The fate of two Hybrids: Demian and Alice

Far away from Blackthorn Academy, in the dense, enchanted woods of Northerncrooks, Alice's grandmother sat by her cauldron, her face etched with worry. The rumors had reached her—whispers of a surviving mermaid hidden among the students at Blackthorn. And the name attached to those whispers was a name she had fought to protect for years: Alice.

Her gnarled fingers traced the surface of the cauldron as images flickered within the swirling liquid. She saw Andrea training furiously, her mother Lyanna preparing to make her move, and a dark figure lurking in the shadows, whispering sinister plans.

"The Amazons are closing in," she muttered. "And if they uncover the truth..."

Her voice trailed off as she turned her attention to the workbench beside her. Resting there was a bracelet—similar to the one Alice already wore but imbued with a much stronger enchantment. The silver band glowed faintly, runes etched into its surface pulsating with protective magic.

"This will keep her safe," she whispered, determination hardening her voice. "At least for now."

---

A portal shimmered into existence in the corner of Alice's dorm room. The air crackled with energy as her grandmother stepped through, the bracelet clutched tightly in her hand. She found Alice sitting cross-legged on her bed, a textbook open in front of her, though it was clear she wasn't studying.

"Grandma?" Alice said, startled. "What are you doing here?"

Her grandmother closed the portal behind her, her expression grim. "There's no time to explain everything. You must wear this." She held out the bracelet, her hand trembling slightly.

Alice looked at the bracelet, her nose scrunching in distaste. "Another bracelet? Grandma, the one I have is already fine. Why do I need this?"

"This one is stronger," her grandmother said firmly. "It will hide your presence better."

Alice frowned, crossing her arms. "Hide my presence from what? You've never told me why I need these things. I'm not a child anymore, Grandma. If you want me to wear it, you need to give me a reason."

Her grandmother sighed, her shoulders slumping. She stepped closer to Alice and sat beside her on the bed.

"Listen to me, Alice," she said softly. "The world is not kind to witches. Many creatures hate us, fear us. And they will stop at nothing to see us gone. This bracelet will protect you from their hatred, from their suspicions."

Alice stared at her, her defiance wavering. "Why now? Why the sudden urgency?"

Her grandmother hesitated, then took a deep breath. "The head of the Amazons is coming to your school."

Alice's eyes widened. She had heard of Lyanna—her reputation as a fierce and unyielding leader was well-known even among witches.

"Why?" Alice asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"She's searching for someone," her grandmother said carefully. "Someone she believes shouldn't exist. If she suspects you, she will stop at nothing to expose you."

Alice felt a chill run down her spine, but she quickly masked it with a shrug. "I can handle her. I've already dealt with Andrea, haven't I?"

Her grandmother shook her head. "This is different. Lyanna is not Andrea. She's cunning, powerful, and dangerous. You must not underestimate her."

Alice glanced at the bracelet again, her stubbornness flaring. "But it's not my style. It doesn't match anything I wear."

"Alice," her grandmother pleaded, her voice breaking slightly. "Please. I'm begging you. Wear it."

Alice hesitated, the sight of her usually composed grandmother so desperate making her feel guilty.

"Fine," she said reluctantly, taking the bracelet and slipping it onto her wrist. "But I'm only wearing it because you're making such a big deal about it."

Her grandmother exhaled in relief, a small smile appearing on her face. "Thank you."

---

Before leaving, her grandmother stood and faced her, a determined glint in her eyes.

"There's one more thing," she said. "If you're questioned, you must convince them you're a witch. You'll need to know a few spells."

Alice raised an eyebrow. "You're going to teach me now?"

"Yes," her grandmother said. "Repeat after me."

She spent the next hour teaching Alice simple but convincing spells—spells to light a candle with a word, to conjure a small flame in her hand, to create harmless sparks. Alice practiced diligently, though she couldn't shake the feeling that her grandmother was hiding something from her.

"Why are you doing all this?" Alice asked finally, her voice tinged with suspicion.

Her grandmother hesitated for a moment before answering. "Because I love you, and I want to keep you safe. That's all you need to know right now."

"But—"

"No more questions, Alice," her grandmother said firmly. She stepped back, her hands moving to open another portal. "Be careful, and don't let anyone see you without that bracelet. Do you understand?"

Alice nodded slowly. "I understand."

Her grandmother gave her one last, lingering look before stepping through the portal and disappearing.

Alice sat in silence for a moment, staring at the bracelet on her wrist.

"What aren't you telling me, Grandma?" she murmured.

But there was no one to answer her.

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