“Aspen?” Mara asked in a weak tone. “What’s going on? Why are you here?”
After being stabbed by the Binding Dagger, the huntress shouldn’t be able to see the Watcher, yet Aspen stood before her.
“I broke through the veil,” the Watcher said. “So I could use my remaining time to show you.”
“Show me what?” Mara looked down at the dagger embedded in her chest and frowned. “It is over. They won.”
“No, they haven’t,” Aspen told her. “You can still win.”
“What are you talking about? I don’t have Thalia’s powers anymore.”
“You have something better,” the Watcher claimed. “Only a few knew you had it.” She took a step forward and raised her hand. “Let me show you.” As soon as Aspen touched Mara’s head, memories flashed before the huntress’ eyes.
Mara was strapped to an examination table in a sick room. She recognized the place as Hemal Clinic. It was the same night she killed Lady Isabella. No one was allowed in her room. However, Commander White ignored Dr. Simon’s warning. She saw him towering over her. The huntress remembered breaking free of her bonds and attacking him. She chomped on his neck and drank his blood. His screams echoed in her mind. After the attack, everyone looked at her in astonishment. Mara saw her reflection revealing a more human face.
Mara then found herself in a snowy forest in the dead of night. She was fleeing from Commander White and a group of Holy Blades. The huntress got him alone, and the two fought. She remembered this as the Black Smoke Incident. She was more than a match and defeated him. He was impaled into a tree while she approached and descended upon his lap. Mara gazed at his handsome face while caressing his flawless skin with cold fingers. She then ran her fingers through his thick hair before grabbing them and pulling down his collar. Exposing a spot on his neck, she sank her fangs into him. He screamed as she drank his blood. Then she saw her face in the commander’s armour. Colour returned to her flesh while her face grew fuller. Mara watched as she became human in her reflection.
At last, Mara found herself standing in Dr. Moen’s laboratory. It made her happy to see Allen, even though he died earlier this month. This wasn’t a memory of the huntress. The Watcher was also present, making Mara realize it might be Aspen’s memory. Looking back at Allen, Mara saw him doing some sort of experiment. They stood before a couple of vials filled with blood. One of them stood out for it was as black as night. Mara realized it was her blood. Taking the vial of black blood, Allen used a needle to extract a small amount. Then he took another vial with different blood inside. It had a label: K. White. Commander White’s blood looked unusual. It was sparkling with tiny sprites shining within. Allen’s notes had mentioned the high amount of magic present in his blood. Introducing a drop of her black blood, the tiny sprites of magic died in an instant. The commander’s blood looked normal within seconds. Both Mara and Allen were stunned.
“Mara, you can defeat them,” Aspen called out to her.
Mara glanced at the Watcher, seeing the latter’s gaze upon her.
“Wake up.”
***
The tingling sensation touched every nerve, bringing them back to life. The tingle turned into a scorching sensation. Fire rushed through her veins, pulling Mara back from the dead. Opening her eyes, she found herself still restrained. The basilisk blade remained in her body. She revived, but lost her human form. Mara began to struggle again. Her bonds had weakened enough so she could break free. With one of her arms loose, she reached for her neck and pulled on the bond. Now free from the restraining device, the huntress slumped to her knees. She glanced down at the dagger and reached for it. With all her strength, she pulled it out of her chest. Mara groaned in pain, but she removed the basilisk blade. She breathed heavily while gazing at the dagger, then threw it away. With the basilisk blade removed, she began to slowly recover. Although the poison had sapped much of her strength. The huntress looked back at Kallisto and struggled to her feet. Taking deep breaths, Mara limped towards her.
Kallisto was none too pleased. Her face twisted in fury.
“You!” Kallisto raged. “How dare you defy me?”
The huntress kept staring at the angry goddess as she came closer. No longer did she fear Kallisto. Sensing this, the goddess grew more angrier. She began to mock her.
“Look at her!” Kallisto announced. “Look how ugly she is!”
The followers murmured in agreement while others laughed. The commander folded his arms and glared at Mara. Ignoring their words, Mara kept limping towards Kallisto. The goddess saw this. Realizing the huntress was coming closer, Kallisto lifted her right hand.
“Be gone!”
The goddess unleashed a powerful force, knocking Mara down. The huntress cried out in pain as she hit the ground and skidded several feet away from them. By some miracle she remained alive, but suffered some injuries. Mara coughed up some blood and got up again. Everyone was surprised at her resilience. She should have been dead, but she refused to give up and let Kallisto defeat her. After struggling to her feet, Mara began to approach her again. Her body was in pain, yet she kept going.
Needless to say, Kallisto was furious. She was insulted by this creature’s insolence. How dare she defy the goddess? Kallisto raised her hand again, releasing another powerful attack. This time it was much stronger, throwing Mara into a wall.
The huntress shouted in pain while colliding with the wall. The impact was strong enough to cause damage; cracks formed on the ivory surface. Mara slumped to the ground, though remained alive. Everyone was baffled. Despite everything done to her, she wasn’t dying. Mara watched Kallisto and took deep breaths. She was in more pain. One of her ribs broke and her right leg was fractured, leaving her unable to stand. Still, the undying kept going. On her hands and knees, she crawled towards them.
The goddess was losing her patience. Even she couldn’t believe Mara withstood so much. Kallisto approached her until she was ten feet away from the undying. Determined to finish her off, the goddess raised her hand again.
“I will strike you down again!”
Mara glared at her with glowing wolf-like eyes. Dark blotches formed on her face. Opening her mouth, the huntress’ canines began to elongate as she released a low growl. All of a sudden, she launched herself at the goddess. Kallisto was about to unleash another attack, but the huntress vanished in a wisp of black smoke. She reappeared right in front of her, closing the distance. With a wide open maw, the undying aimed for the goddess. Before anyone could react, the huntress clamped her jaws on Kallisto’s right arm.
The followers stared in shock, their mouths agape. None could believe their eyes. Mara bit Kallisto! The queen watched in horror as this raggedy undead creature took a massive bite on her arm. The huntress held on tight while her canines penetrated the goddess’ flesh and drew blood.
“How dare you? This blasphemer assaulted me!” Kallisto yelled, trying to pull her arm away, but Mara wouldn’t let go. Enraged, the goddess began to hit Mara with her left arm. With a tightened fist, Kallisto bashed her face, trying to make her let go. Mara’s skin became bruised. Though no matter what she did, the huntress wasn’t letting go.
Mara responded by strengthening her bite. Her canines dug deeper, going down to the bone. They tore through veins, causing the goddess’ blood to pour down her throat. Her own blood was in her mouth as well, mixing with Kallisto’s. She could feel the magic coursing the goddess’ veins. It was now flowing into her stomach and spreading over her body. Every cell came alive, revitalized by the magic. It gave her the strength to heal. Every passing second, Mara felt stronger.
Kallisto kept hitting Mara until she noticed her arm. It began at the spot where the huntress bit her—the radiant beauty was fading as her skin withered. The goddess was shocked to see old age spread to her hand first, then the rest of her arm. Kallisto cried out in horror as she changed. Her luxurious blond hair grew thin and white. Deep wrinkles appeared on her smooth skin as large bags sat under her ey
es. Her nose grew wider while her skin became looser and hung from her face. The youthful beauty she had for so many years was gone within seconds.
The goddess switched her gaze onto the one responsible for changing her into an old crone. Mara’s face began to transform. The black scars closed up while her face grew fuller. Her skin went from a greyish tint to a healthy tan. She regained her human appearance, although she still looked like a beast with glowing eyes, dark blotches, and elongated canines.
Mara looked up at the furious face of the aging goddess. She siphoned all of Kallisto’s magic. The goddess was also exposed to the huntress’ blood. Right now it was wreaking havoc in her system. Kallisto released a loud cry, wrenching her arm away from the undying’s jaws. Mara stood up straight and watched her handiwork.
The damage was done. Without any magic, Kallisto was unable to heal the massive bite wound on her arm, let alone undo the damage the huntress did. The goddess felt her face, becoming aware of her loose and rough skin. Kallisto gazed back at her followers, seeing the shock decorating their faces. No one was laughing. They never saw it coming. Even Mr. White was stunned to see the most beautiful and powerful entity in the world be reduced to an old crone within seconds.
Commander White’s face contorted in horror, making Mara wonder what was going through his mind. It was an expression different from anything she had seen before. After all, the most devoted man witnessed his goddess’ utter and humiliating defeat. He looked like he was going to have a complete mental breakdown.
Speaking of mental breakdowns, Kallisto turned to the huntress with shock and horror. Mara looked back with wide glowing eyes. Blood was painted on the huntress’ lips and chin. She still couldn’t get over what just happened. All that youth, beauty, and god-like powers were gone in seconds! To be honest, it was satisfying to see the goddess like this. Kallisto’s loss had not only taken a toll on her body, but also her mind. The goddess looked daggers at her and began to hyperventilate, her face twisted in rage. Without warning, she lunged at the undying and screamed in her face. Mara was startled by the sudden outburst of raw anger. What did Kallisto hope to achieve by screaming in her face? Then she realized this was all the so-called goddess could do.
“You bitch!” Kallisto screamed in a hoarse voice. “You fucking bitch! What have you done to me?”
Mara grew annoyed. Scowling at the old crone, the huntress’ hand tightened into a fist. In one swift motion, she slapped Kallisto across the face. She hit the old woman so hard, Mara knocked her down. The followers gasped in distress. The Holy Blades grew wary, yet didn’t confront her. She would normally think twice before harming an old woman, but this was Kallisto—the same one who caused all of this. Mara looked down at the old crone while the latter glared up at her. The huntress tilted her head to the right. Lifting her right arm, Mara wiped the blood from her lips and chin. Her face reverted to normal.
“Such ugly language,” Mara said in a cold tone. “Then again, ever look in the mirror?”
Kallisto frowned at her. “What did you do to me?”
“I siphoned all of your magic by drinking your blood.” The huntress gestured to Commander White. “I’ve done it twice before on your commander.” Everyone was astounded. Even Kallisto gave a bewildered look. Mara noticed her gaze. “You didn’t know? It’s one of the three ways to regain my human appearance. Mind you, his blood doesn’t last since he has a tiny piece of the divine’s soul. You have a much larger portion. No doubt you are replete with magic.”
Kallisto kept glaring at her.
Mara smiled. “I consumed a massive amount of your blood. I’m very sure it’ll be as effective as an undying’s soul or a healing stone.” Then, “Oh, and my blood can also siphon magic. Had some in my mouth. It’s likely in your system, extracting every bit of magic from you.”
A horrified look formed on the crone’s face. The goddess was now bereft of any power. It appeared to be over. Kallisto lost.
Turning around, the huntress saw the commander approaching her with his sword drawn.
“How dare you hurt my Goddess?” Commander White raged with burning fury. He trembled, tightening his grip on the Hand of Kratés. He intended to fight her.
The huntress frowned. “I hoped defeating her would free you.” Mara saw the darkness rising out of him once again. Then she glanced at Kallisto. “But I see you’re still devoted to her.”
Kallisto laughed. “He loves me and only me! He will always be devoted, no matter what!”
“So, even if you’re dead, he’ll remain devoted to you?” Mara questioned.
Commander White stepped between them. He made it clear he would never allow any harm to come to Kallisto. If what the fallen goddess said was true, then the huntress had no choice. Looking back at him, Mara noticed Nightingale strapped to his belt. At least her plan could go through.
The commander slashed at her. She stepped to the side and grabbed Nightingale by the sheath. Tearing it off of his belt, the undying unsheathed the blade. Mara didn’t hesitate to slash at his neck. He jumped away from almost being decapitated, but suffered a nasty gash. The commander stared at her while holding his wounded neck. Blood poured out for a few seconds before his wound closed up. His classic glare returned to his face as he gripped the Hand of Kratés.
“How dare you?” Commander White slashed at her again. She took a step back and got into a stance. Mara gripped Nightingale with both hands, ready to fight him. Everyone stared at the two. Commander White scowled at her. “You dare fight me with that sword? Are you stupid? That blade can’t kill me.”
He never knew. Mara reached into her cloak and pulled her necklace out. She forced the moonstone into the pommel of Nightingale. The etchings glowed bright blue. Everyone stared at the blade in shock.
“It’s like Godstruck!” Mr. White exclaimed.
Mara watched Nightingale, then looked back at Commander White. Her eyes began to glow.
“You shouldn’t have stabbed me with the Binding Dagger,” the huntress hissed.
She did battle with the commander once more. Mara was more than a match for him. Commander White still possessed his raw strength and speed, but was no match for the huntress’ restored powers. She teleported around him, then slashed him on his right arm. He winced and grasped his arm in pain. Blood seeped from his wound. The notes from Dad’s journal were right—her moonstone was more than enough to defeat him. Commander White lunged at her. The undying sidestepped and gave a quick punch to his back. He recovered and swung at her again. His arrogance was his undoing as the huntress used her left arm and parried his attack. She struck his right hand, forcing him wide open for the finishing blow.
Commander White froze as bright red blood erupted from both sides. Her sword plunged deep into his torso; the crimson stained tip emerged out of his back. His dark grey coat turned red. The commander was speechless while staring into her eyes. Blood poured out of his mouth.
Mara remained silent while gazing back at him. The right choice was never easy, nor was it obvious. Once upon a time, she wanted to save him. Even after learning the whole truth, she would’ve freed him from Kallisto’s control, but have nothing to do with him. Now the circumstances have changed. Thanks to Kallisto, he drove her to a point of no return.
He sank to his knees while the divine’s soul rose from his body. The tiny flame floated before the huntress. She stretched out her hand and absorbed the soul. To her luck, she felt no different. It was probably because it was such a small piece. Turning her attention to Commander White, Mara pulled the blade out and watched as he fell to the ground defeated. The Holy Blades were mystified to see their commander fall. The thought of attacking his slayer didn’t cross their minds at the moment, which was good for Mara. She focused her attention on the fallen commander.
Unlike Kallisto, who changed back to a bitter crone, Commander White did not show any signs of aging. Although he was in worse condition than his “goddess”. He struggled to breathe. The commander fought a losing b
attle to stay alive while a pool of blood formed around his body. When he drew his last breath, the commander’s gaze remained on Mara. The light faded from his eyes. In silence, she kneeled down to him. With her left hand, she closed his eyes. It was the end of Commander White.
Mara stood up and turned to Kallisto, knowing she wasn’t done. She remembered Morgan’s advice to reclaim Aazalith’s soul. The huntress already obtained the late commander’s fragment. Kallisto was vulnerable with her magic now useless. Mara began to approach her, gripping a powered-up Nightingale. The old crone might have known what the huntress planned to do. She had seen what became of her commander, and wasn’t going to give in without a fight.
“Kill her!” Kallisto ordered her followers, “I order you to kill her!”
All of a sudden, the Holy Blades surrounded Mara. They stood in her way, keeping her from her intended target. They drew their weapons and watched her with dark expressions.
Mara couldn’t believe it. Even after exposing Kallisto, they were still willing to defend her. If common sense was prevalent, these Holy Blades wouldn’t be standing in the way.
“No!” Mr. White shouted.
Mara turned her head and noticed the dreadful look on the old man’s face. Then she looked in the direction he was staring.
Some priests ran to help their “goddess”. On Kallisto’s orders, the group fled through the door on the left side of the stairs. She gave Mara a sinister glare while fleeing. The huntress didn’t know what they were doing at first, but had a revelation. Mr. White watched her with a grave expression. He also knew what was happening. Mara wanted to get to the door, but the Holy Blades stood in her way. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing.
“You knew!” Mara scowled back at the priests and followers. “You knew she’s not a goddess. You knew all along!”
Their cold eyes confirmed her fears. After all, they stood above the remaining source of the magic blight.
One of the priests asked, “So what if we knew? This power allows us to shape the future we desire. It is ours to take!”
The Cursed Herald Page 26