Cackles Academy for Witches (Shadow and Natalie)

Merlas seemed to think for a few moments, then decided not to answer, watching Star play king-of-the-castle on one of the beds.

Natalie put her head in her hands once more.

Star looked at Natalie and wandered over to sniff at Natalie's hair.

Natalie took no notice, not because she did not care, but because she was thinking...hoping.

Star's ears drooped slightly and he lay down beside Natalie. Merlas looked at her with a critial liquid brown eye.
"Did she ever tell you about what could happen?"

"Yes...no...I dunno...she told me about so much..." said Natalie quietly, looking at Merlas.

"Did she tell you about the outcome?" Merlas asked.

"Outcome of what?" asked Natalie, throat going dry.

"Of her enounter with Karthragan." Merlas said.

Natalie swallowed.
"Tell me..." she said

Merlas lay down, folding her awkward limbs beneath her before speaking again.
"Shadow was destined to die."

"But not now," Natalie panicked, "NOT TODAY MERLAS! TELL ME NOT TODAY!"

Merlas sighed.
"She was destined to die about three years ago, but didn't, thanks to Jamie."

"I see..." said Natalie quietly.

"They banished Kar, and now he's back, he's destined to take control of the prophecy again." Merlas continued.

"Not if I can help it," said Natalie, getting up.

"There was an alternative line though." Merlas said.

"Which was?" Natalie asked.

"Should she defeat Karthragan, she would inherit his title and powers." Merlas said.

"Ah...is that good?" Natalie asked.

Merlas flexed her wings slightly, looking at the ground.

"That's a no...I'm sure of it," said Natalie fiercely.

Merlas sighed.
"The resulting transfer of energy is enough to kill her."

"So...she could be...like...in a coma now..." Natalie guessed.

"Self induced coma." Merlas corrected.