The currents circled around Cassidy protectively, called upon by the defense mechanisms that tied to their powers. Roman’s voice taunted them still, the malice slipping in tones and inflections as the words he spat at them hammered against their ears.

I’m going to kill everyone you love, and then I’m going to kill you-- This Island deserves a better leader, one who isn’t weak and fragile, someone who isn’t afraid to spill blood. Dominic and Castalia didn’t teach you anything but how to hide behind your powers like a coward. Say goodbye while you still can Cassidy, because the twins are next. And then your coven. And anyone else on this Island who dares to go against me. This Island belongs to me now.

“STOP!”

Hurricane winds picked up around them as hands pressed hard over their ears. But nothing would help the words ingrained there, tormenting them in the voice of Roman. He appeared again, several feet from the whirlwind protectively spinning around Cassidy, very much like the day they had fought so long ago after Dominic’s decision-- except this time, it was Cassidy ready to fight.

“This isn’t real. You’re not real. Go. Away.”