"Someone knows where they are?" says Delilah. "They are taking me for a fool, and I will not have it!". Delilah decides to round all the women and Hale up again this time for interrogation. Delilah feels if she uses her magic, she can find out where Loki is and if Abbandon is with him. Delilah uses her power to ring that loud ratchet bell. It irritates everyone every time she rings it. All the servant hear Delilah screaming "Get in line! Get in line!" they all run to get in position once more. Amara has just finished her chores but wanted to stop in to see her mother and sister. She had not seen them all day. She runs to her sister's room. She was not there. All her clothes and belonging lay still as if she had not been there in days. Amara thinks maybe they are all in her mother and stepfather's room. She turns and rushes across the hall. She opens the door. Not a soul was in the chamber. Amara walks in and begins to call out. "Mother, Oila, Abbe." No one answers she walks over to her mother's bed to grab a piece of linen to smell. Her mother's scent was in the room as well as Abbe's. Amara wonders where they could have gone. She sits down on the edge of the bed. She looks down. She sees a white piece of paper. I had Delilah's name written at the top. Before Amara could read it in its entirety. She is interrupted. She grabs the paper and pushes the pen under the bed. "Aurora Madam Delilah is asking for you," says the girl servant. "Where are the other occupant? Abbe, Oila, and Bestla?" saying Amara. The servant girl looks at Amara with a very questionable look and says "There are no other occupants." Amara knew she must hold back her tears as she followed the girl out of the room. She wondered what happened to her mother, sister, and stepfather. She wondered if the letter she found on the floor would deliver her answers. She hoped so desperately there was some truth in what she was thinking. Amara placed herself in line with the other girls. Hale had not arrived and Eliza was at the front of the line. She wanted to move to be next to her but was more relaxed where she was. She had the letter and did not want Eliza knowing anything about it. "You are all responsible. I hold you all responsible for the disappearance of Loki and Lucian. If you were all doing your job, this would not have happened. I plan to find out what you all know" says Delilah. She walks up to Eliza but suddenly moves away from her. She approaches the next girl in line. Each girl is scrutinized and yelled at. Delilah finally gets to Amara, and as she begins Hale approaches. Suddenly she looks at Hale and says "Where have you been?" Hale did not answer at first, "I was out in the wood Madam" Hale says. Distracted by Hale, Delilah walks toward Hale to question him more. "Hale knew he had to think of something quickly, so he knew he had to reference the beast. " I was looking for the beast," says Hale. Delilah storms toward Hale and says "THERE IS NO BEAST." Amara wonders why Delilah would assume there was no beast, Amara wonders if Delilah knew there was no beast because the beast was now a woman. A woman who is standing three steps away from her. "THE Beast is not your problem; it is mine. To you my weak, frail little boy… be less concerned with the beast. Be more concerned with ME!" says Delilah. Hale stood in place but gives an eye to Eliza who was looking at him and Amara. Everyone felt the strain of Delilah's unpleasant behavior. Amara could not take it any longer. She had held it in long enough. "Where are the other occupants Bestla, Oila, and Abbe? Their quarters are empty". Delilah walks slowly to Amara. She stands in front of her and stares into her eyes. "They are all dead," Delilah says as she storms off. Amara burst into tears and runs off. Eliza motions to Hale to comfort Amara. She did not want Delilah to catch a glimpse of Amara's reaction. Delilah had already caught a glimpse of Amara's reaction and she was pleased that Amara was in so much pain. Delilah knew there was something familiar about Aurora and now she was certain who Eliza was, and happy Amara was right where she wanted her. Now she needed to bring Abbandon, Loki, and the rest of the family back, so her plan can be full in effect. Eliza was concerned and did not understand where the rest of the family could be. She went around searching the palace but they were nowhere in sight.
Chapter 9 The Return of the lost
Loki and Abbandon awake and find themselves in a familiar land "This witchcraft. This is not where I laid before" says Loki. Abbandon hears Loki's rambling and opens his eyes to see they were in familiar lands. Abbandon knows Loki is right; it was witchcraft and he knew just the witch that was behind it. Abbandon wondered what Delilah's plan was. He knew he should not hesitate, and picked himself up and began to walk on the trail toward the palace. Loki followed him as they continued to walk, they both smelled this Lavender Vanilla scent that seemed very familiar to Abbandon. Abbandon continues to follow the trail and they were met at the end by Delilah. She was waiting for them. Abbandon knew it was she, but did not want to alarm Loki who was walking around sniffing the air. Loki was shocked, he did not understand what was going on, but only whatever it was. Each time Delilah is always in the middle. "My dear husband. Oh I have missed you" says Delilah. Loki was merely tired of her and all the wicked things that came with her. He walked by her and slowly staggered. "Lucian, please help Loki in. I have a surprise for everyone" Delilah amuses herself so much, she does not even notice that Loki is not even the slightest happy to see her. Loki was confused and the last he remembers was laying on the ground gasping for his life with Delilah crying over him. He feels odd and the smell of any human arouses him in a way he could not explain. The smell of sweaty skin aroused him more; it made him hungry it made him want to eat. Abbandon senses Loki losing control as he weirdly eyes one of the servants. "You are drawing near the unfamiliar. I am here with you but you must focus on who your thirst is for" Abbandon says. Loki snaps himself into it when he sees who is making him hungry or what he wants to eat. His is sickened to his stomach at the thought of devouring a human but there was a thirst for it that was growing and growing. Eliza was watching out of one of the hallway windows. She feels this strong feeling and she knows that Delilah knows who she is, but knew she much contain herself. She was even more puzzled to see Abbandon escorting a Loki staggering into the palace. She knew her hands were about to be full. "Eliza," says Bestla. Eliza turns to see Bestla, Abbe, and Oila all standing in the halls faintly looking. "We need water," says Oila. They all appeared as though they were locked away from everyone with no food or water for days. Eliza did not understand how they could have been gone; she did not even remember them leaving. She was concerned about them when she could not locate them in the palace. Eliza was confused her magic had failed her, and she was afraid she was walking right into a trap. Eliza and two other servant girls grab Abbe, Bestla, and Oila. They were all escorted to their quarters. Eliza knew that Amara would need to be with her family to lift the curse. Eliza calls for another servant to aid with Bestla while she went searching for Amara. Eliza was afraid that Amara was in danger. "That smell, it is getting me. I have no idea what is going on with me" says Loki. Amara walks toward Loki she notices his heart is beating rabbit speed. She looks at his eyes, and they were no longer as they were before. They were darker with red around the iris. His eyes had looked similar to Hale's before he transformed into the werewolf. Amara was not frightened but knew that bringing Loki and Abbandon there was a big mistake. Amara needed a distraction because Loki was staring at the servants as if they were his meal. "Sir, would you like some water?" says Amara. As she walks up to them both with a little bucket of water in her hands. Loki politely stares at Amara. He is curious as to who she is; Loki asks "Who are you? I have not seen you before". Amara has planned this encounter in her head over and over. She was a loss for words and before she could say a word. Delilah comes towards them "Little servant girl, is there a problem?" saying Delilah. Amara notices how Delilah had changed and it finally hit her. Delilah always wanted what she had. Ever since they met, Delilah manipulated every encounter to steal everything that would make her happy. Amara knew that Delilah was an evil being and was not about to let her have power over her. Amara replies "No Madam Delilah; I was offering these gentleman water. They seem worn out". Delilah was smitten with Amara new way of concealing her thoughts. She was hoping a tear
or something that would show pain, but there was nothing. She decided to push the envelope more. "Allow me to introduce you. This is my husband Loki; you remember they went missing after a horrid, awful beast attacked them" says Delilah. Amara now knew that Delilah was trying to bait her. "A beast in these lands, I wonder what kind of sorcery commanded that. I believe what a person conjures is a reflection of the horrible person they are on the inside, do you agree? One would find it refreshing." says Amara but before she could finish. Delilah upsets storms off. "Bring them inside now! Aurora you can go clean up the horse stable. You might find that refreshing" saying Delilah with an evil laugh. Aurora did not mind cleaning. It was her duty at the palace way before any servants had come. "Eliza, you have startled me," says Amara. Eliza had come in behind Amara. "We must change you back now. Delilah is not the same, and I am afraid my plan will be torn to shreds if you remain here" says Eliza. "What do you mean? You said two weeks." Replies Amara. "She knows who you are. The way you were upset, yesterday must have triggered her. She is planning something Amara. I do not want you or your family to get hurt" Eliza says. Amara disappointed looks at Eliza. "You are afraid because you did not change me. What are you up to Eliza? Why are you here? Who are you?" says Amara angrily. Eliza looks at Amara shaking her head. "I did seek you out, and it was I that made you change to human but not so quickly. The spell needed time. You must understand, Hale must not know what I am about to tell you" pleads Eliza. "Who are you? Why did you come here? What deceit are you hiding?" saying Amara. Eliza was not ready to reveal who she was. Eliza now knows that Amara can spot her deception. Eliza unshielded herself. When she was done, she was Demelza. Amara did not understand. "Who are you? What are you? You still have not answered me" saying Amara, as she drops the bucket of water on the stables ground. There were no horses, but Amara could feel the rush of horses in the stable. "Who are you?" saying Amara again as she notices the one gray eye that was eerily staring back at her. Demelza did not answer. She moves her hand and speaks this spell "Ou! out! Out! Return this beauty into her what was once cast upon her" saying Demelza. Amara feels this familiar sensation her skin begins to tickle as hair began to grow. Her back began to curl and her bones grew. As she whelped, she could hear her voice growl out. She was no longer Aurora. She was becoming the beast, the ogre she once was. Amara was angry on the inside because she trusted Eliza. She trusted her but she was angrier at herself because she did not trust her instincts. "I am sorry. You must hurry back into the woods" saying Demelza as she changes back into Eliza. Amara now in pure ogre form growled and screamed. "You must be silent, Amara if they hear you. Loki will kill you. Leave now" Eliza says.
Amara was angry and could not stop the screams. She yells once more and then retreats into the wood. As she runs, she frightens most of the servants who were outside. They all scream in horror. They all seem to believe this beast was the one who attacked Loki or Lucian. Amara could feel all of them. She was ashamed and hurt. She felt betrayed by Eliza and she did not understand why she would do this to her. Amara was returned to what was lost, but not to what was stolen. Amara wanted her beauty back. She wanted her life back, but as she ran, she felt it could never be. "Loki did you hear that" saying Delilah. "Yes, is it the beast? Has it returned? We must leave at once! Round up my men. I must find it and kill it. Before anyone else gets hurt" saying Loki as he round up his clothes and sword. Delilah who was lying in bed smiles but decides not to aid Loki in his quest to kill Amara. Well, she did not want her dead just yet. "Loki please allow Lucian to search for her. You need rest" saying, Delilah. Loki did not want to lay and sleep. Especially after Delilah has just revealed the beast was a she. His heart was beating so fast, and he was looking forward to the hunt. He so desperately wanted to kill something that was living. He did not understand why, but his reason did not matter. He wanted to kill the beast. Loki knew that Delilah would not allow him to leave without harassment, so he decides to lay and rest, that is until Delilah leaves to tell Lucian to search for the beast. As planned Delilah left the room in search of Lucian. Loki walks toward the window. He can feel his heart beating. It is faster and faster. He hears the beast scream once more. So Loki jumps from his bedroom window onto the ground and heads into the woods.
Chapter 10 Delilah is Queen and Amara is the Beast
Amara was upset but nothing could prepare her for what was about to happen next. Amara was once a fun loving girl. She was sheltered, but none of that seemed to matter. She was able to sneak out and visit into town when she wanted. She was free to roam the palace, the woods, and the common lands. It seemed now she was confined to the forest. It tormented her; she could never be seen as the woman, Amara ever again. Amara felt she needed to give into the wild forest and become what it called her to be for so long. Amara decided her first test was to kill an animal and eat it. She was so sad to do so but knew this is the only way she will survive. Amara wondered through the woods looking for a smell. She was racing through to the waters, and there was no sign of a rabbit, squirrel, or any other animal. The only animals that allowed her big pawed hands to grab it was the fish. Amara begins to feel like someone was watching her. As felt like she should hide, but she knew that she must not hide any longer. They will never stop hunting her. She walks to the edge of the water and lets out a huge growl. Whatever it was Amara wanted to be ready, but she knew that she did not have the heart to kill. Even if it needed to be done to protect her own life. Amara decides to growl again this time showing all her teeth hoping this would frighten whoever this was watching her. Instead, a big half man and wolf approach her letting out a huge growl. Amara did not want to give in but she knew this was going to be a fight, a fight she was not sure she was going to win.
Meanwhile, the town's people all came into view the changes Delilah has made to the palace. They all had already met with King George and Queen Milla. They were not too happy with the fact that Delilah was gaining such attention after announcing herself as Queen of the common lands. Delilah had changed the palace to appear as a huge castle. One that fit her, dark, gloomy, and wicked. She sat in her chair as each person came in shock looking at them, noticing this was not the same place it was before. A woman in the crowd was upset. She was shocked that Delilah was flaunting this as though it were true. "This is a mockery of King George and Queen Milla. You are no Queen. You are of no royal blood. You are closer to a servant. You need to kneel down to the King and Queen of the common lands. You are a raggedy old witch JUST LIKE YOUR MOTHER!" says the woman as she approaches Delilah. Delilah was not amused by this outburst. She felt she was finally handed a person she could make an example out of. All the attention the woman caused made everyone in the room begin to scream" Yeah you are no Queen. WITCH! WITCH! WITCH!" they all screamed they chanted the word witch over and over. Delilah was not upset. She looked around and smiled at everyone. She knew she had the power to control each and every one of them. It did offend Delilah that they insulted her, but it hurt her more that they called her mother a raggedy old witch. Delilah's mother was perfect in her eyes. Upstairs Bestla and Eliza began to hear all the commotion. They closed Abbe and Oila door to prevent them from being disturbed because after all, it was approaching midnight. Eliza starts to worry that if she took Bestla with her, she might be harmed. "Madam Bestla, lie down for the night. I will see what all the fuss is about and try to calm it down. Abbe needs you, and you need to rest" says Eliza. Bestla was concerned but understood; she must rest. She had been gone for many days and did not understand where she was. All she wanted right now was to close her eyes next to Abbe and rest. "Eliza you are greatly appreciated. I will take your advice and sleep. Please give Delilah my love" says Bestla. Eliza nodded her head and went down the stairs. Eliza knew as time passed. She wondered when Bestla would begin to remember Amara. It seemed as time passed her love grew deeper for Delilah. The woman was responsible for Amara's disappearance. She knew Bestla was unaware of Delilah deceit, but as a mother, there must be some intuition. As Eliza was in deep
thought. Hale approaches her. "Eliza where have you been. I have searched for Amara everywhere. She is not here. I can't hear or smell her near. Where is she?" saying Hale looking into Eliza's eyes. Eliza replies "I do not know. Have you searched her sister's room? She may be with her." Hale was caught off guard. He has sensed something in Eliza he had never paid attention to before. "Eliza where is Amara?" he asked her again. Eliza knew her guilt was getting the best of her. She gave in and told Hale the truth. "She is in the woods. She went after I changed her back" says Eliza with tears in her eyes. "You coward! You brought her here, gave her false hope, only tear it all away. You were never going to reverse the spell. Why did you bring her here Eliza? It does not make sense." Hale storms off headed to the woods. Eliza wipes the tears from her face proceeds to walk down the stairs. When she reached the entertaining room. She was shocked to see that all people who had gathered there were all up in the air gasping for air. Eliza was terrified but she knew she had to risk exposing herself to Delilah. If she did not Delilah would continue to be out of control with no end. "Eliza, are you here for the show or would you like to join them?" says Delilah spotting Eliza at the end of the long aisle. Eliza knew now was her chance and it was the last chance she would have to do something right. She lifted her head, raised her arms, and a shower of clouds and smoke surround her. She walks out of it revealing herself as Demelza. Delilah was angry. "You! You killed my mother!" says Delilah. Demelza knew she had to move the others to safety. She could not at this moment, so she answered Delilah. "Let them go, and I will tell you what happened to your mother" Demelza replies. Delilah was ignorant to her response and continues to torcher the town's people. "Delilah put them down now!" continues Demelza. Delilah releases her hold on them and immediately Demelza shifts them all out of the palace and into town. She walks towards Delilah. "Not a step further. I knew there was someone else doing magic here. You have not made a move, which must mean I am too powerful for you" says Delilah in commanding voice. Demelza was analyzing her next step, looks all around noticing all the changes Delilah has made. "You have abused your powers. You have destroyed all that we have created. You have exposed us all the people of the land, just like your mother. You must be eliminated" saying Demelza. Delilah smiling says "Who shall eliminate me? It can't be you. You are too old and shabby to eliminate me. Be careful with your next words, I may grow tired and eliminate you "Demelza knew Delilah was right. She at her age was no match for Delilah. She knew the only way to defeat Delilah was to transfer her powers to someone Delilah would never expect. She knew her time here on this planet was not permanent in this form. "Did you know this land was sacred to all magic at one time. This land was for the protected. There was a treaty signed by her rotten mother with others like her to protect fairies. I wonder why she would do that. You, Delilah, my darling have opened up a whole storm of darkness to arise. You did this. You did this because your hatred for yourself blinded you. I hope to the heavens you will see the error in your ways, but now I must allow you to find it for yourself. You mother, she was just like you. They stopped her" saying Demelza. Delilah starts to whisper a spell, but she could not think of the words. "What have you done to me?" saying Delilah. Demelza did not say a word. She stood in silence. "You came here for what. Why are you here old hag?" saying Delilah. Delilah was growing tired of Demelza's games and wonder why she was using any magic on her. "Before I kill you, tell me what happened to my mother" saying Delilah. Demelza feared that her time was running out. She replies "Your mother was a very beautiful woman. She was not born a witch, or magician as you call her. She was born a fairy. She was born into a world of good and evil. Fairies are an impressive heritage. They possess good and evil powers. They are not right or bad they must remain in between. The reason they must stay in between, the things that your mother was doing would have exposed us to the humans. Dark magic has no gravity; you are so high, you can't return. Fairies have a different reaction to the exposure of pure dark magic if they use too much. They will destroy themselves. All this time, you were angry at me and thought I had killed Peeva. You did not know your mother died to protect you. Your father was instructed to keep you from dark magic's curse. You placed yourself at the top of the list when you turned Amara, a fairy princess into an ogre. Do you know how hard it was to keep this family away from dark magic? You, my darling Delilah need not worry about me or what I am going to do to you. Amara will handle you herself" Delilah was in disbelief. "I asked you to tell me what happened to my mother and you feed me this garbage about fairies and princesses and such. I am well aware of the consequences to dark magic" Delilah walks slowly closer to Demelza. "My dear, Amara is a weak little girl. She does not even have the power to kill for her own life. Her whole family is weak. Her father was killed in a war that no one in town speaks about because they are ashamed. They have hidden away because the town people felt sorry for them. Your stories bore me" says Delilah. She is close enough to Demelza now to grab her. Demelza did not stop Delilah because she grew tired of the fighting for what is right, which she had done her whole life. Delilah grabs Demelza by her neck. Delilah squeezed the Demelza by the neck. It seemed to Delilah she had the upper hand. The woman she felt was responsible for the death of her mother, was finally in her hands. Delilah was greedy for this moment, she was crushing the life out of Demelza, but Demelza began to smile. Demelza speaks words in a curse "My soul and spirit, all that has been in me, powers of good and evil, must return to the family of the being. All that is in me shall be with the family of the being" Demelza whispers as her life diminishing from her body. She smiles at Delilah and graciously touches her face, her hands falling apart turning into air. "My child you have no idea the pain, you have in store" Demelza whispers until there is no more of her. Delilah dusts her hands together and smiles as if she has won a battle. She was blinded by her vengeance. She was not prepared for the pain that was in store. Delilah felt she was invincible. She felt that no one could destroy her. Delilah was evil, and she had yet to realize she had destroyed the one person that could protect her.
Purloined Beauty Page 5
