Delilah on her way back to the mansion is approached by Loki. "Oh my darling husband, are you out looking for that horrific beast?" says Delilah. She turns to look at Abbandon and winks her eyes; Abbandon looks to the ground. Delilah turns back to look at Loki. "Loki my love, I am a bit concerned about the sudden conditions of your father and stepsister," he says. Delilah was upset that Loki spent his day hunting a beast and when he first lays his eyes on her. He speaks of someone else. "My love I am pretty sure it is temporary, we will find a cure soon. This is my new servant Lucian; I found him wandering in the woods. I believe he was looking for work" Delilah says. Loki looks at the gentleman; he felt Lucian look oddly familiar. "Hello, your name is Lucian?" Loki says to Abbandon as he walks up to him. Abbandon looks at Loki and nods his head and then says. "I am also known by another name." Loki a bit curious asked the fellow he knows as Lucian. "What other name are you also known as?" Delilah promptly interrupts Abbandon from answering. "But he answers to Lucian." "I am also known as Abbandon" saying Abbandon as he keeps his head toward the ground. Loki looks at him and says "Well I like Abbandon better and enjoy your stay, you will have more company soon; Eliza is bringing in two more servants as well. I am not sure why we need all this help, but it is greatly appreciated. You will be paid dearly for your time". "Loki you mentioned Eliza is bringing in more servants, what on earth do you mean?" Says Delilah. "Bestla informed me that Eliza felt it was necessary for another male and female to help with your father and step-sister "replies Loki. Delilah apparently upset smiles at Loki and kisses him on the lips. Delilah replies "Maybe she feels she needs more help, a woman of her age shouldn't be carrying heavy items on like baskets of laundry." Loki looks at Delilah and wonders why he married her. Delilah notices his change in demeanor. She decides to manipulate him once more "A woman, who is as wise as she is, will always make the best out of a tricky situation." Loki agrees and tells Delilah he is retiring for the night. Delilah is still upset that Loki despite marriage has not opened up to her. She felt that since Amara was gone, he would change, but nothing had changed. His heart was still unclaimed by her. She believed in her spells, and that they were working, but apparently not good enough. Loki and his men walk away but not into the woods. They were all headed towards the farm. Delilah was concerned, he was not aggressive as before. He was not interesting in hunting. She felt maybe the beating Abbandon laid on him and his men, taught him an unsightly lesson. She wonders, if Loki is only with her cause he can't be with Amara. A sad truth that Delilah must face. "Abbandon, why did you feel it was necessary to reveal your real name? Are you trying to mock my words? If you are, it would be in your best, not to. You know what happened last time". Abbandon does not answer Delilah and wonders what he did to her to make her hate him so. He does not answer Delilah; instead, he tries to walk ahead, but Delilah wanting to lead, steps in front of him and says "If you get in the way." She is interrupted by Abbandon who says, I will not get in your way, Delilah, I will do as you wish". "I want you to remain silent, or I will make sure you do," Delilah says to Abbandon. His is filled with anger, but he knows, he must not show it.
Chapter 4 Amara the beast found?
Amara had to join in the journey of killing for food. She went fishing, but not as a beast would, but as a human would. Amara sat at the edge of the pond with a stick she had sharpened with other stones at the end. She also placed a bait at the end of the stick. She remembered her father had taught her at a young age how to fish. Her father was a man of adventure; he would probably be excited his daughter, Amara, was a beast. He would love the chance to tell anyone he knew a real life, Ogre. The memories of her father, mother and sister kept Amara at comfort. Amara had lost all hope that she will be human again. She had only memories. Each memory was bringing a tear to her eyes. Amara did not know there was a good fighting on her side. Eliza was who Delilah suspected; she was opposition to her. Delilah was not yet aware of the plans Eliza had in store. Simply passed on any allegations she had until Abbandon could show her proof. Abbandon had no evidence and days had passed.
Eliza was developing a plan of her own to bring Amara back into the castle, but she needed help finding her. Eliza was so sickened by the sadness over the whole palace. Everyone lived in fear of Delilah. All the servants would run to her command. She would scream if her food were not prepared as she liked. Delilah was a disaster. Eliza also felt the strain it placed on Oila. Eliza was far from the witch Demelza, she once was. She had graduated to another level. She was what you would call an Ordinator of supernatural. Eliza's job was to place wrong into right. Eliza decided to summon her confidant Hale. Hale was a smart looking man. He was mid-size height and cute as a little brother. When Hale made out his plan to the castle, he had already been well informed about Delilah and decided instead to find Amara before heading to the castle. Hale decides to leave all weapons behind that he felt might scare Amara, but he did take one weapon a bow and arrow which was covered in a sedative. Hale went into the wood calling out to Amara, at first Amara thought she heard things. So she just ignored Hale and decided it was all in her mind. Hale continue to walk through the woods. He decides not to call out to Amara any longer fear of giving away who the beast was. Hale follows a path that looks as if it was taken before. He also could smell a scent that seemed to lead to what he sensed was a pond. He walks up and sees a rather large ugly creature sitting at the edge of the pond. He began to laugh because this he was just could not believe it. "Can't be an Ogre fishing? Oh, no, tell me I am dreaming, this can't be, an ogre fishing, so you must be Amara" says Hale. Amara was frightened and responded with a loud roar. "Alright then, Amara I am here to help you. Can you follow me?" says Hale hoping he does not have to use his arrows Amara was not trusting of Hale but she decided to nod her head and follow him anyway. She was not trusting of him, but his heart was beating so steady, it did not appear that he was planning an attack. Hale decided to take a different path to avoid anyone following them. As he and an enormous beast, Amara began to walk. Hale heard a noise. To prevent the capture of Amara, Hale tells Amara to go ahead while he figures out the sound and smell. Amara did not trust Hale, so she decided to climb a tree, and there she saw a handsome gentleman dressed in servant's clothes. He looked as if he had taken the path before. Amara did not recognize him, but she did recognize his smell. He seemed to walk the trial like the half man and half beast she'd seen before. She wondered if it was possible, could he have been returned to human. She felt at ease a little at the thought it was possible to return to human. She was not at ease at the fact that this man was sneaking around in the woods. Amara decided to stay in hidden in the tree, but wanted to be closer. So she reached over and jumped to another tree. She was still hidden she sees the man approach Hale. She wonders if Hale knew the man or if he knew the man as a beast. "Are you looking for someone?" says Abbandon. "Actually was wondering why you were sneaking around in the woods. Are you looking for someone?" says Hale. Hale looks around to make sure that Amara was out of sight. He did not see her and proceeded to question Abbandon. As Hale walks toward Abbandon. He notices his heart beat is really steady. "What is your name?" says Hale. "I am known by many names, but Abbandon is my name "replying Abbandon. "Abbandon, you still have not answered me, why are you sneaking around in the woods? Are you looking for someone? Are you looking for me?" says Hale. Abbandon looked at Hale; he glanced around looking all around him. He wonders why this man would be looking for him. Finally he sees a glance what he came for. The camouflage of Amara, she was in a tree looking at them both. He decides to answer Hale. "I believe the one I seek has found me, "says Abbandon. Abbandon yells out "Do not fear me. I am not here to do harm. I wish to warn you. Delilah is witty, but soon I will have the upper hand. You will be returned". Hale does not want to distract Amara, so he pretends he does not know to whom Abbandon is referring to, "Who are you talking to?" Asked Loki. "Is there is anyone here other than I?" Abbandon refuses to answer him and walks back to the palace. "Rather a strange man. He
smells." Says Hale. When Abbandon reaches the palace, he finds that Amara and Hale were not far behind him. He is immediately questioned by Delilah. "Did you find her or what remains of her?" says Delilah smiling. Abbandon knew he should not lie to Delilah, but he should not tell her the truth either. "There are many beasts in the forest, Amara was not in my sight" Abbandon replied. "Good. Clean up we will be having supper soon" says Delilah. The happiness in Delilah's voice when Abbandon told her his truth. Abbandon did as Delilah said and prepared himself for supper. As he walks to the back where he lays, he sees Eliza and Hale motioning towards something in the woods. He looked again to see it was an Ogre following them both; it was Amara. He knew he could not say a word and he does not tell Delilah; Amara was in his sight in full view. Abbandon knew now that Hale was in the forest to find Amara. He does not believe Hale would harm her. He does not believe Eliza will harm her, but he has his suspensions about her. Abbandon wondered why Hale and Eliza were taking Amara into the bottoms of the house. He knows he mustn't keep Delilah waiting; it would only further her suspensions if she had any. So he decided to go ahead to supper and check on them later.
Chapter 5 The Protection Spell
"Allow me to introduce myself, Amara," says Eliza as she turns to look at an ogre who had the eyes of a beautiful woman. Amara was surprised the woman knew her name. Amara continued to listen to Eliza as she explained who she was. "Amara, I know it may be hard to trust anyone. But you have come this far" says Eliza. Amara still has not moaned or growled a sound. Hale looks at the Ogre and begins to see something; she has a spirit that he found mesmerizing. Amara was appealing, but you can tell the years in the forest has damaged all of her hope. To restore what little faith she had, Hale began to speak to Amara from his heart. "Amara, do you believe me when I say we are here to help you? We want to help you. Eliza here can change you back temporary until she can permanently lift the curse. You will be as I am. You will be human in the daytime, but on the full moon. You will return to a half woman and half beast. Like you are now, but you must stay away from anyone with a pure heart. Don't worry; you will return by dawn to human. My state is permanent. I am what you call a lycan" says Loki. Eliza was fascinated by the presence of Amara. "You are a remarkable beast, even with this body you are still beautiful. Let's not waste time. Let me get to work. I cannot change you back to your formal Amara, but I can turn you into another person. The only way her spell can be lifted is by Delilah herself or unless of course… nevermind that we will talk about later. Supper is almost over, and Delilah has been watching me and every move I make, your name will be…" Eliza was promptly interrupted by a sound. "Hurry! Hide her Hale! Someone is coming," says Eliza. Hale grabs one of Eliza's powder to become invisible and pours is on himself and Amara. Hales smells that awful smells and determines it is the man he saw in the woods. Hale places his hand over Amara's mouth because the powder will make you sneeze. Amara places her hand over his mouth, just to follow his lead. In a matter of seconds, they were gone. The spell only lasts for a few minutes. Eliza knew whoever this was; she had to get rid of them quickly. Abbandon walks into the cabin that he had not noticed before. "Who's goes there?" says Eliza. Abbandon walks into the cabin and says to Eliza, "Was your duty here more important than eating supper." Eliza puzzled by Abandon's question asks him "what do you mean sir and who are you?" says Eliza. "I am known by many names, but Abbandon is my name." "You are Delilah's friend, the one hunting for the Ogre?" says Eliza "Hunting is not my quest, Delilah wishes to hunt and kill the beast for her own motives. Do you seek the creature for your own motives as well?" says Abbandon. Eliza was resistant to answer Abbandon's question because she knew at any second. The invisible spell would be lifted. Abbandon walks around in the unfamiliar place. He sees no threats or any signs of Amara. "Abbandon, I would like to be left alone. I have plenty to do?" says Eliza as she rushes Abbandon out of her quarters. Eliza knew Abbandon would not leave on his own. So to protect herself and the others. She decided to hypnotize him with a spell. Eliza knew that Delilah would sense it later, but could not risk wasting any more time with Abbandon. She used her magic to help take away the last few minutes from Abbandon. The only thing he would remember is their introduction, not a thing more. Abbandon heads back into the castle he was out in the woods speaking with Eliza, but he realizes he did not remember what was discussed. Immediately Abbandon was questioned by Delilah. He told her he was looking for the Ogre. He knew he could not explain his lapse, so he knew anything that mentioned the capture of the Ogre would excite Delilah. Delilah was excited he was out there looking, but she could sense there was a glimmer of magic on him. She decided to wait and catch a sample from his clothes later. As of now, she wanted to be closer to Loki.
Meanwhile Hale, and Amara began to appear back. "You two have been gone for over thirty minutes. How much powder dust did you use" replied Eliza. I believed I used enough, just this time Amara was with me" says Hale. "What does that have to do with anything?" says Eliza. "She has the power to control anyone's perception. It wasn't until she opened her eyes to see that Abbandon had left, the spell was lifted" replied Hale. Eliza at first did not understand Hale's explanation. She felt as though maybe he was under a spell. "Hale the only humans who have the power to control magic within magic are fairies," says Eliza. Eliza knew more but did not want to involve Hale. Hale looks at Amara and blows into the air around her. Eliza catches it. It releases this sparkle of light, much like a lighting bug. "So she is gifted surprising, she is in an ogre's body. Interesting" says Eliza.
"I am not sure what she is, she is a witch, she maybe more of a Fairy." Says Hale. Amara confused by it all looks at Eliza. Eliza knew that she could not change Amara back to her human form. She also could not change Amara to anyone else until a verbal agreement has been made. Fairies are in between good and bad magic. The can control it all, but no one can interfere with their magic. Eliza believed maybe Amara must be in charge to change herself back. There was also another issue, a treaty signed a long time ago, and Eliza knew she could not go against the fairy's deal. She must obey it even though she was not a fairy. Eliza turns and looks at Hale and Amara to explain her position, "I hate to disappoint you Amara, but if what Hale is saying is true. And if what I am seeing is true. I cannot perform the spell at this moment. Due to the delicacy, I will have to make a spell that will allow you and me to make a verbal agreement. Amara, there is a spell that can restore you back. Until you have learned your true nature. I will help you, if you will, in turn, help me. My request will not be addressed at this time. Give me two Sundays, and I will have the spell for you. Hale will you protect her. I have a spell to protect you, Amara and Hale from Delilah, but it will not work against Abbandon. After I have spoken the spell. You two need to leave at once. I will see the both of you on the second Sunday at noon, not a minute later". Eliza performs the protection spell and soon after Hale and Amara leave the cabin. Amara had imagined in her mind she would be someone else by now. She imagined seeing Loki once more. Even though he had betrayed her, she could only remember his love for her in her memories. Hale walks behind Amara. He is suddenly smitten with her nature. She is so trusting and innocent. She was gazing at the trees. With each step, she restored the beauty to the forest. He wondered why Delilah would mock Amara by making her an ungodly beast. Even though he felt the curse was a misfortune, he was happy to be in her presence. After all, he was lycan or werewolf, and he was not surprised he was taking a liking to her, but how could he. She was this chubby, hairy, long teeth, ferocious beast; with no beauty to her outside features at all. Her beauty was evident in her presence, her gentleness, and in her approach. He has not heard her voice but was eager to one day hear her voice. He was anxious to hear her speak so that he could be more mesmerized by her.
"Amara, I must say you are a sight" saying Loki. He notices that it makes Amara ashamed and she falls to the ground. He walks up to her kneels down, and touches her face. "No, you are beautiful, in every way," Loki says as he pull
s the beast from the ground. "I only said that because, I have not seen anything like you," Loki says as he looks up at the sky. "Hurry, I have to get you somewhere safe" Loki says. Amara's eyes seem to look confused. Loki notices her confusion and stops. "No, not from Delilah, I need to keep you safe from me." Suddenly Amara notices a change in Hale's heartbeat. It rushes to over a 100 beats per second. He begins to tear off his clothes. "Amara! Leave now!" Hale screams at Amara. Amara stands and gazes at Hale but she was not afraid. She was only interested in what was about to happen. Hales begins to grow hair on every part of his body. His head begins to spread. Amara feels threatened and rushes to a branch in the trees. Hales closes his eyes and lays on the ground. He is in pain. His skin begins to fall off as the hair appears all over his body. Amara can hear feel the pain Hale is in. It was like she was connected to him. She climbs down, Hales still in half human form. Screams "Amara leave me! Leave me!" Amara did as Hale requested. She was tormented by his change. Within a few seconds her the cute Hale was a big, four-legged, animal with a horrible appetite. Amara was in horror. She wonders, was this the opportunity Eliza was offering. On a full moon, she would roam the woods looking for food. The pain Hale was in, was this what she had to look forward to for the. If it was, she was not willing to go from what she is to what Hale is. He frightened her after he was almost entirely changed. It was as if he could not control what he would do to her.
Chapter 6 Rude Awakening
Purloined Beauty Page 3
