The Unseen Enemy

Prologue

A/N: I don't own Charmed. I promise I'll update this quickly. I just had to write it. It's mostly planned out.

He watched his target as she exited an office building. He took in every detail of the woman, forming an imprint of her in his mind. She took no notice of him as she stepped into her car. That's because she couldn't see him, no being of good was able to. But he could see her. He was writing for the right moment to attack. His master told him to be patient, to wait. The moment the opportunity presented itself he would strike.

The woman got out of the car and brushed her light blond hair out of her eyes impatiently. She seemed to be waiting for someone. He was watching her. He sniffed the air, and could tell instantly that she was the witch he was after. She held the power his master so desperately craved. His moment would soon come. A few more minutes, and he would destroy her.

It was time. The young witch was becoming anxious now. She would soon leave if he did not hurry. He glided effortlessly and silently towards her. He could not be seen, but the witch might hear him. "Who's there?" the young witch called into the night. He could see her light blue eyes were filled with worry. He was almost to her now. He must get closer. He had to force her to use her power. "Go away!" the young woman called again. She was becoming panicky now. A shimmering pink shield appeared around the young woman. It was time.

He slid forward. His target did not yet see him. She would not be able to see him until it was too late. He extended his clawed hand and easily pierced he shield. The shield easily broke with his touch. He savored the way her magic felt as he absorbed it. It coursed through his veins infusing him with raw power. He enjoyed her blood – curdling scream. It fed him, nourished him.

Her screams carried through to the houses around. That did not matter to him. In a few minutes he would devour her. Then his ritual would be complete. The witch was in excruciating pain. He could feel it. He almost enjoyed it. To the young witch the pain was blinding. It was as if knives were stabbing every inch of her body. It was pain beyond comprehension, beyond endurance. She wanted it to end. She wanted to black out, to die.

The beast wouldn't let her die, though. It strengthened him, gave him power. Soon she was in too much pain to scream anymore. Several hours later he finally, mercifully let her die. He left her battered and blood stained body on the floor.

At that moment, on the other side of town, Phoebe Halliwell awoke with a start, trembling with fear.