Chapter thirty

Lucy

Tricking was the easy part. I had gained Prince Eric's trust. A first step to taking back what was taken from me. The excitement in me could not be contained. I needed to tell someone.

I peered in Maisy's direction. She and grandfather we're in a conversation so deep He barely recognized my presence. It was the perfect time to slide away. No one would notice the disappearance of a pardoned slave. I headed to the empty balcony to do something I actually cared about, To speak to someone I actually had a bond with.

Certain I was alone, I took off the necklace. It gave a shimmery green glow inciting the presence of the entities.

"About time." My father's disheartening voice broke the silence.

I faced the fading figure. A streak of grey smoke that still kept his apparition.

"I'm sorry. It's just that Maisy's arrival has attracted the chimera and if I'm going to be alive to see that our vision becomes reality. I have to be alive."

"I get your point and I'm proud of you."

His words of encouragement made me smile yet brought tears to my eyes at the same time.

"You should be happy Luciana. You're making progress. No matter how slow."

It wasn't about my progress. It was about my self titled grandfather. Murdering my father in cold blood, Pinning it on the paladin. Feeding me in his delusions until I found the truth myself.

"It's not about the progress. Are you okay with the fact that your murderer is still alive?"

"Lucy, " I watched him try to hold me. I also saw those hands pass right through me. It hurt more than the pain.

"Lucy, That doesn't matter. I'm glad you got to live the life I never got to live."

"Are you?"

I had seen a lot of spirits ascend. It was all unfinished business but Father had been with me since childhood which meant he hadn't done his. I guessed he would never find peace until his murderer was marble cold.

"Yes, Lucy. I'm glad I have a daughter who's braving the same world that wants to tear her down."

"Does Mom feel the same way?"

"I'm not close to her but I'm sure she's proud."

I knew she was late. According to father, She couldn't live with the pain she caused, She took her own life.

"Well... I have to go now." I informed.

He gave me a knowing smile and I was prompted to wear back the necklace, The only thing I could remember my mother by.

Thanks to the potential spell laced on the necklace, Father vanished. I headed back to the party to see fit that the agenda kept going as planned.

I wasn't evil. I didn't pretend to be who I was not either. I wasn't a Quinn. I wasn't their blood. Grandfather was convinced with his delusions but I wasn't. Slaves would never be really free. In their eyes, we're still slaves. They gave us titles but that was only to make us happy while he continued doing what we were bought for with a happy face. History had to be changed and I was the slave for the job.

***

Maisy

The pain subsided and my reasoning returned. I was in the arms of a Clarke. A man I was meant to despise. I instantly stepped back, pushing his arms away from my body.

"I have to go..." I stated, feeling awkward when our eyes met.

"Are you sure? You look like you need to go home."

That sounded very nice. Except, I didn't have a home. Just a cold castle that wouldn't let me move on with my life.

"Also, What happened?" He asked, rubbing on a part of his shirt where I had painted with my runny makeup.

I surely wasn't going to divulge any detail about what grandfather told me. Even if I did, I would look like a liar or delusional maniac.

"I can't tell you..." I answered, being as honest as I could, "But let's just say my family isn't the ordinary type in this fucked uptown."

"I appreciate your honesty. Not clear but if it makes you feel better. My family especially the Males have a secret that would carry us to our grave."

That spiked my curiosity. His words sounded like grandfathers. It made me what to know what secret exactly but remembering the Crow incident, I was kind of afraid to know. If their secret was similar to ours, The Crow incident wasn't just an incident. It was a sign. One I didn't want to admit.

"What's the secret?"

"I can't tell you. You'll be leaving the family soon. But..."

"But what?"

"If you tell me yours. I'll say mine."

"And if yours sucks?"

"Trust me. It will keep you awake all night." He winked, taking a step back from me.

I wasn't going to push further. Something that would keep me awake sounded scary enough to kill the curiosity.

"Being with your family for a short time, I'm sure whatever secret you're keeping best remain a secret."

"If you say so. Coming inside?"

"No. I'll just stay here for a while. I need the air."

"Ok then. See you." He said and walked back into the party.

The night was chilly, Comfortable enough to let me admire my grandfather's garden. To think it will be all mine when he kicked the bucket.

Fifty percent actually.

My eyes continued to wander the plush green, I was engrossed that I hardly notice the gawky figure staring right at my path. I let out a muffled gasp as the figure walked towards me.

Walked? More like float. The figure's legs weren't touching the ground. It looked like it was but I was an observer. The legs were skimming on the earth like they weren't supposed to mix. The second thing I noticed was the body. The nearer it got, The better I could describe it. The figure looked like it was a woman but the other thing was it was near transculent. I could actually see through the body.

I contemplated running for my life but something stupid wouldn't let me. My legs were firmly rooted to the ground and wouldn't move even when I willed them to. I momentarily looked behind me to see if anyone was seeing what was coming at me. A few people glanced in my direction but judging from how calm they remained, I was sure they were oblivious to the spirit or whatever it was.

My body shook vehemently, it felt like I just jumped in freezing water. It had to be the spirit. I jerked my head forward and let out a shrill whimper at the sight in front of me.

"Tatia?"

***

Eric

Lucy was right. Burying up the pain didn't help matters. I had been hanging on to my title for so long. I forgot what it felt to be human. I headed back to the party since everyone would be expecting me.

Back at the party, I scanned the room to find Maisy. It wasn't easy considering the crowd. I stopped searching and approached Mr Quinn. He was easier to find being the only one in a wheelchair.

"Where is Maisy?"

"She went out. Probably to clear her head." He answered.

"Why?... Did you tell her?"I inquired.

"Yes." He disclosed.

"What! What happened to keeping her safe?"

"If I wanted Maisy to be safe, I had to tell her the truth. Moreover, I didn't want her to think she was crazy or anything."

"Ok. Where is she?"

He backpedaled his chair and faced the garden area.

"She's not there." He said, thoughtful. "Maybe she's with Anthony."

In an instant, I became worried sick. I just had this gut feeling something wasn't right. I had no idea what or why.

"Anthony!", I called for my brother when I managed to find him amidst the crowd.

"Yes, brother."

"Have you seen Maisy?"

"No.", Sara cut in, jumping uninvited to our conversation."I saw her with Conrad earlier.

This made my throat go dry. My eyes scanned around for Conrad.

Nowhere to be found.

Paranoia hugged me tight filling my mind with the worst-case scenarios.

"Eric..." Anthony tried to speak but I wouldn't let him. I dashed outside not caring if anyone was watching.

I caught her scent, ginger sweet. She was here for sure. I could also sniff out Conrad. His scent was stronger than hers, hinting he was here for a longer time. I continued following the scent. It leads me into the garden, getting stronger at each step I took forward.

Judging the path she took, I was sure she was heading to the... Forest. Good lord!

"The chimera..."