The Cursed Herald

by Rina S Mamoon

  “It’ll be a while before I can regain my powers,” Aspen explained. “I must avoid further contact with the anti-magic field.”

  “Oh, I see,” the huntress murmured. “Guess I have to make a choice.”

  Aspen looked at Mr. White. “I don’t know if he was telling the truth, but it seems too much of a coincidence for him to bring this up.” She gazed back at Mara. “If you decide to do this, Morgan may be unwilling to part with Karl. You did make a deal with her.”

  “I don’t want to go back on it,” Mara grumbled. “Especially since she’s willing to help us.”

  While turning away, Mara sniffed a strange odour. At first it smelled like chocolate and flowers, then it became the stench of blood and smoke. The scent grew overpowering. She looked back and saw the whole room on fire! Her eyes went wide with shock. The smoke was suffocating. Mara blacked out.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Morgan’s Salvation

  “Mara,” Aspen called to her. “Mara, wake up.”

  Mara’s eyes fluttered open. The first thing she saw was Aspen staring at her. The huntress was in her room. James and Mr. White were also present. She looked around. James’ home was no longer on fire.

  “What’s going on?” Mara asked. She glanced around again. “What happened to the fire?”

  Everyone looked baffled.

  “What fire?” Aspen questioned.

  James gave a concerned look. “You blacked out for a couple of hours. Are you okay?”

  Mara sat up. “There was a fire and the house was burning,” she insisted.

  James shook his head. “There’s no fire. Everything is fine.”

  Then they heard a knock on the door.

  “Who could it be at this hour?” James wondered out loud. Even though it was past midnight, he decided to answer the door.

  Mara got up and followed him to the front entrance. Every step she took, the knocking grew more urgent. When James opened the door, a young man with short black hair came tumbling through. He collapsed as soon as he came in. The young man was covered in ashes while his clothes reeked of smoke. James kneeled down and turned him over.

  Mara recognized his face. “Kai? What are you doing here?”

  Morgan’s butler gazed up at her while coughing. “Miss Ashwood,” Kai addressed. “Milady is in danger! The manor is burning!”

  Everyone was stunned to hear this. Mara thought about the disturbing vision, wondering if it was a warning or a distress signal.

  “How did this happen?” Mara demanded.

  “Karl stabbed Lady Morgan,” according to the butler. “Somehow, he overcame her power and retrieved one of the weapons we confiscated from him. Milady fled into the woods. We tried to stop him, but he killed many of us. He set fire to the manor and went after her.”

  The huntress gaped at him.

  “Kallisto might be responsible,” Aspen suggested. “Instead of going after Morgan herself, she took control of Karl and made him attack her.”

  Mara snapped her gaze onto Mr. White. “Can Kallisto do this? Control a person’s mind from a distance?”

  The old man gawked at her with a slack jaw. Even he was surprised at what happened. She shook her head. Morgan was in grave danger.

  “I have to find her,” Mara murmured, rising to her feet. She went to her room to retrieve her cloak and Nightingale.

  “I will go with you,” the Watcher said.

  James looked at Kai. “He’s suffering from smoke inhalation,” he said. “I’ll take him to the hospital to make sure he’s fine.” He helped the young black-haired man to his feet.

  Mr. White took a step towards the door. “I’m going to look for Karl.” Then he left.

  Mara heard the old man’s plans while walking out of her room. Watching him leave, she wondered what would happen when he found Karl.

  The Watcher approached her. “We should teleport there. My powers have returned.” Aspen held out her hand.

  Mara took her hand and they disappeared in a flash of light.

  ***

  When the light dissipated, the two stood before Morgan’s manor. Ash and snow fell around them while the house was engulfed in flames. The heat of the fire threatened to burn them should they come too close. The scent of smoke and blood was overpowering. Mara was surprised at the carnage Karl caused. Bodies were scattered around, but Morgan wasn’t among them.

  “I don’t see her anywhere,” Mara said, gazing at Aspen.

  The Watcher lifted her right hand and pointed past her. Mara turned around, noticing a trail of blood leading into the woods. She swallowed her nervousness and began to follow the trail. The Watcher accompanied her.

  “Morgan?” Mara called, but got no reply.

  “I can sense her ahead, though her vitals are waning,” the Watcher said.

  During their search, they discovered a gold and green dagger. They stopped and studied the blade.

  “There’s blood,” Mara said. The huntress had seen the dagger before. Kallikratés was responsible. She lifted her gaze to the dark forest path. The blood remained visible on the frozen ground. Mara rose to her feet as they resumed their search.

  “Morgan, where are you?” Mara called again.

  The lack of replies wasn’t a good sign. Morgan’s injuries had to be very significant. They wandered deeper into the woods, searching for her. The air was still as the snow fell in silence. Then a weak moan drew both of their attention. They looked ahead and found someone laying on the ground.

  “Morgan!” Mara cried, running to her.

  Morgan was barely recognizable. The black veil was removed, revealing very pale skin and black veins. Upon closer inspection, two vertical slits were found on her chest where the poison entered. Black ooze seeped from the wounds as well as her mouth. The snow was stained black around the fallen undying.

  The older woman stared up at the sky, appearing to be dead. She switched her gaze onto Mara and realized she wasn’t alone. “Oh, has the little wife returned to save her husband?”

  Mara looked confused, but shook her head.

  “No? Are you the sweet songbird who was silenced and driven to suicide?”

  Mara shook her head again. Morgan frowned.

  “What about the kind and caring herbalist, murdered by the villagers she helped?” Tears began to leak from Morgan’s eyes as she grew weaker.

  The Watcher looked at Morgan, then to Mara. “She is talking about Evelyn, Aria, and Madeline—the undying whose souls you absorbed.”

  Mara removed her hood and pulled down her mask. “No, it’s me. Mara,” she replied, glancing down at Morgan’s body. “I heard what happened.”

  Morgan watched her for a while before giving a weak laugh. “I’m afraid I underestimated Kallisto.” She coughed up some blood. “I don’t think we’ll be able to keep our agreement. Everything I worked for is gone.”

  The Watcher gazed down at the original undying. “She is dying.”

  “She’ll come back to life, right?” Mara asked. “She is an undying.”

  “It wants my soul,” Morgan said just above a whisper.

  Mara was baffled by her words. “What are you talking about?”

  “It took all my powers, and now it wants my life.” Morgan’s skin began to decay.

  Mara looked horrified. “What is it?” She surveyed the area around the original undying. “I don’t see it.”

  Morgan lifted her left arm, reaching for the huntress’ sword. “Kill me.”

  Unsheathing Nightingale, Mara gazed at the blade before looking at the older woman.

  “What about you?”

  “You must claim my soul,” the original undying insisted. “If my soul is lost, so shall all your hopes to lift this curse.”

  Mara gaped at Morgan. “What about—”

  “No, listen to me,” Morgan interrupted. “This is a fate I wouldn’t wish on anyone.” She confessed, “I wanted to be with Kratés, but we could never be together. I’ll let you in on a little secret. I once
planned to take the soul of Aazalith for myself.”

  Mara looked puzzled. “Why?”

  “I committed a sin by stealing the rose. The Thoron Sages wouldn’t help me, but I knew they wanted the soul back.” Morgan advised, “If you wish to be free of this curse, reclaim the soul of Aazalith. Trade it for the rose.” She looked around and changed the topic. “This is where I created the reincarnations. Casted Banish to free my soul from my own body, but I never meant to kill them.” Tears continued to fall from her eyes. “They captured me, and planned to send me back. I had no choice.”

  Mara gave a sympathetic look. “Morgan, it’s okay.”

  “No, it’s not,” Morgan argued. “I became a monster, the very thing people saw me as—a witch and a succubus.” Then, “I know you saw me take Karl. You must hate me.”

  Mara froze, then regained her composure. “No, I don’t. I made myself clear. My feelings for him are not as strong anymore. I lost so much because I loved him.”

  “Love… I tried to remind him of the love he once had. I wanted to save both him and Kratés, but I failed.” She struggled to breathe. “Please end it.”

  Morgan closed her eyes and lost consciousness. Her body was shutting down. Mara and Aspen knew she wasn’t going to last long. Taking Nightingale, Mara positioned the sword over her chest, ready to pierce her heart. Morgan released a loud gasp while the huntress put an end to her suffering. The original undying’s eyes were wide as a glowing orb emerged from her chest. When Morgan saw her soul rise from her body, a smile formed on her face. Tears poured from her eyes as she glanced back at Mara. It was over.

  “Save him,” Morgan whispered her last words, then closed her eyes forever.

  Death and decay reached her face. Morgan was reduced to a dried mummified corpse within seconds. Unlike the previous undying Mara slew, the original was unable to keep her human form. It was as if all her blood was drained away. Not only was it disturbing to see her body like this, it reminded Mara of the sealed undying. She reckoned the poison dagger was responsible for the state of the corpse. Mara glanced up at the glowing orb.

  “You did the right thing,” Aspen said. “Now, claim her soul.”

  Mara lifted her hand and touched the orb. It shot into her. The familiar jolt of pain and the scorching sensation returned. It was more intense than before. She collapsed and cried.

  Aspen held out her hand. “Are you okay?”

  Mara couldn’t hear her. She began to convulse. For a split second, she found herself standing in a vast meadow where wild flowers bloomed. Some of the flowers glowed in the moonlight. A sea of stars flooded the night sky. The moon was much closer, where every crater and detail could be seen. Large mountains capped with snow stood in the distance. A mysterious blue light sat on top of one of the mountains. Not too far into the forest was a little house obscured by trees. It was very similar to what Morgan had. Before the house was a woman in white—the same one Mara saw before. The woman didn’t seem to notice her while staring up at the moon. After a few seconds, she looked at Mara. She froze upon seeing the woman’s gaze on her. The huntress blinked a few times and the woman disappeared. She was back in the woods again.

  In the distance, someone approached them. At first, Mara couldn’t tell who it was since her vision remained blurry. As her vision cleared, she could see a man walking towards her. He stopped and kneeled down to pick up the dagger. Green eyes glared back at her. It was Commander White. He hid nearby and saw everything. He wore his commander’s garb. All of his weapons were in his possession.

  He began to approach them. Mara tried to get up, but was too weak to stand. Aspen stepped forward and stood between them, yet Commander White didn’t care. Seeing the look on his face, Mara knew he intended to kill them both. She took deep breaths while her right hand tightened into a fist. She pushed her hands against the frozen ground and forced herself to stand. As soon as she rose to her feet, a strange sensation rushed through her head. Intense vertigo almost made her collapse, but she remained standing.

  Without warning, her body took a step forward. Mara was stunned. No longer was she in control. Even Aspen took notice. Mara wanted to ask what was going on, yet couldn’t move her lips. Her body took a few steps forward and stopped. Her eyes remained on the commander, who was still approaching them. From the corner of her eye, Mara saw her right hand rise up, her palm facing inward. She kept her glare on him and closed her hand as if she were gripping something invisible. Another unknown force flowed through her.

  Commander White stopped and gripped the side of his head with his free hand. He hissed in pain while his face twisted in agony. She didn’t know what was going on.

  “Mara,” Aspen called to her, but Mara couldn’t respond.

  The commander removed his hand to reveal a bloody palm. Blood seeped from his ears. He looked back at her in bewilderment as his body trembled. Commander White dropped the dagger, then fell to his knees. He clutched his head and released a pathetic cry. His face grew more twisted with pain. It was an expression Mara had never seen since his abduction by Anna. He couldn’t bear it anymore and screamed. Tears leaked from his eyes.

  Mr. White showed up. The round nobleman saw them and approached. He expressed surprise and horror at seeing the raw emotion radiating from his ward. He gazed at Mara with a look of dread.

  “Are you doing this?” Mr. White questioned.

  “Mara, you need to stop,” Aspen told her.

  She understood their concerns, but couldn’t stop whatever was happening. Commander White’s screams intensified as he clutched his head tighter. His fingernails dug into his scalp as if he was trying to tear his head open. He stared back at Mara, his face remained twisted in agony. Tears spilled from his eyes and blood poured from his ears. Mr. White and Aspen looked back at her, begging and demanding for her to stop.

  Mara tried with all her might to regain some form of control. Her mouth trembled. “I… I can’t… control… my body.”

  The old man stared at her in shock. “What do you mean?”

  The Watcher stepped in front of her. “Thalia is taking over!”

  Glancing at Aspen, Mara saw her reflection in the visor. No longer were her eyes brown, but bright blue. Mara’s fears came to life! The small amount of control she regained was fading fast. She tried to focus, yet the sounds of the commander’s cries, and the shouts of Mr. White and Aspen blended together. It prevented Mara from concentrating. Everything spun around her like a whirlwind. She wished she could tell them to stop, but no longer did she have any control over her mouth.

  “Evelyn!”

  It went quiet. The force possessing her weakened and was replaced by another. Strong emotions of sorrow filled her mind. Mara wanted to cry, though she didn’t know why. Mr. White and Aspen stopped. All three looked at Commander White. He was on his knees. He removed his bloodstained hands from his head. There was a trail from his ears, down the sides of his face, and even down his neck. His clothes were stained. The commander raised his hands up and gazed at her with pleading eyes.

  “Evelyn, I’m so sorry!” More tears spilled from his eyes. “I never meant to hurt you. Please forgive me!”

  Mara stared at him in confusion. It was as if he were a different person. She wanted to say something, but couldn’t control her mouth. However, whatever possessed her could and uttered out a name.

  “Karl…”

  In an instant, Mara collapsed. Before blacking out, she saw Commander White also fall to the ground. He lost consciousness as well.

  Chapter Eighteen

  The Final Truth

  Mara’s eyes fluttered open on the morning of December 22. She groaned in pain, not wanting to get out of bed. Opening her eyes, Mara saw a familiar bustle dress.

  “Morgan,” Mara called. She knew this had to be either a dream or a paranormal vision. She blinked a few times, seeing Aspen standing before her. Mara gazed at her and groaned again. “That was awful.”

  “Which part?” Aspen asked. “The fe
eling of being set on fire or getting possessed?”

  Mara stared back at her, then glanced down at her body. At least she was in control. Bits and pieces of last night’s events came to her mind. Not only was Morgan the original undying, but she also possessed the last seal. Now all the seals had been broken. Aazalith’s awakening was eminent. She gazed out the window. Much to her surprise, everything appeared okay. Everyone went about their everyday business, unaware the great beast was unsealed. In truth, Mara thought the divine would’ve awakened by now and destroyed Ardana, but there was no sign of the creature. She looked back at Aspen.

  “How long was I out?”

  “All night and most of the morning,” Aspen answered.

  “My head is still pounding,” the huntress grumbled. Mara sat up, her body protested against every move she made. Looking down again, she discovered she was still dressed.

  “I brought you here,” Aspen said, “but I can see sleeping off the pain didn’t help much.” Mara lifted her gaze to Aspen, as the latter stared back. “I’ll admit I never saw this coming,” she told her. “To be frank, I didn’t know what to expect once you awoke, or if you would remain yourself.”

  The huntress thought about last night’s events. “I could feel Thalia taking over. Her power flowed right through me. I could only watch.” Mara thought about last night, recalling what happened to the commander. “Did I gain her power?”

  Mara looked at the crossbow sitting on the dresser. She lifted her right hand and tried to mimic Thalia. She focused for the next few seconds, but the crossbow didn’t budge. She furrowed her eyebrows, trying to move the object with her mind. After several moments of concentrating, the crossbow rose into the air and floated towards her. Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. It was working. The weapon was floating to her! Before she could reach it, Aspen stretched out her hand and grasped the handle. Mara watched the crossbow in confusion, then realized what happened. She didn’t move the weapon with her mind. The huntress stared back at the Watcher, growing very disappointed. Mara was misled into believing she gained psychic powers.