear of Adrianna but soon she realized her mistake. They were near the entrance of the cave. As soon as Dmitri mounted the broom, she barely had time to fly away from there. Adrianna leapt at the two of them. This time she missed them and leapt right at the cave entrance, which was covered by the rock. The rock shattered into hundreds of pieces which dispersed around with a loud sound, as Adrianna escaped from there. She leapt several feet high in the air and emerged out of the entrance. She landed on the snow outside. Dmitri and Fleur could only see their efforts gone for a waste. Adrianna was just powerful force to stop or deal with. 

Dmitri got down from the broom and ran upstairs to call Adrianna, but Fleur stopped him, "If you go out, it is possible that there are others lurking around. You risk Adrianna's identity and also your safety. Stay inside and even if anyone has seen her, they would think a beast is out, which is normal for places like these."

"Fleur, Adri- She needs help…"

"She is beyond our help Dmitri…" Fleur stated, which was the truth. 

The dread crept over Dmitri like an icy chill, numbing his brain. What would happen to Adrianna now? Will other students think of her as a beast and kill her? In his frozen state, his mind offered him only one thought – it is just one night and there was no avoiding it. All he could do was to pray the wolf spirits that things slipped into place that night. 

Outside, Adrianna landed on the soft snow and howled looking at the moon. She felt relieved as she looked at the moon. She wanted to reach it. Its cool rays were soothing for her body and soul. She was attracted to it as bees were attracted to the honey. Adrianna set off on a journey to meet the moon, to be one with the moon. She started going up the slope.

The mountains soared upward as if they were going to heaven. There was nothing except vast expanse of snow miles and miles on each side, which was dotted by solitary pine trees here and there. Adrianna howled again as she shook her golden yellow fur to shake off the snow icicles that were falling from above. She kept going up towards the peak. 

It was past midnight that Adrianna heard low howl coming from behind. She looked around and howled back, as she bared her jaws. There was nothing that was visible in the vicinity, so she resumed her climb. As she climbed up more, she could see speck of golden fire burning. She looked at the fire intently and walked towards it. She could feel its heat and became infuriated as to who would disturb the peaceful and soothing moon rays. Adrianna charged towards the source of fire. 

As she ran up, she could hear more howls coming from behind. She turned to look and found a herd of beasts running much behind her. 

Adrianna turned again to look at the fire, which was her current source of distraction. She had to tackle it before resuming her journey upwards. She charged. The howls faded. 

Meanwhile in the shelter above, Nefasky was having dinner with her group of five other witches and wizards. They had found themselves and had stuck together to survive the place for another day. 

"This place is strange. Why are we not able to use our magic?" asked one of the wizards.

"If you can use your magic here, what is the point of testing the survival skills?" answered another. 

Nefasky was roasting a small bird she had hunted on the fire, as she heard them talking.