Worlds Collide: Chapter 24 Scarlet

I growl at the woman. Yes an actual growl, which shocks me as much as it does her. I suddenly feel uncharacteristically protective over Juan and this bitch really needs to back off. I freeze her hand precisely, causing her to wince and drop the knife. As she does I rush forward and punch her pretty face, making her loose balance and stumble, I sweep her legs out from underneath her and pin her in place with my body weight. It is very clear that the witches rely on their magic too much and have no combat training as the woman looks helpless beneath me. The clear vulnerability helps me see past my rage and refrain from beating her up further.
“I have a counter offer for you. You are going to wake him and lead us to the emerald palace so that I can leave this place as soon as possible or I kill you and everyone in this room. I suggest you choose wisely” I say. I know that it is an empty threat, but I try to say it with menace and conviction.
“Ok! Please don’t hurt my family” She cries, clearly not used to being threatened so.
“We have a deal then, but be warned, if anything happens to him or I get any notion that you are betraying us, I will seek vengeance.” This one I mean, I don’t think I’m capable of killing anyone, but wrong me and I will make your life hell.
She mumbles something and I notice Juan sit up in my peripheral vision.
“Mind if I join?” He asks and I look over at him properly. He is practically drooling while looking at us. I look down at the woman underneath me and notice that she is incredibly attractive, her full breasts straining against her black corset as she breaths raggedly.
“Normally I wouldn’t object, but since she had a knife to your throat minutes ago, it might not be wise.” I explain.
Juan rubs his throat “Well I’m glad I lived to see this.” he says with a satisfied smile.
I lean in close to the woman so that my lips are hovering above hers to tease Juan, then I jump up and offer her my hand to help her up, ignoring the disappointed grumble from Juan.
“Please lead the way… What is your name?” I ask.
“Scarlet” She says hesitantly taking my hand.
“Nice to meet you Scarlet, I’m Rain and this is Juan” I introduce as we exit the cottage.
“Why are you doing this? Why are you here?” She asks.
“I just want to get home, I hope that the high priestess can help with that. Juan is here to help me and then he will go back to Vladra. We really don’t mean any harm, you were the ones who attacked me remember.” I say softly.
“We never have visitors here, it was only natural to be suspicious of you, but I apologise for my mothers behaviour, she is very protective of her family.” Scarlet turns to Juan “I’m sorry for threatening you, I was desperate, your friend tore through my family in seconds.” She seems genuine in her apology and we both smile at her.
“We must make haste so that no-one else becomes suspicious of us, but as we walk please tell us as much as you can to prepare us for meeting the high priestess.” Juan says, all hints of flirting gone and back in serious mode. I try to hide how satisfied I am that his attention was just for me, but a small smile escapes me.
As we walk, Scarlet explains the different customs of Malifa and we catch her up on my predicament. She explains a little about witches magic, but I sense that she is holding back some details which I can’t really blame her for given that we have semi-kidnapped her. The current high-priestess is an Esme, but Scarlet explains that witches lives are only slightly longer than humans and so it is not likely to be the same one who sealed off the kingdoms.
“You will have to go in alone, men are not permitted in the palace. We operate in a matriarchy and while men do practice magic, they are not as strong as us. I have only been in once for my initiation ceremony, but I remember that there is a vast library on the ground floor. I suggest you look for your answers there before approaching the high priestess. Should you confront her, please do not hurt her, she is a very benevolent ruler and has done a lot for her people” Scarlet says.
“I will only fight if it is necessary and as I did with your family, I will try to use non-lethal force.” I promise as a beautiful shining green palace comes into view. I’m pretty sure that it is actually made out of emerald, the way it is sparkling in the sun.
“Thank you for your co-operation scarlet, I like you and I want to trust you, but I will have to restrain you here to be certain that you do not alert them. I’m sorry. Juan will stay and guard you or release you if anything happens to me” I say and draw in water to freeze her in place.
“Actually, I’m coming with you” Juan says confidently.
“Did you not listen, men are not allowed, it will just draw attention to us” I argue.
When I turn to look at him properly he is changed. Before me is not the man I have been travelling with, but a woman. She is tall, her body softer than his, but still toned. Her dark hair left long and perfectly curled rather than cut short as he had. I stare, my mouth agape as my eyes roam over his undeniably feminine features. My brain struggling to comprehend the evidence literally laid bare in front of me, but also the increasing arousal that I feel stirring inside me.
“I will need some clothes though” Juan interrupts my trance with a much more feminine voice than I expected.
“Right, yes, em I’m so sorry scarlet, but we will need your clothes. I will leave you in one of Juan’s shirts which will fit you like a dress.” I say.
Scarlet having witnessed the same transformation just nods clearly still shocked. I strip her of her clothes and leave her with a shirt before handing the dress to Juan to put on. I’d love to say he looks even better in the dress which flatters his feminine assets, but damn did he (she?) look good naked. Once Scarlet is changed I freeze her in place, taking care to make sure that she is as comfortable as possible.