THE WITCH'S REBIRTH

The music was loud enough to make my chest thump, and the lights were flashing everywhere like they were fighting to blind me. Lana's birthday party was in full swing, and honestly, I'd lost count of how many shots I'd had. Everything felt a little too warm, a little too fuzzy, but I was having fun. I deserved to have fun.

Lana had just climbed up a chair, yelling something about being twenty and dangerous, and everyone screamed. I laughed so hard I nearly spilt my drink. The place was packed with people dancing, shouting, and sweating. For once, it felt like the world wasn't so heavy on me.

Around midnight, I decided it was time to go. I could already hear Aunt Reina's voice in my head about "late nights and bad choices." She was working a night shift at the hospital, so she wouldn't know I was just getting home, but, still, I grabbed my jacket and waved goodbye to Lana, who was still surrounded by her fan club.

Outside, the air was cold and smelled like rain. My head spun a little. A guy I'd seen at the party, tall, with that overconfident grin, guys like him always have, followed me out.

"Heading home?" he asked, falling into step beside me.

"Yeah," I said, hoping he'll take the hint. But he didn't,

"I could keep you company," he offered, smiling like he thought he was doing me a favour.

I gave a small laugh. "I'm fine, really."

We got to my car, and he leaned against the door, still talking about how boring parties get after midnight. I don't even remember what I said back, but somehow, he ended up in the passenger seat as I drove off. I guess I didn't want to be rude or maybe I was just too tired to argue.

The drive was quiet at first, until he started inching closer, his hand brushing mine on the gear stick.

"Don't be shy," he said softly.

​That is when my whole body went stiff. I pulled my hand away, but he kept pushing. I could smell his cologne strongly, like burnt wood and something bitter. My heart was racing, my palms cold. "Stop," I said, trying to sound firm.

​He didn't, instead, he grabbed my arm.

​"Let go!" I snapped, turning sharply toward him, my free hand pushing out. A wave of freezing, silver-tinged air rushed from my palm and before I could even process what happened, there was this loud, sickening thud. He flew backwards, crashing against the passenger door like someone had slammed him with inhuman strength.

We both froze.

He stared at me like I had just done something impossible, eyes wide, mouth half open. Then, without a word, he scrambled out of the car and ran off into the dark.

I sat there for a long time, hands gripping the wheel, trying to catch my breath. My chest hurt and my ears rang. What the hell just happened?

I