The Reflection of the Flames

It's too short so I might publish the other chapter tonight or tomorrow morning.

P.S. I love writing an obsessed Valtor.

Enjoy XX

After conversing with Stella, she arrived at the conclusion that being accepted by her best friend wasn't the primary concern. While she wasn't particularly thrilled about the notion of her best friend engaging in some sort of affair with their enemy, neither was she judgmental. She was, however, deeply concerned.

Stella had always sensed a peculiar bond between them, one that seemed impossible to evade. She had always known that their connection forged an unavoidable link. What she hadn't anticipated was the intensity of this bond, capable of eliciting strong desires and causing boundless destruction. She comprehended it now. Now, she understood.

Because now, Alfea was under attack. Valtor, along with all the witches from Cloud Tower, assailed Alfea, and his power knew no bounds. The barrier was on the verge of collapse. Bloom had surmised that his fury would be formidable, but she had assumed it would be directed at her, keeping the conflict between them.

She shifted her gaze to her best friend, swallowing hard. "We must find Faragonda," she declared. Her words were tinged with disappointment, anger, but most significantly, fear. She realized she had misjudged him, been ignorant of his capabilities. That was a grave mistake.

Her knees trembled, a sharp headache piercing her mind as he unleashed his cruelest spells to breach the barrier. Their connection seethed with curses, his anger palpable through the bond. And it was agonizing. "We cannot afford to delay in our search," Stella exclaimed, frustration evident. "Time is of the essence; we must prepare for battle. Everyone is outside, readying themselves." Her gaze darkened further. "We must do the same." Bloom remained silent, too overwhelmed to respond, unable to fathom confronting him.

With a trembling sound, the barrier shattered. "Very well," Bloom murmured to herself. If a battle was what he sought, a battle was what he would receive. She glanced at her friend, transforming. "You locate the others and deal with the Trix; I shall confront Valtor." Stella nodded and flew off, leaving Bloom alone amidst the chaos. Amidst the throng, it was nearly impossible to discern individuals. She attempted to fly clear of the tumult, only to make herself a target. The spells of the hypnotized witches failed to daunt her; it was him who instilled fear. He wasn't targeting her; his wrath was aimed at Alfea, at her friends.

Handling the witches would have been simpler if her Enchantix were complete and if they weren't so densely packed. Moreover, she couldn't harm them; she had to exercise caution. They were innocent souls, ensnared by Valtor's manipulation. But her power was meant to inflict harm, meant to destroy. It was challenging to subdue them without causing harm. "Require assistance?" Hope flickered within her as she heard Layla's confident voice. She didn't wait for Bloom's response, immediately ensnaring the witches with her spell. "Go face Valtor; I will handle the witches."

Finding him was not difficult; she could effortlessly discern his presence through their bond. It felt like a magnetic force, their magic drawn together. She discovered him cornering Musa and Tecna, casting his cruelest spells with the intent to harm them fatally. In response, she unleashed her own most vicious spell against him, though she knew it was a futile effort. Surprisingly, he failed to anticipate her move, crashing against the wall with a hiss as his eyes shut. Positioned between her friends and the assailant, their eyes locked, and she realized he was not in control. His eyes blazed with fury, his only concern inflicting harm upon her friends and Alfea. She understood he saw them not as rivals, but as prey-tools to hurt Bloom and seek vengeance. Flames engulfed the corridor; Alfea was ablaze.

"I warned you, Valtor," her voice rang out, cold and wrathful. "This is between you and me; spare my friends." Tecna, bewildered, questioned, "Bloom, what do you mean? This concerns all of Magix!" Valtor, with a grin, taunted, "Yes, Bloom, do enlighten us. What's this about?" Hatred twisted his features as he regarded her friends. "Tecna, take Musa and find Faragonda. I can handle this."

"No!" Tecna exclaimed, frustration evident. "We won't leave you alone." Bloom didn't even glance at her. "Tecna, Musa can't even stand. You can't help me now; go find Faragonda." She erected a barrier to shield them from his assaults, awaiting Tecna's response. "No," Tecna retorted coldly, eliciting a smirk from Valtor. He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching them. "As I've always said, you fairies have a penchant for risking your lives needlessly." Bloom knew her barrier wouldn't suffice if he attacked, and attack he would. In that moment, he toyed with them, like a cat with its prey. "Tecna, please," she implored, desperation evident. "He'll kill you if you stay, Tecna, please."

"And he'll kill you if we leave!" Valtor's lips curled in amusement, mockery glinting in his eyes. "Foolish fairy," he jeered, unleashing a spell toward her. As Bloom had anticipated, her barrier proved inadequate. Tecna collided with the wall, blood trickling from her head. Musa lay unconscious, unaware of her surroundings. Bloom attempted a distraction spell, but it was futile; his rage consumed him. She interposed herself between him and her friend, knowing his aim was not her, but her friends. "Stop this, Valtor!" she demanded, her head spinning as she steadied herself against the wall. "Let them go! They've done nothing wrong!" Tecna succumbed to unconsciousness with his next spell, defenseless.

"Oh, but you have, my dear," Valtor accused, his tone dripping with malice, knowing he could harm her friends with a mere touch. "When you spilled everything to your dear friend Stella, you shattered our agreement of secrecy." His cruel amusement intensified, aware of his power over her friends. "Speaking of which..." Before he could finish, Stella's spell struck, whisking them away. In an instant, Stella held Musa and Tecna, ready to teleport.

"Teleport them!" Bloom urged anxiously, observing Valtor's impending attack. Stella remained composed as Valtor lunged at her. "What a nostalgic scene," she remarked before they vanished, leaving Valtor to demolish the wall in frustration.

"You're harming innocent people! What do you want, Valtor?!" Bloom's voice reverberated as she attempted another spell to restrain him. He effortlessly countered, turning her magic to smoke. "I've told you what I want, Bloom. I want you on my side," he stated calmly, aiming another spell. "I warned you, 'I won't hesitate to guide you toward the correct choice if you appear to be veering astray,'" he reminded her. Advancing toward her, he inadvertently cornered her against the wall. "That was not real, it was a dre-" She halted, seeing the frustration in his expression. "I cannot tolerate ignorance, Bloom," he warned, drawing closer as she retreated.

She realized her mistake as her back met the wall. With another step, they were mere inches apart. Sidestepping wasn't an option; his eyes warned against it. "I've given you ample time to ponder, Bloom," he said, his hand gently grasping the nape of her neck. A soft kiss met her forehead, his other hand fixing her hair. "It's time for you to accompany me." Despite her defiance, she whispered, "No," hands pressing against his chest in futile resistance. "Take a look around, my sweet fairy," he whispered against her neck, a smirk playing on his lips. Stepping back, he studied her face intently, his grip unwavering. "No," she whispered shakily, tears welling in her wide eyes. "Where is your dear teacher now, Bloom?" His smirk widened at the cruel words. "Why isn't she aiding you? The teacher you adored so deeply, the woman in whom you placed unwavering trust-why?"

Every realization was agonizing, and she wanted to beg him to stop speaking. "You can't," she began, her voice faltering. Amusement flickered in his eyes, a soft smile curling his lips. "Oh, but I have, my dear." Another kiss, this time on her neck, marked his triumph. His movements grew gentler, the sense of victory evident. He knew he held her firmly, ready to whisk her away at any moment.

With all her might, she pushed against him, fueled by nothing but annoyance. Yet, he remained unmoved, annoyance briefly flickering across his face before he concealed it behind a smile. "I believe it's time for me to take you home, dearest."