A/N. Thank you for the reviews. Just to let you know there's only about four chapters left in this story, but I have a sequel planned. Also, this chapter's super short, but the next one's longer.
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Chapter 16The demon's feet made little noise as he crept through the upstairs hallway of Halliwell Manor. His hooded black cloak blended in with the dark of night, giving Nephets the aid of invisibility. The only thing that would bring him to the witches' attentions was his breath, which smelt like raw sewerage and came out in hot raspy puffs. But luckily the Halliwells were heavy sleepers. Even as he pushed a heavy oak door open, they did not stir.
Nephets slid into the bathroom, surprisingly agile for a six foot, hunch backed demon. He padded softly over to the bed and gazed down at the witch. With her pale complexion and raven hair, Nephets recognised her instantly as the eldest Charmed One.
The demon reached into his cloak, his talon like fingernails snagging on the cloth, and drew out a crimson leather pouch. He dipped two fingers inside, coating them in a fine, silvery dust. Nephets stretched his arm over Prue and allowed the dust to sprinkle on her face. The demon held his breath as the witch groaned slightly and twitched her nose, before falling silent again. The force of darkness chanted a few words in an old dead language, completing the spell. With a satisfied smirk, he disappeared into the night.
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Phoebe stretched up on tip – toes and draped her arms around Jake's neck as they stood on the Manor's front porch. The weak morning sun was just peaking over the horizon, lighting up their tired faces.
"I don't want you to go," Jake said softly, resting his chin on Phoebe's head.
"I have to. It's six o'clock and Grams will be up soon," Phoebe replied regretfully. "And if she catches me…"
"You'll be grounded for a month," Jake finished. "But we've had such a good night, I don't want it to end."
"Neither do I," Phoebe sighed.
"I love you," Jake suddenly blurted out.
Phoebe's arms flew to her side and she stepped back. Had she heard him right? Did he mean it? Those three words where way too profound for this time in the morning and Phoebe's head began to spin.
"I've got to go," Jake said quickly, the meaning of his words crashing down on him. Obviously Phoebe didn't feel the same and he had to get out of there.
Phoebe nodded silently as Jake turned and fled. She grasped the door handle and walked inside slowly, Jake's words swirling around her head. He loved her. Sure, they'd been going out for nearly a year, and in most relationships love happened a lot sooner. But they were so young and loved seemed a bit daunting. Phoebe loved her boyfriend's laugh, his eyes and they way he looked at her. But did she love him?
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Prue stumbled into the kitchen, still dressed in sweatpants and a tank top. She rubber her puffy eyes and yawned. She didn't remember ever feeling so tired after a full nights sleep. Her head was throbbing and her limbs felt heavy.
"Morning. How comes you're up so late?" Penny asked.
Prue ignored her and sunk into a chair, feeling irritated. 'What the hell has it got to do with her?'
"Would you like some breakfast?" Piper wondered.
"I can get my own breakfast," Prue snapped.
Piper frowned at her older sister. Something was not right.
"I'm sorry," Prue apologised, trying to quash the frustration she felt.
"Are you okay?" Piper reached out to touch Prue's arm.
Prue snatched her arm back. "I'm fine. Not that it's any of your business."
"Prudence!" Penny gasped. "What has got into you?"
"Nothing. I'm fine." Prue pushed herself up from the table and stalked into the foyer.
Phoebe skipped down the stairs just as Prue was about to trudge up them. "Morning."
"Have fun with Jake last night?" Prue asked with a sardonic grin.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Phoebe demanded.
Prue shrugged, her grin fixed in place. "If you're to dumb to figure it out…" Prue left the sentence hanging as she marched up the stairs.
Phoebe carried on into the kitchen. Was it because she had been up all night, or was everyone acting strange? First there had been Jake, declaring his love for her, and then there was Prue being unnecessarily cruel. Phoebe entered the kitchen and Piper and Penny both looked up.
"Hey, did you see Prue?" Piper asked.
"Yeah."
"And how was she?"
"A little bit… strange," Phoebe answered. "Why?"
"She was just a bit snappy," Penny replied.
Phoebe sat down and took a bite of an apple. "So it wasn't just me. I wonder what's wrong?"
"Maybe Victor returning affected her more than we realised," Piper suggested.
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Prue leant her forehead against the cool glass of the bathroom mirror, staring into her eyes. The usual warmth was gone, replaced by coldness. Prue shivered involuntarily. She felt like a poison was coursing through her veins, corrupting and changing her into someone she didn't want to be.
"What's happening to me?"
"You're evolving into a stronger, more powerful being," a soft male voice replied.
Prue spun around to face a hunchback, robed figure. She almost gagged from the stench emitting from him. "Who are you?"
"My mane is Nephets."
"What do you want?"
"Relax, child," Nephets soothed. "I'm here to help you with your destiny."
"I'm already fulfilling my destiny," Prue spat.
Nephets chuckled lightly. "You're destiny is not as a Charmed One. You have immense power. Power beyond the comprehension of mere witches."
"I don't understand."
"You're capable of so much more, Prue," Nephets told her. "By being Charmed you're being held back. Your powers are restrained to helping others, but if you join me, you can use them for whatever you desire. No more consulting with sisters, no more stupid rules. Just complete freedom."
Prue nodded, completely transfixed by what he was telling her. Suddenly, she didn't want to fight this feeling. "What do I have to do?"
Nephets smirked sardonically. His plan was working all too easily. "Dispose of you grandmother and sisters."