Betrayal

by Mayandree Michel

  The bull eyes were blood red and it lowered its head. Its huge nostrils flared. It’s long, curved, and sharp horns were in position to gore Nikolas. The brawny bull’s muscular body twisted to one side as its tail curled about like a lash, whipping incessantly.

  The bull angrily prepared to charge as Nikolas backed up a few yards. The expression on Nikolas’ face was intense but not fearful. More like anticipation.

  As I watched the centaur move in one direction, the bull slightly moved forward as it swept one hoof across the floor from front to back over and over again. The centaur trotted backward ever so slowly. I tried to prepare myself for what would not disappoint in being a brutal fight even though Nikolas stood in this living room now seemingly unscathed.

  The bull charged forward, hard and deliberate, as if he saw red. Simultaneously, Nikolas galloped forward toward the charging beast and kicked his front hooves into the air with an ominous growl. Nikolas leaped in the air high and over the bull, brutally stabbing it on the right side of its neck with the shard of mirror. Just as the bull was wounded, large flames spewed from its mouth torching the chaise lounge, which I had laid on.

  Nikolas knew that the bull was only wounded temporarily. He knew that it was now or never. The bull grunted wickedly as if laughing at the large dagger–like shard of glass embedded in its neck. Now injured, the bull transformed back into human form. Victor stood, fully clothed in all black as before, but this time with the glimmering shard of mirror sticking straight up and out the side of his neck. He yanked it out with one swift movement, yelping out in pain and ending in a monstrous yet gleeful chuckle. The shock and pain lasted only a moment, long enough to distract Victor and allow Nikolas to begin teleporting himself.

  Nikolas stood in the center of the room with both arms at his sides, kicked up his front hooves and willed himself to disappear. Victor's wicked laughter turned into a ferocious roar when he realized Nikolas’ plan to escape.

  “COWARD, FIGHT ME!” Victor wailed, flying upward to grab at the fetlocks of Nikolas’ hind legs which had begun to turn into ankles and feet. He was too late. Nikolas vanished right before Victor’s eyes like sand in the wind.

  This time Victor's thunderous roar could be heard for miles leaving every window and piece of glass shattered throughout the town once again. And just as before, the gruesome shadows appeared out of nowhere, screeching and crawling as slow as molasses as Victor’s webbed wings catapulted him through the ceiling.

  The mirage disappeared and I was at a loss for words. I’d never seen anything so brutal except for what I’d seen in movies. Nikolas was a centaur. A centaur! And Victor… a monstrous fire spewing bull.

  “You handled yourself well brother.” Evan shook Nikolas’ hand firmly and partially embraced him.

  “Did you ever have any doubt?” Nikolas said, with a confident smirk.

  “Never.” Evan assured. “Since Cordelia is here… now, Victor will stop at nothing. Also there have been quite a few developments since you both have been away.” Evan said motioning to his sister.

  “Do tell.” Nikolas demanded, gulping from his glass.

  “Well, while the bullock’s been sniffing around for her,” Evan sneered referring sarcastically to Victor as being a baby bull. “There have been more attacks. Victor’s devotees have been having a little fun with the mortals here and in Bedwyn City. The mortals are frightened and becoming frustrated with the lack of answers. They will organize a gang of vigilantes soon. The attacks are vicious. Both men and woman found in the forest with what looks to be attacked by wolves and something else. ”

  I listened quietly as they seemed to forget that I was still sitting here. I was mortified at the horror story I was privy to. I wanted out of here. I wanted to be as far away from this town, which I wouldn’t miss, and as far away from this trio as possible. But who would protect me from what was coming; what would never rest until my soul belonged to them? I was overcome with despair and fought off the urge to scream. I bit my tongue instead. The blood tasted salty and warm and the pain faded quickly. “Something else?” Nikolas asked. Bethany didn’t allow Evan to clarify, “Something else, you mean…?”

  “While you both have been away, Victor along with his disciples have begun terrorizing both towns. He has brought on the attention of the Apolluon,”

  Evan said, cautiously. “The wolves haven’t worked alone. We believe the Apolluon are near.”

  “No!” Bethany yelled. “We’ve been away too long.”

  “Calm down, Beth. Cordelia is here now. The situation will be under control soon.” Nikolas explained.

  What? How could I help this situation? I was helpless as long as I had no clue as to what they were talking about. No memory equals no power. No power equals …

  I watched Nikolas stroll over to the large intricately carved and framed mirror hanging on the wall. He eyed himself for a second or two, then turned around and was elegantly dressed in the same kind of formal wear that Evan wore. I was startled by the transformation.

  Nikolas walked past the Queen Anne chair and over to the towering grandfather clock where Bethany stood waiting for him. They embraced again.

  Bethany looked like a doll next to Nikolas who towered over pretty much everyone. I was still trying to get used to the idea of them as a couple. I pushed the disturbing incestuous thoughts that kept creeping up every now and again out of my head.

  “We are prepared.” Nikolas declared.

  “Yes we are.” Evan's words of confirmation didn't make me feel any safer from this evil person. I stayed quiet as I had been since arriving here and listened to the both of them discuss how we would prevail.

  Nikolas walked over to the bar and fixed himself another drink. He emptied his glass and poured another, emptied it again and was about to pour yet another when Bethany stopped him. I don’t remember Nikolas ever drinking that much. Actually I don’t remember Nikolas drinking ever.

  “It’s been two long years since I’ve had a drink Beth. I’m allowed to now. Besides I don’t get drunk.” Nikolas laughed yet sounded like someone in Alcoholics Anonymous. I wondered what was up with that.

  “Yes, I know but I can certainly do without the belching, my love.” Bethany said giggling and playfully patting Nikolas on the belly.

  “Drink up, Niko. You’ve waited long enough.” Evan guffawed.

  I didn’t see the humor in any of this. What did it all mean? If Evan was the Aqua man, Bethany the Aqua woman, and Nikolas a centaur, then what did that make me?

  Did I really want to know? No. Yes I did. I didn’t know what I wanted. I wanted to remember who they claim I am and at the same time I just wanted to go to sleep and wake up in my bedroom. I didn’t know if I was transparent or if he was just that in tune with what I was feeling – acute despair, but Evan allowed Nikolas and Bethany to ramble on with the conversation of just how much alcohol was Nikolas allowed to indulge before noon, and plopped down next to me on the sofa. He sat about half a foot away from me. He didn’t say a word, not for a few seconds that seemed like minutes. When he finally did, he did so as he stared down at his feet as if he felt sad about something.

  “Cordelia, there is so much more to tell you. We will talk again later.” Evan promised. “Right now, I think its best…familiarize yourself…your surroundings... go upstairs… see your room … change into something more…suitable for the present… time. Do you agree?”

  “Huh? Uh…yeah…sure.” I only half heard what he had said. I was trying to focus but it was impossible. Something about his voice or was it the liquid coolness of his eyes or was it both. I had no clue but something about him was causing me to be in some kind of stupor.

  Evan moved a bit closer, and then leaned even closer and brushed my cheek. I was already flushed, which I’m sure he noticed. He whispered softly into my ear. “Our love for each other is strong and unbreakable. I have missed you terribly, Cordelia. Welcome back, my love, my heart.” He touched my cheek with rosebud lips that lingered, slig
htly opened, allowing his sweet breath to warm my cheek. The indescribable sensation occurred once more. I felt so invigorated … so… alive. He smelled like sandalwood; pleasant and not pungent.

  I heard every word he said this time and I remembered what I felt like in the dream but what I felt right now was different…

  In the dream I suppose what I felt was true love – as if my heart would burst every time I was near him, as if I wouldn’t be allowed another breath of air unless I was with him. I don’t feel anything like that now, but I do feel drawn to him. Like I said…I can’t put my finger on it but the attraction, whatever it was, was undeniable. Right now I was not in love with this boy, my dream lover. I felt the need to tear myself away from him as if my life depended on it. It was like two parts of me fighting to win in an arm wrestle. One side needing to be suspended in his aura while the other side, the critical one, took two giant steps back to further investigate.

  I sat there, on the sofa now only a few inches away, incredibly still – solid as ice. If I didn’t then I may very well just melt into a puddle on the floor if I allowed myself to feel these new emotions that were beginning to arise within me. Instead of melting, I backed away a bit, so that we were about a foot apart. I was unable to reciprocate what he felt for me. Evan didn't seem to be upset with my lack of feelings for him. Instead he looked at me and nodded, appearing to accept the fact that I wasn't in love with someone that I didn’t know.

  I stood up, a little too abruptly and then Evan stood up too. We were face to face. There was a familiar feeling that radiated from his intense gaze. It held me captive the way it had every night for weeks. Evan looked at me like something he would never tire of looking at. As if I would always remain the exciting and dazzling new toy.

  Amazingly, I didn't feel shy around Evan, just… unsure. I'm not accustomed to tragically dying and being brought back to life by the man of my dreams –

  literally It was all inconceivable to me yet I was here now and living it. I didn’t know what if anything I could have done to be dealt this hand to play out.

  I felt the sudden urge, although underlying, to run out of the room. But where would I run to? Helpless and alone, I knew no one but the three teenagers that stood in front of me. I looked over at Bethany and Nikolas again. They looked genuinely happy. I didn’t remember ever seeing them more exultant. I wished that their feeling of elation was contagious so that I could have a genuine desire to smile. Nikolas and Bethany appeared relieved to be back. Watching them carrying on now, like two little kids, proved how difficult it must have been for them to live a lie for two whole years just for my benefit. Just so I could live pleasantly in my fake life.

  The idea of being alive again was unfathomable yet I felt alive through all of my senses even if I was dying inside. I want more than anything to be alive and living anywhere even here – Nickel City, but in the future where everything made complete sense. I can’t believe I’m going to say this but… I miss my boring, monotonous, and uneventful life so much I could cry, but I’ve maxed out my tears.

  In the future my life may have been somewhat pathetic, but I’d rather that than this daunting new lease on life. My wish for living has been granted but the jokes on me. I quietly began to pray for my memory, which I hoped would return soon. I reflected on what Evan said. What does it mean to be the first daughter of Tieron, the Empress of the Ischeros? Fearful and curious, I wonder.

  Am I really expected to rule over a group of people? Am I supposed to be bowed to? Evan said once I begin to remember my past, my gifts and powers will return. In fact, I’m the most powerful person on the earth.

  Yeah, right.

  Anyone who really knew me would never ever believe such a ridiculous notion. I’m just not a confrontational person, and have never been in a physical fight. I hated and avoided confrontation if I could. I've always tried to be a person who spoke up for what I believed in. I’m willing to fight for what I believe to be worth the battle but my punches will be thrown on paper, in written word.

  The idea of fighting evil with my bare hands was not what I had in mind. I was equal parts punk and wuss. Those qualities could not be expected of the most powerful person on the earth. So they had to be wrong about me. I knew they were erroneous from the core of my soul.

  I needed air. I felt claustrophobic and queasy. There was so much to try to grasp, like the fact that I was being hunted. Evan, observant and overly attentive, noticed what must have come across as a look of confusion. Or did he detect despair and desperation?

  I sauntered passed Bethany and Nikolas and went to the window again. I looked out to an ancient Victorian world that I couldn’t relate to. Remembering what I learned over the years in history class regarding the way of life for the people living at the turn of the nineteenth century was not enough to prepare me to live it. I wasn't even sure if there was electricity and indoor plumbing. Ugh!

  “Don't despair. Please try to be patient.” Evan pleaded softly as I turned my beseeching gaze to Bethany. I wanted her to tell me something that would help make sense of the farce that was taking place.

  “Delia, we love you and want you to feel safe with us as you always have. I know this is extremely difficult to comprehend but please try to understand.”

  Bethany wiped tears from her eyes. “The anguish you feel is felt through us as well.”

  I heard every word Bethany said and I trembled all the while I listened. I couldn’t take my eyes off her dress. The way she looked in it; perfect. My best friend, my only friend, belonged here. They all did. Nikolas was finally free to be himself, an incredibly good – looking wine guzzling teenager who just happened to be a fierce centaur.

  “Come with me Delia. I will help you to dress, and then I will show you around the house. Perhaps viewing the rest of the house will help you to remember a little.” Bethany was sympathetic as she took my hand and led me out of the room.

  I took one last look at Evan before following Bethany out of the living room. He and Nikolas were speaking in hushed tones across the room. Evan was leaving the room, and heading through the opposite archway that led to the library with Nikolas following closely behind him. They walked through the draped archway and vanished before my eyes. With a gasp, I quickly turned to see if Bethany saw what I had just seen.

  “Did you just see that? They disappeared like ghosts, like… vapor.” I whispered utterly stunned by their magic. “Where did they go?”

  Bethany gave me that smirk I was used to, and looked at me knowingly. “Yes I saw them. They are going to meet with the elders to notify them of your safe return. Everyone will be overjoyed. That’s what they were whispering about.”

  “You heard them?” I didn’t bother hiding the wonder in my tone.

  “Of course. It’s in our nature to heighten all of our senses, just one of the many gifts we possess.” She smiled. Her eyes looked deceptive –

  shadowed. Bethany had to know, that in my head, I was officially losing it right now. But if she did, she sure didn't allow herself to show it. She wasn’t the Bethany I had been close friends with for the last two years. Just the day before, she had been a fun loving modern day teen without a care in the world. I stared at her, trying to understand how she had become this elegant young Victorianesque teenager with supernatural talents. I shivered, at the prospect of learning more.

  Six

  My First Visitor

  Bethany, the happy hostess, was all smiles as she led me into the grand foyer. The transformation was galling. Every corner had a piece of fancy furniture or a potted fern or palm. And the echo was gone, although it was quiet; an eerie kind of quiet as if at any moment something lurking in a corner, or from behind a piece of perfectly carved furniture may pop out, and make itself known. I did my best to focus on what I was seeing, and not what may be there…waiting. No matter how beautifully decorated this house looked I still felt the vacantness of it. Something wasn’t right.

  Along the walls of the spacious foyer were g
ilded frames that housed paintings or photographs of a person I'm sure I should remember, but couldn’t. They were all strangers with eyes that surveyed your every move. I followed Bethany up the winding staircase. As I ascended, my eyes were met with more of the same perfectly placed paintings of landscapes, portraits, or vintage looking photographs in various sizes.

  Halfway up the stairs, I was forced to stop, abruptly like I hit a wall. I felt bolted to the step I stood on. One particular photograph caught and held my attention, causing a frosty surge through my bones. It was a rather large photograph that took up a quarter of the museum like exhibit. The portrait was of a young woman dressed perfectly for this time period. The eyes of the young woman bore into mine as if she could see me; judge me. I stared into hers. I couldn't steer my eyes away from her. Dear God, she was me. It was a black and white photograph of me. I knew I had never been photographed dressed like that; looking like a product of this day. Maybe it was a twin that I didn’t know I had. Impossible, I thought. But anything was possible here and now.

  By now, Bethany was at the top of the next landing, and had just come to realize that I was not following her. Before I could bat my eyes or ponder another wild suggestion to how I was trapped in that photo, Bethany was at my side. I quickly recovered from the blustery downward current of air; the aftershock of Bethany’s accelerated speed hitting me in the face. Although impressive; no sense in wasting a special gift by walking down the stairs, it explained how she had immediately vanished when she had run out of the cafeteria the day before.

  “You sat for that photograph two days before you went to the future. You were very content with it, although everyone agrees that you are much more beautiful in person.” She paused for a moment as she evaluated the photograph. “I think it captured your innocence while expressing and defining your blossoming maturity. You were very happy that day.” Her eyes lit up as she eyed the photograph.