by Isu Yin
“Nothing,” she said, laughing off her surprise. “I think I’m just tired. My work runs very late.”
He leaned forward, almost so closely their noses touched. “You’re lying.”
Her heartbeat accelerated as she felt the warmth radiating from his skin, and she momentarily lost herself in his gaze. For once, she saw nothing in another person as they locked eyes. Even so, she felt something tugging at her. “I think I should return to the brothel. I’m not feeling well.” Escape seemed the only viable solution. She threw off the covers and swiftly walked past him towards the closed door.
“Lady Fate.”
She stopped, but didn’t turn around. Her stomach dropped at the sound of his voice. Reason warned her not to look back, and if she had been thinking clearly, that would have stopped her, yet she overruled reason with curiosity and stole a glance at him.
Hero’s body exuded the same flecks of dust that had plagued the labyrinth in her dream. It was like dry blood caught in the wind. The dark haze produced a suffocating film throughout the room.
Miasma?
She stretched back her hand to open the door, and thought of her brother, who spent every moment of his free time mingling with the person before her. Instinct struck and warned her to escape, to find her brother and tell him of the danger he was in.
Hero stepped up to the door, using one hand to grip the side of her neck. He turned his head and spoke into her ear. “You can see me.”
She shifted her eyes towards him and clenched the wall for support. Even she felt her pulse beating against his hand, and there was no way to feign composure. She choked down a quiver in her voice. “Of course, I can. What are you saying?”
“You’re a terrible actress.”
She swallowed hard. “I thought it was strange.... I’ve always wondered why they lock you up in this place. Now I understand. They were never trying to protect you. They were trying to protect others from you.”
“In the words of the Council.... I’m tainted.”
“I suppose you’re going to threaten me?”
He stepped away from her wearing his ‘U’ smile. “It shouldn’t be necessary.”
Shouldn’t be. We’ll see.
She refused to break so easily. “I’m going, but I’ll be back.”
“If you’re around me, you’ll die,” he said, returning to his blank stare.
“I know. That’s why I can’t leave Abyssus by your side.”
He twisted his mouth. Even though he had the opportunity to stop or kill her, he remained completely still as she left the infirmary.
As soon as she exited, she found Abyssus waiting in the hallway.
He waved and greeted her back with a dimpled grin. “Oh, sis! You’re back. How are you feeling?”
She led him by the hand and around the corner. After checking to see if Hero was nearby, she whispered, “May I see your hands?”
“Of course. Why?”
She turned over his hands and inspected them for some time. They were like her own, covered with some kind of white sparkling dust. She raised her gaze to examine the rest of her brother.
The miasma collected around him like flies on a corpse.
She wrapped an arm around him to draw him closer. “You’re going to think I’m crazy, but listen to me. Hero is tainted.”
“How do you know?”
“It’s his hands. After I woke up from the dream, I started seeing this red dust. His hands were pitch black. When I tried leaving, he confronted me. Somehow, he could sense that I saw through him.”
Abyssus put a hand on her arm. “Don’t tell anyone.”
“What?” She stepped away to see his face again. His expression was so grave, so dark it evoked a single answer from her. “You knew?”
“I’m sorry,” he said, averting his gaze.
“How long have you known?”
He sighed deeply. “Since I met Hero. As soon as we started to get close, he tried pushing me away. I made a choice to stay with my friend, a choice I’ll never regret.”
“I knew you were reckless, but this is too much. What will happen if you die? What will happen to Firmus and me?”
“It’s not you two I’m worried about.”
Her heart wrenched. The words sounded so cruel, she couldn’t believe her brother spoke them. “You’re not worried about us?”
“That’s not what I mean. It’s complicated, but Sis, if you jus—”
“No more, Abyssus. You’ve betrayed my trust. I need time to think. Alone.” Without another word, she pushed her way past him and left the palace.
Fate lay awake all night, and in the morning she still couldn’t decide how to feel about Hero and Abyssus. Her brother had never explained that Hero was tainted. He’d sent her running blindly into battle from the moment they met.
Over and over, she asked herself, why did he do it?
The obvious answer was that his bond with Hero meant more than she’d imagined; it just didn’t seem to be enough of an explanation.
The next possible answer was that it had something to do with the Rebellion. Hero’s status meant a lot, and not just to the resistance. As a member of a lost family and successor of the Capital throne, many of the higher powers considered his life more valuable than those he’d infect.
Fate decided the only way to know for certain was to speak with Fortuna, so when the sun rose over the rooftops, she headed to the hearth room.
The Madam sat reading her usual papers until she noticed Fate standing beside her. “You’re up early.”
“We need to talk.” Fate sat down and pulled her knees to her chest. “Did you know that Hero’s tainted?”
“How did you find out?”
“We played a game called Rota Fortunae and I started seeing strange things—things... not of this realm.”
Fortuna pulled her pipe from her robes and bit down on it with considerable force. “You opened your eyes to the Abyss. That is not a game.”
“It’s not?”
After lighting the pipe with a match, she exhaled and smoke spiraled around the room. “This is just my wild interpretation, but it’s possible that he wants you to know.”
“Why?”
“First ask yourself why you reached out to him for help. Maybe he’s not so different. The Tainted are a peculiar group. Sometimes their true intentions are unclear when they’re shrouded by miasma. It’s a spiritual pollutant, so it can cause the mind to do strange things.”
Fate still hadn’t considered all of the stories Hero had shared. He’d stated several times that she wasn’t getting the message, and she still failed to see what he meant to convey.
Fortuna blew a stream of smoke from her lips. “Your situation reminds me of that story from your performance.”
“Sands of Time?”
“Right. Didn’t Solaris and Ulnaire have to work together in order to survive?” She sounded brilliant, except....
They were discussing someone tainted. “Surely, you realize that Ulnaire died,” Fate said, narrowing her eyes.
“I’m not suggesting that you die. All I’m saying is that people have already died and they will continue to do so, unless we find a way to contain the miasma or stop Hero from spreading it.”
“That’s what they’re doing, containment. That’s why he’s locked up, right?” She reflected on her brief encounter with Hero through the window of the palace. It had misled her to believe that he was more sensitive than he turned out to be, or maybe she simply misunderstood—she wasn’t sure yet. “I would think that he wants me to get him out of the palace, but couldn’t he just leave? His father is rarely home, and Hero is far more powerful.”
“It’s not just Niteo. We’re also keeping him in.”
“Then why does he think that I can get him out?”
Fortuna chuckled. “Perhaps you don’t realize it, but you hold greater influence with the Rebellion. It’s the benefit of having good will.”
“Wait, is Hero part of the R
ebellion?”
Fortuna nodded slowly. “I know it’s difficult to believe. His mother was a crowned jewel and a very good friend of mine. I can’t let Hero die, even if he is tainted.”
“So, are you telling me to accept that the people around him are going to die?”
“I’m telling you that you have no right to complain until you’ve tried playing your part.” Fortuna’s golden eyes blazed. “And if you should decide to turn against him, you will be turning against me as well.”
“You’re all mad. How long have you been exposed to miasma? Are you sure you haven’t lost your bearings?”
“Even if I had, my loyalty to Elaine and the Rebellion is true.”
“What if he killed her?”
Fortuna raised a shoulder and in her silkiest tone replied. “It seems you stand with the Council in these matters.”
“Praise be.” Fate covered her mouth with one hand. “They think he killed her, don’t they?”
The Madam stood and gathered the front of her gown. “The choice is yours, Fate. I have raised you like my own daughter. I would sincerely hate to hunt you down.” The fabric trailed behind her as she left.
Fate hesitated to answer the question, even for herself. She needed to meet with Hero again to fully understand his intentions. The situation provided little time to contemplate her choices, especially when Abyssus had been touched by miasma.
If only she’d been able to see it sooner....
As she completed her chores, she reflected on her life in the brothel and the deception by the only mother she had known. Fate had grown up trusting in Fortuna and Abyssus more than anyone, and now wavered knowing they had lied for so long.
These thoughts caused more unease and sorrow than she knew how to process, and she sat back from wiping the tables in the dining hall. A sigh escaped her lungs as she rubbed her face.
The brothel had shown her so much of the ugly side of society, she thought she could handle anything the world tossed at her. After Myrna left, Fate assumed the role of the eldest and buried her emotions under the façade of a strong and reliable sister.
The younger girls needed stability and, because Fortuna kept Fate so close, Fate had felt obligated to be as levelheaded and nurturing as possible.
All this time, I thought I had prepared myself for the future to come. I never could’ve conceived that my closest family would deceive me like this.
She left most of her chores incomplete to pay a visit to Nitor Palace. It seemed pointless to dwell on these matters alone. She preferred to move forward without hesitation. If she had ever wallowed in her sadness for too long, she’d never have accomplished anything.
The guards didn’t give her the same inspection as they had previously, and the servants still tended to their duties in the front hall, unconcerned with her arrival.
Shortly, Lara discovered her and griped, “Oh, it’s you.”
“I beg your pardon. I was hoping to meet with Hero.”
“I’m sure.”
Fate’s body rushed with adrenaline, and her head spun as she tried to wrangle her irritation. “I don’t have time to stand here with you. Do you or don’t you know where he is?”
Lara crossed her arms. “How interesting that the real you should come out to play when he’s away.”
Fate skipped the formalities. Whenever her brother’s safety hung in the balance, she easily lost composure. Without intending to, she released her pent up anger and threatened, “If something happens to my brother, you’re the first one I’ll come after.”
Lara’s lip trembled. “Prince Abyssus was supposed to visit today, but he didn’t show up, so Hero went looking for him.”
I need to calm down.
“I’m... sorry. I don’t know what got into me.” Her head buzzed from the surge of wrath, but she regained her bearings after a moment and questioned her illogical response. By then, the space before her was empty—not even the scent of Lara lingered.
If Hero was looking for Abyssus, he went to Macellarius.
Fate left through the back doors and took the path to the hedge between the two palaces at the far left side of the yard. She’d never dared try to cross without permission, not until that day. Her fear for Abyssus drove her through the tangle of branches into the yard at Macellarius Palace, just as it had during childhood.
It was still—too still. All traces of Mortis had vanished from the area, including his patrol team.
Fate traveled farther in towards the dining hall entrance, where the doors sat ajar. She slipped through the opening undetected.
A rattling din coursed through the celebration hall as she entered deeper into the palace. The first thing to catch her eye was the spectacle of Hero spinning through the air and, either by chance or skill, landing on the balls of his feet.
Mortis charged, each step causing a thundering reverberation. He threw his weight behind several staggering strikes, unable to hit his evasive opponent.
Hero upheld his composure and pace with rapid, swinging movements. He wielded two small blades as he jumped smoothly away from Mortis’s advance.
Hero’s battle face was cold, distant even. His eyes tracked Mortis’s movements, foreseeing his next intended assault.
They moved back and forth through the hallway, evading each other’s attacks.
Mortis clawed at the air, shouting furiously.
Hero swung over Mortis’s colossal arm and onto his back. It appeared the battle might end, as Hero kept still and focused with his blade pressed closely to the nape of Mortis’s neck.
That was not the case, as Mortis picked him off and effortlessly flung him across the hall.
This time, Hero’s skill was certain, as he caught his balance before making contact with the ground and instantly jumped back into battle.
Fate stood back, awe-stricken by their speed and skill, understanding how and why Hero had won the Astor Tournament. He may have been small, but he possessed and indisputable skill. Despite her admiration, she debated whether Hero should make it through the battle. If he lived, many more people would die, and yet....
Does he really deserve to die?
She crept towards the staircase, watching the battle to ensure Mortis didn’t charge her.
When she reached the staircase, Hero glanced at her to confirm she was there and then, just as quickly, returned his attention to Mortis.
Abyssus and Firmus rounded the corner at the top of the stairway, stopping short as Abyssus met Fate’s gaze. Their moment didn’t last long, for the instant he noticed Hero and Mortis, he dashed down into the main hall.
Firmus and Fate rushed after Abyssus, and each pulled him back by an arm, but it was too late to turn back.
Mortis had seen them and his focus for termination had already been altered.
Firmus and Fate dashed to one side, and Abyssus towards Hero.
Mortis had two choices to make, and he chose to chase Abyssus.
Hero sprinted towards Abyssus, and the two of them slid to a stop as they drew closer and ducked away from Mortis’s reach.
Firmus bounded after, attempting to hinder Mortis’s movements with a leaping strike. They wrestled each other to the ground, swathed by flames.
Hero and Abyssus fled to the opposite side of the hall, looking back at the remaining members of the group.
Fate watched them argue from a distance. She knew her brother well enough to expect that he’d never leave them behind.
He stayed by the hallway as Hero rejoined the fight.
By then, Firmus had been wounded. He staggered, holding his arm.
Mortis teetered out of the fire, marred and scorched, but nothing stalled him. No force in nature seemed capable of putting a stop to his bloodlust.
Hero cut Mortis across the cheek as he darted out of reach.
Pieces of skin tore away from Mortis’s face, oozing with blood; nonetheless, he continued his stride. He reeled his massive body around to knock Firmus back while reaching out for Hero.
What is wrong with that man? Will nothing stop him?
Fate stepped closer to her brother and pulled his arm. “Abyssus, we have to go. If we leave, we can get help.”
“I can’t! I’d never be able to live with myself if something happened to them!”
She recalled the day she ran away from the brothel. Her brother never listened, not for his safety or hers. His stubbornness and loyalty scared her more than ever. “You never listen to me! We can’t do anything here!”
He lifted out one hand towards the fight. “Yes, we can.”
The shadows around the main hall raised and shot out into tendrils that pierced through Mortis’s arms and legs. His body lurched to a stop as he brought forth a wrathful scream.
Hero and Firmus closed in for the final strike. Their hands extended out towards Mortis, drawing closer and closer in a prolonged swing.
Fate blinked before they made contact, and her eyes readjusted to the miasma in the hall as it spiraled towards Mortis’s limp body. “Get away!”
Mortis’s hand tore out of the shadows, snapping his bones as he writhed free from the force of the darkness. He gripped Hero by the throat, slammed him to the floor, and prepared to strike with one of the fallen blades.
Fate’s body froze as she watched Mortis knock Firmus against a pillar and advance in the final assault against Hero.
Does he deserve to die? Does he really deserve to die this way?
A blur of darkness moved past Fate’s line of sight and the blade pierced through her brother’s abdomen.
Everyone stood still, their mouths open as Mortis shoved Abyssus to the side.
Fate drew back a long breath, catching her voice on a cry for her brother, who was but a mere afterthought to Mortis. Darkness expanded from her body, then the room expanded, and before realizing what was happening, she stood before Hero. Upon impact, her darkness splashed into the room, enveloping everything it touched.
The ceiling shrank and her body shuddered.
Then there was nothing.
Fate jolted up, wracked with stabbing pain throughout her body. She coughed violently and rolled onto her side. Once again, she awakened in the infirmary, blinded by light.
