Mr. White smiled. “We can grant you an audience. It’ll be a wondrous opportunity.”
“How?” Mara asked, feeling baffled. “Last I recalled, she refused my request.”
“She has changed her mind and wishes to see you,” the old man said.
Mara looked around. It seemed like a great idea. She might get a passage to Thoron. But a thought crossed her mind. “Harold asked me to return to him, and I don’t know how many undying are left.”
“It won’t take long,” Mr. White insisted. “Afterwards, you can see him.”
Mara pondered her choices. If she could get to Thoron, she would be one step closer to being free of her curse. “Fine, I’ll go.”
The commander looked at her.
“Is this what you want?” Commander White asked.
She looked back at him, perplexed by his question. “What do you mean?”
Looking into his eyes, Mara could see tears beginning to form. His face was twisted in a variety of emotions, such as regret and dread. Clearly, he didn’t want her to go to the temple.
“Don’t mind him,” Mr. White reassured. “He remains unwell. We should take our leave. It’s getting late.”
“But, Arthur…” Commander White protested.
“Your father’s right,” the Holy Blade agreed. “We should ride back now.”
Commander White regained his composure. “Very well, we shall go now.”
She donned her hood and pulled her mask back up as they returned to the carriages, and began their journey to Golden Mountain. Much to her surprise, the commander and his father allowed her to ride with them. The Holy Blade also accompanied them. Once everyone was in place, the carriages began to move.
***
Mara sat beside Commander White. Mr. White and the Holy Blade took the opposite seats. It felt weird to sit beside the commander. The last time she rode in a carriage with him, she was bound and restrained like some beast. Looking out the window, she felt a hand resting over her own. Looking back, she saw Commander White reach over and pull her mask down. With the other hand, he pushed her hood back. His eyes took in her visage.
“Commander White,” Mara began, confused by his actions.
His face softened. “Please, call me Karl.”
Closing his eyes, Karl leaned in and kissed her on the lips. Mara froze, her eyes widened and her heart fluttered.
A memory surfaced in her mind. They kissed before. Since graduation, they continued to have more encounters. He often visited Mara in her home, and sometimes her father’s workshop. He took her to various places, even to the White Manor. People often stopped and stared, but Karl proudly walked around with her on his arm.
He took her to the gardens at the manor. A picnic was arranged with the finest food. Even wine was served. She reckoned it was something nobles enjoy, although it seemed weird to serve alcohol this early. Flowers bloomed on a hot spring day. Mara remembered having a great time before being caught by his kiss under a torrent of blossoms.
Eventually, he pulled away. Karl opened his eyes and looked at her. Mara looked around—they were back in the carriage. The vivid memory faded away. He began to blush.
“I’m sorry,” he began.
She looked at him in shock. Her face was also red. Mara never expected him to do that. She glanced over at Mr. White, noticing his reaction. Even the Holy Blade took notice and frowned at them. They were obviously surprised with his actions. Looking back at the commander, Mara admitted him to be a far cry from what he used to be. They looked into each other’s eyes.
“I’ll do anything to help you,” he told her. Mara nodded in agreement.
Karl wrapped his arm around her and held her close. Mara rested her head on his chest, listening to his heart beating. The carriage took her further away from Grey Mountain. She looked out the window. The snow continued to fall as the sun was setting. It never looked more beautiful, especially now that she was with her prince. It would’ve been a perfect moment if not for the scrutinizing gaze of the Holy Blade and the shocked reaction of Mr. White. She hoped to have more of these special moments, once freed of her curse.
***
Later that night, the carriages arrived at Golden Mountain. Karl and the Holy Blade were the first to leave. Mara left after Mr. White. Her eyes followed a snow-covered trail up to the Temple of Kallisto, lit up with gold and ivory pillars of fire.
She followed them up the trail to the temple. Some of the Holy Blades held up lanterns to light the way. A gold and ivory statue of Kallisto stood near the entrance. Seeing the statue made her feel uneasy, but she shrugged it off. The main doors were guarded by Holy Blades. They held their spears over the door, barring anyone from entering the temple. They stood before the guards, who took notice of Karl.
“Commander White, we’ve been expecting your return,” one of the guards said. They withdrew their weapons and opened the doors. They walked down an ivory hallway. At the end was another door with another pair of Holy Blades guarding it.
Karl turned around and looked at Mr. White. “Wait with her. I’ll speak with Her Eminence.”
With that, Karl left them. The guards allowed him entry. They close the doors behind him, leaving Mr. White and Mara to each other.
Mara glanced over at Mr. White and began to observe him. She had seen him before—he was the professor in History, which she took with Allen. With more of her memories returning, Mara also recalled the old man being a friend to her parents. She kept gazing at him. So far, he didn’t notice her gawking. As soon as he glanced back at her, Mara stopped her observation.
“What did Karl tell you?” Mr. White asked.
Mara was puzzled. “What do you mean?”
“My son spoke to you, did he not?”
“He asked about my memory. I know who he is; we met in college. My mom tried to introduce me to him.”
“So, you remember?” Mr. White asked, looking away. Then he looked back at her. “Do you remember me?”
“Yes, I do. You were my professor in History,” Mara said softly. “You kept apologizing for the way Karl acted.” She stared at him. “You know who I am?”
Mr. White nodded. “I’ve known for quite a while. Been trying to figure out how to talk to you,” he hesitated. She noticed the look on his face. The old man glanced around. He looked very nervous, as if he was being watched. “I’ve known your parents for quite some time. I planned with Daniella to introduce the two of you. But things didn’t go as planned.”
“Is that because I reminded him of his wife?”
Mr. White nodded. “I tried to help him get over his loss and move on, and that’s where you come in, Mara Ashwood. You two met again in college. Eventually, you did grow close.” He frowned at her. “I must ask—do you remember the day Karl asked for your hand in marriage?”
Mara gawked at him, her mind reeling from the revelation. She shook her head.
“Well, he did and you accepted. Before the wedding, we travelled to the Temple of Kallisto for a ceremony—a custom of the Faith. We summoned the goddess. However…” the old man sighed, “I wish I could go back in time.”
“How did I die?” Mara asked.
Mr. White’s face turned pale. He wouldn’t answer her question.
Karl emerged from the throne room. He gazed at the two while approaching them.
“The High Priestess will see you now.” Karl stared at her briefly before turning around and leading them into the next room.
They entered the throne room. Alena, veiled in a white gauzy fabric, sat on a golden throne high atop a flight of stairs. Two pillars of gold and ivory stood on both sides of the throne, lit with flames. Dark red drapes cascaded behind her. Walking into the room, Mara felt very uneasy. This room was familiar, but the details remained elusive. Mara felt annoyed with her amnesia. Something was not right, but she brushed it off. Getting here for an audience won over that nagging feeling. Both Mr. White and Karl kneeled before the priestess. She took notice and kneeled out of courte
sy.
High Priestess Alena gazed at Mara. “I’ve been told you rescued my valuable commander many times?”
Mara glanced up at her, but saw no facial features. “Yes, I have.”
“And you’re the one who turned him against me?” Alena asked, her voice becoming harsh.
Mara never expected to hear these words from the old woman. She looked at the father and son. Karl glanced back at her, expressing surprise as well. Mr. White, on the other hand, gazed at her with eyes full of sorrow and guilt. Mara looked back at the priestess and shook her head. “What are you talking about?”
“I know what you are,” Alena began. “The depraved slave girl who desired Lord Kratés and Queen Kallisto’s throne. The one who awoke the Dark One and allowed it to destroy the world. Now you’ve returned to lead my commander astray.”
Mara blinked her eyes. Her mouth dropped open. She had no idea what this raving mad woman was talking about. Glancing around, she noticed the ominous stares of the Faith’s followers. She felt uncomfortable. Mara glanced back at her.
“All the undying are fragments of the one who awoke the Dark One. You, who broke three seals, are one of them.” Alena pointed at her. “You, Mara Ashwood, are the Cursed Herald!”
Mara was shocked. They knew her name.
“Your name is very appropriate,” the priestess remarked. “You are made in her exact image, yet incomplete.”
Karl stood up and approached Mara. He took her hand and held it as if to never let go. Mara gazed up at him and saw sorrow and guilt in his eyes.
“Commander White,” Alena addressed. “Turn away from her and look upon me.”
Karl closed his eyes and shook his head. “No, I will not.”
“You are the reincarnation of Lord Kratés,” Alena told him. “It is your destiny to join your goddess.”
Mara stared at the old woman in shock, and then to Karl. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing, but the rumour had been confirmed. Karl kept his eyes closed and shook his head again. The priestess rose from her seat and descended the stairs.
“You choose her over me? The one responsible for the death of your progenitor?” Alena’s voice began to change. No longer did she sound like an old crone but a younger woman. “Now, I see how unwell you are. I know what that darkling did to you. You should have been brought before me.” She looked at Mara. “And now she poisoned your mind against me.”
Mara glared at the veiled priestess. She wanted to say something, but was interrupted.
“I feel free,” Karl murmured. Mara looked at him, confused by his words.
Alena stared at them. The priestess reached for her veil. “Look at me and love me!” With that, Alena removed her veil.
A bright flash of light blinded everyone. After the light faded, Mara finally saw the woman behind the veil. She was beyond beautiful with flawless pale skin and long blond hair. She had a heart-shaped face. Her lips and nose were on the thin side. The woman was an exact replica of the statue outside. It was the goddess, Kallisto! High Priestess Alena was a mere disguise. The goddess cast her golden gaze onto her followers. Everyone, except Mara, sank to their knees. Falling under her spell, no man was safe from her beauty. Even Mr. White fell under her thrall.
Mara looked at her, but only felt dread. One may claim she was jealous, yet seeing the goddess’ face resurrected a profound memory—the day she died. She looked at Karl. Even he became bewitched by Kallisto’s beauty. He released Mara’s hand and fell to his knees.
“Karl,” Mara called, but none of her words reached him. Looking around, everyone was completely enthralled. No one would help her now. Mara turned around and saw Kallisto approaching Karl with fluid and grace. She reached out and stroked the side of his face. Karl closed his eyes, his head followed the motion of her divine hand caressing his face.
“Come,” Kallisto ordered. Karl rose to his feet and walked to the goddess.
Mara saw this and lifted her hand.
“Karl, no…” She reached over to grab his right arm, but he suddenly jerked it away. Mara stared at him, stunned by his cold demeanour. She felt hurt, but knew this wasn’t him. He was falling under a spell. Kallisto’s intoxicating beauty drugged his senses. She caressed his face and gazed into his eyes, hypnotizing him and drawing out his desires. She leaned in and pressed her lips to his own.
Mara was horrified. This was worse compared to the time she saw him with Morgan. Karl was not pulling away. Instead, he deepened in the kiss while holding Kallisto. Mara felt her heart was being ripped out. Her mind drifted to the day she died.
She remembered being persuaded to come to the temple, unbeknownst to her family and friends. The father and son claimed it was a custom, a test to prove Karl loved her more than Kallisto. If he overcame the goddess’ power, the marriage would be blessed and they lived happily ever after. Mara hoped that he would pass. She had faith in him. Unfortunately, that never happened. She remembered trying to save him, only to lose her life in the process.
Eventually, Kallisto slipped from Karl’s embrace and looked at Mara in triumph. “Thirty years ago, I had slain you because you stood in the way of our love!”
Mara froze. “Thirty years?” She shook her head. “No, it can’t be.”
She looked around. The followers watched with dark and evil stares. Even Mr. White gave a similar look. She was alone. Mara looked back at Karl. It was just like the first time she met him at the meeting for Saskia’s murder, but this time he appeared more cruel and malicious.
“No,” Mara murmured. It was like a nightmare, but she couldn’t wake up.
“Yes, it’s been thirty years! Just like that pitiful creature I punished, you tried to take away my beloved and awaken the Dark One,” Kallisto hissed.
Mara’s mind was further reeling. She could not believe it. Thirty years was a long time. Are her parents still alive? Will her friends recognize her? She glanced at Karl, and removed her hood and mask. Hopefully, seeing her face would make him realize he was under a spell. Instead, he looked away in disgust.
“Karl, please,” she pleaded.
He glared at her and shook his head. “Glad I didn’t have to marry you.”
Mara felt numb. She then saw Kallisto lifting her left hand to reveal a silver ring on her finger. It was the engagement ring Karl gave to her. After seeing Kallisto, he demanded the ring back and gave it to his new love. The goddess smiled while admiring it. Karl looked to his goddess in a loving manner. Kallisto gazed up and kissed him. Mara shook her head as tears blinded her view.
“We shall soon marry and rule the world as gods! But first…” Kallisto looked at Mara and approached her. In one quick motion, the goddess struck her across the face. Mara fell to the ground, feeling stunned. Her face stung from the harsh hit. It would surely leave a mark.
“I shall deal with this enemy of mine!” Kallisto stared down at her.
Mara remained silent while getting up. She stared at the ground, not wanting to look at anyone. She would not find allies here. Everyone looked on in silence, anticipating the defeat of their greatest enemy—this so-called Cursed Herald. The goddess lifted her hand, poised to strike her down.
“You—” Mara was cut off. It felt like a fireball hit her. A burning sensation spread throughout her body and she went into shock. She flew through the air briefly. Hitting the ground, every bone felt broken. All her strength waned away. Mara was going to die, all her efforts thrown out the window. As the life left her, Mara watched her murderer hold Karl in her embrace, kissing him.
“No,” Mara hissed. She couldn’t let it end this way. The rage glowed bright in her heart, like embers from a flame. The fire rushed through her veins and the hatred seeped deep into her bones. Her left hand twitched, then tightened into a fist. Her eyes began to glow while watching the two. She planted her left hand onto the floor. A dark aura exuded from her as she tried to lift her broken body up. She lifted her head to show her undead and scar-riddled visage. Her bones shifted and cracked, causing h
er to groan. Kallisto and Karl pulled away from each other and watched her get up. Everyone was surprised to see her swift resurrection.
Kallisto glared at Mara. “What is this? How are you still alive?”
Mara scowled back at Kallisto, her body twitched from her bones resetting themselves. Loud cracking sounds could be heard as the last of her bones were finally reset. Her dark aura strengthened, scaring the followers. None had witnessed the power of an undying, especially within a sacred place. She ignored them and focused on her target. Her right hand reached for her sword.
“You will pay,” Mara hissed, unsheathing her blade. She bared her teeth and her fangs grew.
The goddess glared at her, showing no fear. “How dare you produce a blade upon a deity? What insolence!”
Mara dashed at her, wanting to kill her.
Kallisto lifted her hand to strike her down again. A blue glow emanated from within her cloak. The moonstone activated, neutralizing the magic of the goddess. In a blind rage, Mara dashed straight for her. Despite wanting revenge, Mara didn’t think this through. A sharp pain in her abdomen stopped her from reaching Kallisto. She gazed down to see a sword impaling her. Recognizing the Hand of Kratés, her eyes drifted up to the face of the one who stabbed her. Commander White dashed in between Mara and Kallisto, to protect his beloved queen. The yellow glow in her eyes faded. Blood seeped from her mouth. Tears welled up in her eyes and she broke down.
“How could you?”
The commander just glared at her, disgusted at her undead appearance. With no intentions of explaining himself, he pulled his sword out. Mara hit the ground with a thud, her body writhed in pain. Looking up at the commander, she lifted her hand and tried to reach him. She thought about the moments they had. All the times they spent together and the first kiss they shared. All those happy memories were shattered before her eyes. Tears streamed down her face.
“Karl, please,” Mara cried. Commander White stared at her for a while. Enraptured by Kallisto’s beauty, none of her words reached him. No longer did he see Mara, but a low creature who tried to harm his goddess. He walked away from her. She tried to reach him again. “Karl…”
The Lost & Cursed Page 28