Legend of Me

by Rebekah L. Purdy

  “You should.”

  “But the curse was not your doing. You’ve bared it for far too long on your own. You and your gram. Come, sit next to Nadenka.” She patted the spot beside her.

  I released Raul and moved to her side. She wrapped her arm about my shoulders. “You know, Rhyne considered you his closest companion in Dark Pines. He spoke very highly of you—how you never batted an eye about his being part Wanderer. You helped him without even knowing it.” She patted my cheek.

  “But he’s dead because of me—how can you be so kind?”

  “No—he’s dead because of the curse. There’s a difference, Brielle Healer. You are not your curse. You are a good person, hampered by something awful. Something you’re trying to rid yourself of.” She put her hand on my shoulder. “If you give up now, you’ll doom yourself to repeat the cycle again. Stay strong. Not just for you, but for my Raul. He loves you.”

  But sometimes staying strong was easier said than done.

  Morning dawned, rain spattering against the stones outside. A rumble of thunder shook the foundation, followed by a bolt of lightning, which lit up the dungeon. Rats twittered their disdain as they scurried under the door.

  Maria stirred.

  “How are you?” I crawled to her side, my fingers brushing her arm.

  She shifted her position, attempting to sit up, but cringed. “I hurt all over.”

  “Your wounds look better today, but likely won’t heal for a long time.”

  Something clanged against the bars of the window, and I glanced up to see Gram hunched down beside it.

  I rushed to the window. “Gram, what are you doing here? I thought I’d never see you again.”

  She hugged me through the bars, stroking my hair and back. “My child, I’ve been so worried. I should never have sent you here.”

  “You didn’t know. We all thought I’d be safe.”

  “All is not lost. Just keep fighting. We’ll find a way out of this. I’m to meet Father Machai day after next, he’s trying to garner proof of Reynaldo’s crimes.”

  She scanned the cell. The stench of urine, rotten food, and blood hung heavy in the air. Her gaze traveled to where Raul and Nadenka still slept. “He looks as if he’s with fever. Let’s hope it’s his power healing him and not sickness setting in. Judging from his wounds, he’ll likely be unconscious for several hours. Nadenka doesn’t look like she’s fared much better.”

  “Gram, is there anything you can do for them?”

  “No. They need to rest in order to regain their strength. In the coming days, they’ll need every ounce of magic they can call on.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Their punishments have been announced this morning.” Her face paled.

  My lip trembled. “What kind of punishments?”

  She shook her head. “I’d rather not say. You have enough nightmares to contend with.”

  “No. Please tell me it isn’t so! Their only crime has been protecting me. I can’t let them destroy them. To destroy Raul, I-I lo … ”

  “I know.” Through the bars, Gram drew me into her arms once more. “Lord knows, I see the way you two are around one another. Even when I tell you to stay away from him, you always manage to find your way to him.” She sniffled. “He promised he would protect you or die trying. Believe me when I say I’m sorry it’s come to this. We must pray that help comes in time.”

  She pulled away, her gaze landing on Maria and her mouth tightened when she stared at the lash-marks on her back. Gram reached into the pocket sewed in her skirt and pulled out a small vial. She handed it to me, but motioned at Maria, who’d managed to move herself closer to us. I bent down and placed it in her hand.

  “This means death. One sip and you’ll fall asleep. Forever,” Gram said.

  Maria gave her a startled glance, but tucked it away. “Thank you.”

  I met Gram’s eye. Poison. Dear God. She knew what tortures were to come. It’d be something long and drawn out, a production for the villagers to enjoy if Maria didn’t take an easier way out.

  “Gram, there’s something else I need to tell you.”

  Her gaze met mine. “What is it?”

  “Lucia. I’ve seen her again. And I heard her in the torture chamber with me when she thought I was unconscious … I think she’s alive. I’m not sure what she has to do with all this.”

  “We shouldn’t jump to conclusions until we know for sure whether she’s alive or dead. She’s blood. I know that she was devastated when Kenrick declared his love for you. But your Aunt Narcissa sent her to their country home for several months, hoping that the time away would do her some good. It was not too long after that, that we found their bodies in the house and the Beast was born.”

  “Wait, what did you just say?”

  “That the Beast was born the day the bodies were discovered at Crawford. It’s where it began. It’s why we left there.”

  And I knew that’s why I had to go back. Raul’s grandmother had told me that I had to go to the place it began. If I ever managed to escape, I would head there.

  A cell door down the hall slammed shut. Gram’s brow furrowed. “I best be going, child. I’ll try to figure more out about your curse.”

  “I love you.”

  She bent and kissed my forehead. “Goodbye dear one. Remember, be strong.”

  Then she drew back and I watched her disappear, wondering if I’d ever see her again. In this lifetime.

  Once more, I slumped against the wall. Coldness from the roughhewn blocks seeped into my bones and tears flowed freely like rainwater. Thunder cracked and I jumped.

  Shadows lengthened on the floor as night drifted in.

  “Kill the demons!” Shouts came from outdoors.

  “Make ’em pay!”

  I climbed to my feet and trudged to the window. Already, people gathered in front of the church, their torches blazing like fiery swords, even in the downpour.

  The rain failed to muffle the carpenters’ hammers as beam by beam, the scaffolding rose in the courtyard before the church. I swallowed hard. Tomorrow it’d be the stage for everything. The crowd pushed in closer to have a better look. Their faces twisted in glee, as if they were readying for a festival. I saw the bloodlust on their faces, heard the gruesome words of their hatred for us.

  “Come away from there,” Maria said. “No sense letting them get inside your head.”

  “I don’t understand how they can act like this.”

  “Because Reynaldo has fed their fears. They’re victims of his stories and his preachings.” Maria gestured for me to sit beside her.

  Gathering my skirts, I made my way over to her. “This isn’t fair.”

  She gave me a sad smile. “I know. Will you pray with me?”

  “Of course.”

  Clutching my hands in hers, she bowed her head. “Dear Father, I ask that you give me strength to face whatever might come my way. That you’d allow me a place beside you in heaven. But most of all I ask that you protect my friends and my family. Spare them pain. I ask this in your name. Amen.”

  “Amen.”

  When she let go of my fingers, a tear fell from her chin and splash to the stone floor.

  “I’m scared,” she whispered.

  The lump in my throat thickened, but I tried to keep the fear from my face. “You are brave.”

  She managed to give me a wobbly smile. “I’m trying to be, but inside, terror grips tight.”

  The bolt on the door twisted and we both jumped. A guard set our food trays on the floor. I contemplated that this could be our last supper together. At least we’d been given more than bread and water. There was chicken, soup, and a pastry. I attempted to wake Raul and Nadenka to eat, but they didn’t stir.

  So, Maria and I cleaned our trays and set them at the door for when the guard came back in. Stomach full, she laid down, and fell fast asleep.

  Why did evil get to determine our fat
es? No matter how much good we did in life, we still had to answer for the sins of others. For their mistakes and their choices. I killed, but not because I wanted to. Maria, she was about to be put to death for speaking out against evil. Where was the justice in that?

  Once more the bolt on the door turned, but this time it was Kenrick who stepped in. His gaze met mine. “I wanted to check to make sure you were doing all right.”

  I shrugged. “Given the circumstances? I’m alive. That’s about all I can say.”

  “I do not agree with Reynaldo’s methods. They’re not just. I didn’t mean for you to be turned over to this. I thought you’d receive a fair trial.”

  “Kenrick, when I spoke of the curse, I spoke the truth. I need more time to figure it out.” My fingers trembled as I resisted the temptation to take his hand in mine. I knew I should be mad at him for handing me over to the church. But I wasn’t. Kenrick was bound by his duty as a Knight of the Crowhurst Order. He’d been trying to protect people. And if it came down to it, I’d submit to death by his hand. But not until we knew if we could break the curse.

  If we could find a way to end this once and for all, that was worth the risk.

  “I feel that Reynaldo knows more about your affliction, Brielle. I fear that he is lost in darkness. I’ve sent word to Father Machai in Dark Pines, but I’m not sure if my message will reach him in time. For that, I am sorry. I will do what I can to keep you alive. Believe me when I tell you, I’m truly sorry.”

  Footsteps sounded down the hall.

  “I must return to my post. I just needed to see for myself that you still lived.”

  With that, he closed the door. I closed my eyes. If he truly hated me, would he have come to see me? My heart ached for him. I still cared for him, even after all of this.

  From across the room, Raul shifted. His eyes opened and he looked right at me.

  “How are you?” I scooted closer to him.

  “Better than I was when they brought me in.” He grunted as he propped himself up on his elbow.

  “They brought us dinner. It’s likely cold now, but you should eat.”

  “I’m not hungry.”

  “You need your strength.”

  He gave a soft chuckle. “I don’t think it’ll matter after tomorrow.”

  “Don’t talk like that—”

  “Brielle, there’s no need to sweeten our fates with encouraging words.”

  I sniffled, trying not to think about the punishments that’d be dealt. He didn’t understand how much his and Nadenka’s help and devotion meant to me. How much his death would scar me. Raul wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for me and I’d never forgive myself for that. Not only had I failed them, but I’d failed Rhyne too.

  “Kama Sutra,” he said.

  “What?”

  “That’s the name of the book. The one you saw in my carriage that day. The one Rhyne yelled at me for showing you.”

  I shook my head at him as I laughed, moisture streaking down my cool skin.

  “You’ll be surprised to know Reynaldo confiscated it.”

  “How can you joke?”

  He offered me a smile. “They cannot truly defeat us, if we don’t allow them to break our spirit.”

  He touched my cheek, tracing the line to my jaw, then he opened his arms to me. I went to him, pressing myself against the length of his body, the warmth already like a blanket against the chill.

  “Where were you and Nadenka the last few days?”

  His arm clutched me closer. “They kept us bound and unconscious in a dark room. Whenever I started to awaken, Reynaldo would have me beaten until I collapsed. He’s managed to keep me weak enough so I couldn’t use my powers. But you’ll be glad to know that your knight, Kenrick, had no part in my tortures. In fact, he attempted to stop them before being escorted out.”

  “Then maybe there is still hope for us,” I said.

  “Maybe.”

  I touched his arm then whispered into the side of his neck, “Are you scared?”

  “Terrified.” His voice softened. “But I have you here to comfort me.”

  I shifted so that I stared at him. My fingers trembled as I stroked his face. “Back in the woods, when you tried to rescue me, did you mean what you said, I mean do you really—”

  “Love you?” He finished for me. “Yes, I’ve always loved you, Brielle. Why do you think I come back to Dark Pines so frequently? It wasn’t just for Rhyne. When I said I loved you before, I meant it. Every word I’ve uttered to you has been from my heart. The day we shared our first kiss, I wanted so much to tell you then.”

  “You’ve known from the start what I was, and yet you still loved me?”

  He smiled, drawing me closer so his breath fanned across my skin. “The curse wasn’t your fault. I saw the girl beneath it all. The perfect, beautiful, kind woman who’d do anything for anyone. You cared for me when no others would.”

  I wet my lips, realization thundering in my mind. “You’ve never forsaken me. When all others turned their backs on me, you remained. In spite of my curse, you’ve risked everything. How could I not return your love?”

  His eyebrows raised. “Bri?”

  Without a doubt, I knew it was true. Over the centuries, the one man I thought I loved always betrayed me. Killed me for something I had no control over. A curse that in reality, he’d caused. Yet, Raul understood me. He fought not just for me, but to free me. “I love you, Raul. Please forgive me for taking so long to tell you.”

  He cupped my chin. “There’s nothing to forgive.”

  Raul bent down until his lips captured mine. Fire blazed through my veins, his mouth branding me as his. My fingers weaved into his hair, drawing him closer.

  “If only we had more time.” He cradled me in his arms. “But death shall soon part us.”

  I cried against his chest.

  He rubbed my back, as if to calm me. “Shh … it is inevitable. But we’ve got tonight. And just knowing you love me is enough for me to believe my life wasn’t a complete failure. Let’s not think about tomorrow or what it will bring. We need to focus on the now. For it’s all we have.”

  He rolled on his side then unhooked the crystal necklace that hung at his throat. With one hand, he pulled my hair out of the way then reached behind me to fasten the jewelry to my neck.

  I fingered it. “Why have you given me this?”

  “Because it is all I have to give.”

  My lips brushed his cheek. “You’re wrong. You’ve already given me this.” My hand rested on his chest, over his heart. “That is all I need.”

  “And you are all I need.” He entwined me in his embrace once more, pulling me to his chest. “No matter what happens tomorrow, remember that.”

  My body molded against his as we curled together. Here I’d found the man I wanted to give my heart to and in mere hours we’d be parted.

  Please, God, if you’re listening. Spare him. And Nadenka and Maria.

  The low drone of bells tolling woke me from my slumber. I lay there, tucked in Raul’s arms, lines of sunlight filtered through the bars like golden lances piercing the gloom.

  I shifted position so I could sit up. Maria was already awake, staring out the tiny window. As if sensing my gaze, she turned to me.

  “This will be my last day.” Her brows furrowed, but she remained still, breathing evenly, her hands clasped in her lap as if she’d accepted this fate.

  “You don’t know that.” I stood. My eyes welled and I reached out to touch her shoulder.

  “Oh, dear friend—don’t cry for me. I will hold true. I will not admit to a crime that is not mine. My soul will be clean.”

  “But you’re only sixteen.”

  Raul’s hand brushed my ankle and I shifted my focus to him. My heart clenched in my chest. I was going to lose all of them.

  “We are all called upon for different purposes. In the end, my God will welcome me, where others have turned m
e away.” Maria limped to my side, her arm wrapped around my shoulders.

  Her courage didn’t waver. She knew she’d meet her end, and still she held strong. I only hoped when it was my turn, I’d be able to do the same. The echo of footsteps sounding in the hall made my stomach churn. It couldn’t be time already.

  Maria reached for my hand. She slipped the vial of poison into my palm, then wrapped my fingers around it.

  “Maria?”

  “If I’m to see my God, I cannot go that way. Not by my own hand.”

  Raul stood. “Our time grows short.”

  He helped his grandmother to her feet as well. He then clutched me tight, pressing me against him. His lips crushed mine as we heard the door open behind us. He pulled back, hands cupping my face. “I love you, Brielle Healer. Never doubt that. May we meet again in the next life.”

  Nadenka peered at me. “Do not fear the darkness—you are the light. It must yield to you.”

  Guards poured inside. A sob raked through me as they reached out for Raul, and I clung to his waist, not wanting to let them take him. “I love you. I always will.” I didn’t want to be reborn again, not if he wouldn’t be with me. He was my true love.

  They tore us apart.

  “Please. Don’t do this.” I tried desperately to reach out for them, but they ushered the three of them from the cell. “No!” I pounded on the door. “Please!”

  “Bri, stay strong,” Raul’s voice sounded down the hall.

  Why didn’t he use his power? He could stop them. I collapsed to the floor; my body quaking as I buried my head in my arms and cried.

  “Ah, no need to cry.” Father Reynaldo tugged the door open, his rolls of fat jiggling beneath his crimson robe. “I’ve decided to let you watch your friends die. Maybe then you’ll confess your sins.”

  “You’re horrible, everything about you speaks of perversion,” I screamed and rushed at him with my fists drawn. He swatted me aside like a fly.

  He laughed. “I like to think of myself as a warrior of God. Cleansing the earth of filth.” His thick hand gripped hold of me, pulling me to my feet. “Guards, escort our prisoner to the front of the scaffold.”