Chapter Thirty-Five: Confrontation with Peter Knox

All Souls Dorm Pavilion, 2009

Lauren walked towards her dorm, phone pressed to her ear. "Hey, Mom! It's me," she said, trying to keep her voice light despite the tension in her stomach.

"Lauren! Thank goodness you called. I was starting to worry! Are you okay?" Her mother replied, her voice laced with concern.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Lauren reassured her, glancing out the window at the autumn leaves swirling in the breeze. "Just a lot going on with school and everything. I promise, I'm handling it."

"Are you sure? You sound a little… off," her mom said, her maternal instincts kicking in.

"I'm really okay, Mom." Lauren quickly added, hoping to quell her mother's worries.

"Okay, sweetie," her mom said over the phone, her tone softening. "Just remember, I'm here if you need to talk. Don't hesitate to call me anytime."

Lauren felt a wave of relief wash over her; her mother's support always had a way of calming her nerves. "Thanks, Mom. I appreciate it," she replied, smiling despite the weight of her schoolwork. "I'll be sure to reach out if I need anything."

Lauren took a deep breath, feeling grateful for her mother's understanding. "I love you, Mom," she said, her voice warm and sincere.

"I love you too, sweetie," her mom replied, her tone brightening even more. "You're doing great, and I'm so proud of you."

With those words, Lauren felt a renewed sense of strength. "Thanks, Mom. That means a lot," she said, her heart feeling lighter as they continued their conversation.

"Bye, Mom," Lauren said, a smile on her face while talking on the phone.

"Bye, sweetie," her mom said affectionately before the call ended, leaving Lauren with a smile on her face.

As they hung up, Lauren took a deep breath, and she continued to walk back towards her dorm.

Taking a deep breath, she resumed her walk but suddenly stopped a few minutes later. Something caught her attention, and she turned to see Peter Knox approaching. "Hello, Lauren!" he called out, his voice in an evil-like tone.

Lauren hesitated for a moment, feeling a mix of curiosity and caution. "What do you want, Peter Knox?" she asked, trying to keep her tone steady despite the unease creeping in. She could feel the air around them shift, and she braced herself for whatever he was about to say.

"I'm here to officially meet the witch that your grandfather kept hidden from me and the congregation," he replied, a smirk spreading across his face.

Lauren narrowed her eyes, sensing the underlying challenge in his words. "And what makes you think I'm the one you're looking for?" She countered, her heart racing as she prepared for the confrontation that was sure to follow.

Peter Knox then says, "You have the same magic as your grandfather—maybe more powerful."

Lauren's expression shifted as she processed his words. A mix of pride and uncertainty coursed through her. "What do you mean by that?" she asked, a hint of defiance in her voice.

Peter stepped closer, his gaze intense. "Your grandfather was a powerful witch, and I can see that spark in you. It's rare and formidable."

Lauren then asked, "What interests do you have in my magic?" "Are there interests in my magic that I didn't even know I had?"

Peter Knox then said, "I've been wanting the Anderson family magic for a long time."

Lauren narrowed her eyes, curiosity mingling with suspicion. "Why do you want the Anderson family magic?" she pressed, her tone challenging yet intrigued.

Peter leaned back, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Your family's magic dates back to ancient times," he explained, his voice steady. "It's been whispered about in the circles of our kind, known for its power and uniqueness."

Knox then stated, "I have desired the Anderson family magic for a long time."

Knox added, "It's not just about the power; it's also about the legacy." I want to understand it and harness it for myself.

Lauren's suspicions deepened. "And what makes you think you're worthy of it?" she challenged, crossing her arms.

Knox smirked, his confidence unwavering. "It's because I'm the most powerful warlock, and I deserve it."

Knox then said, "Be a good girl, and hand it over. Hand over the book of life."

Lauren's heart raced as she felt the air around them shift. Knox's words dripped with arrogance, and she could sense the dark energy gathering in the space between them. "You think you can just take it?" she retorted, her voice steady despite the fear creeping in.

With a flick of his wrist, Knox summoned tendrils of magic that snaked through the air, glowing ominously. "I don't just think; I know for certain," he replied, his eyes gleaming with a predatory intensity. The magic twisted and coiled, preparing to strike.

Lauren quickly gathered her energy, drawing upon the Anderson family magic that flowed through her veins. Even though this is her first time using her magic, she will not be intimidated by Knox. "You underestimate me," she said defiantly, raising her hands to counter his attack.

In an instant, Knox unleashed his magic with a fierce thrust. The force hit Lauren hard, sending her flying into the brick wall behind her. The impact knocked the breath from her lungs, but she struggled to regain her composure. She could feel the sting of pain radiating through her body, yet determination surged within her. She would rise again.

Knox then added, "As you can see, I'm more powerful and skilled than you." His voice dripped with arrogance as he stepped closer, confidence radiating from him. Lauren steadied herself, refusing to let his words break her spirit. She would not be defeated so easily.

Knox leaned in, an unsettling smirk on his face. "Once I'm done with you, I'll make sure to eliminate every single one of your family members and friends," he threatened, his tone icy and menacing. The weight of his words hung in the air, but Lauren's resolve only strengthened. She would fight back.

Suddenly, wind magic began to swirl around her body, fueled by her anger. The air crackled with energy as she focused her thoughts, channeling her determination. However, as the magic intensified, it started to go out of control. Gusts of wind whipped through the area, uprooting nearby trees and sending debris flying.

Lauren struggled to contain the chaotic energy, but it surged around her, transforming her anger into a tempest. The once calm atmosphere was now filled with howling winds and swirling leaves, creating a dangerous vortex. She could feel the power coursing through her, but with it came the risk of causing destruction to everything around her.

As Matthew stood on the other side of the school, he could feel the intense surge of Lauren's magic spiraling out of control. Gusts of wind whipped through the area, uprooting nearby trees and sending debris hurtling through the air.

Lauren fought valiantly to contain the chaotic energy, but it surged around her, morphing her anger into a tempest. The once calm atmosphere transformed into a wild maelstrom, with howling winds and swirling leaves creating a dangerous vortex.

Matthew could sense the raw power coursing through her, but he also recognized the imminent risk of destruction looming over everything in her vicinity.

"Lauren!" Matthew shouted as he sprinted toward her, the urgency of the moment propelling him forward. The chaotic energy around her was palpable, a tempest of emotions that threatened to spiral out of control.

He could see her struggling against the wild winds and swirling debris, her determination standing firm against the growing storm.

As he approached, the fierce gales whipped around him, but he pressed on, knowing he had to reach her before the maelstrom consumed everything in its path. "Lauren, you need to calm down!" he called out, his voice barely piercing through the howling winds.

He could feel the intensity of her anger, but he also understood the power that lay beneath it. If he could just get close enough, maybe he could help her regain control before it was too late.

But Lauren couldn't hear what he was saying. The storm raged around them, whipping debris into the air and drowning out his voice. She was lost in her turmoil, the chaos outside mirroring the tempest within her.

He pressed on, determined to bridge the gap between them. "Lauren, you need to calm down!" he shouted again, desperation creeping into his tone.

The howling winds seemed to swallow his words, leaving him feeling powerless. He could sense her anger, a fierce force that threatened to spiral out of control, but he also recognized the deeper emotions beneath it. If he could just get close enough, he thought, maybe he could help her find her way back before everything they cared about was swept away.