Nineteen: The passage

Emma flipped her hair once more before letting out a satisfied sigh. But Lucian was not in the mood for games. His eyes were filled with hatred.

"Let her go."

"That's up to me. You don't order me around here. Its been a long time Galbraith.. how have you been?"

He flinched upon hearing his name and refused to respond.

"My, my.. what have I taught you before my lord? Manners, etiquette.. have you forgotten? Don't just stand there like a bloody moron. I asked you a question."

"You are not my governess anymore, Miss Mayer."

I gaped at him. His voice wasn't distant anymore, it was much fuller, deeper, very manly, truly Lucian.

Emma was simply amused, "Of course not, how silly of me. I'm just curious, you've been inside that tree for a long time. I'm surprised you haven't lost your mind."

"Not before I kill you, I will not yield."

"Stubborn as always, like your mother. But she was stupid as well, Elizabeth, she never found out about your father and I."

"You have no right to breathe her name! Wench!"

"The only wench in your life was that low born you've bedded. And she left you for what? A pound of gold that is! She got herself killed for it, that chit deserved it if you ask me."

"No. You killed her."

"Of course not Galbraith, why don't ask your little Krista here? She's been getting nightly visits from Claus as well."

His eyes fell on me and I was just stunned. She knew about my dreams?

Bloody hell.

"He wasn't visiting me! He showed me what happened that day! Yra killed herself because you held her family captive!"

Emma was taken aback that panic expression suited her alright. I'm not about to give up just yet.

"Is that what you think happened Krista? She took the gold and was robbed. Someone else killed her. Claus was using tricks on your mind."

"Are you saying you did not hostage her family?"

Lucian growled, "You witch!"

"Well, it was just an insurance. She was supposed to take the gold and fly somewhere very far. I did not touch them after she died. And when she proved to be a gold digger, it led to her untimely demise."

The bitch. Now she's twisting the story.

"Blaming others does not make you lesser of two evils. You tricked me into going to the forest and trapped me with your black magic. What makes you think I don't know you are capable of something far more evil?"

Lucian had taken a step towards Emma, it was scary as shit. He looked ready to kill.

"And you fell for it, hmm? Stupid, again, just like your mother."

Before Lucian could take another step, Emma struck him with her magic. The roots surrounding the tree came alive and captured his legs, he tried to fight them but was soon overpowered. He was forced on his knees but he kept his head high.

"Let's get this over with." Emma walked away from him and pulled Tristane up, "And you will help me."

"No! My magic is not for you!"

"Silly boy, you owe that little power from me! And I am going to use it wether you like it or not. Now, open the passage or I kill her."

Emma pointed the gun at me. Crap!

"Open the passage Tristane and she lives. Just not with you though."

So that's why she kept us alive, she planned to trap me and Lucian inside the tree. Then she would have to use Tristane's magic to aid her power. I stared at Lucian, he was getting weaker by the hour. I have to do something.

I tugged at the cuffs, it was clipped to a lose vine. But my hands were still bound by a thick rope, I tried pulling the knots but my fingers came back numb and hurt.

Tristane cannot possibly take her on with those injuries. Bloody hell!

"Alright Emma, you win."

They all turned to me. I have to buy some time, then maybe, just maybe some miracle would save us.

"I win? What are you talking about Krista? Are you that desperate to escape that you're finally yielding?"

Lucian stared at me but I can't read his expression. I focused my eyes on Emma.

"All I'm saying is, I'm letting you walk away from all this. Let Tristane go and we won't hunt you. You can go wherever you want, I'll handle Dad."

She laughed wickedly, "Oh my goodness. Can you hear yourself Krista? You think I would just walk away after all the trouble I've been through?"

"You have my word. No one will look for you."

"Your word is as good as horse shit you brat! I've already taken care of your Dad, he won't remember you at all. As for your mom... well, I haven't thought what to do with her yet."

"Leave her alone. She's got nothing to do with you."

"She had nothing to do with anyone sweetie. Dina was never a mother to you, or have I misinterpreted your presentation of her to me?"

I dropped my jaw, did I really bad mouth my mom infront of Emma? What kind of daughter have I become?

"Give up, Krista. Save your breath, you'll be talking soon with your Lucian." She nudged the gun at Lucian's head, "I'm not so evil, you see? I'm letting you two be finally together. This time, you won't be luring anyone else. My little Tristane inherited my power, we will double the barrier. There'll be no more escape."

I bit back my tongue. I ran out of ideas.

"Hurry up Tristane, you're wasting moonlight." She called back to where Tristane was standing.

Tristane looked at me apologetically, he places his hands on the tree and he started chanting.

I felt the forest come alive as his magic spread all over us. His body emitted the same white smoke I witnessed awhile back. He closed his eyes and concentrated on the spell, soon I saw sweat drenched his shirt. His limbs shaking as his breath came short.

"Stop! Tristane, you're still weak!"

"He'll be fine Krista, I won't let him die. Once the passage is open I'll take over."

Emma pocketed the gun again and raised her hands above the candles. This time her voice rose and overpowered Tristane's chant. They both worked magic and it felt unwordly.

The white and black magic blended as the moon shone brightly. Tristane hands dropped to his sides and he collapsed under the tree. A soft blue light appeared on the tree. The passage.

The animals have been disturbed and were immidiately fleeing for their lives. I felt a squirrel ran over my legs while birds have flapped their wings way too low, I had to cover my face against their talons.

"Now, who wants to walk the plank first?"

I raised my head, Emma was pointing the gun at me again. Lucian was still on his knees, weakened by the roots.

"I know you can get the handcuffs off Krista, that's why I bound your hands with the rope and that little magic held on. Now, get your ass over here."

I gritted my teeth, I knew we lost. I had no choice but to snap the vine and walked over to Emma.

"Perhaps this is goodbye Krista, I would've loved the idea of becoming your step mom. But circumstances won't allow it. What a waste really."

"You're such a lousy actor Emma."

She pretended to be hurt, "But then, you fell for it still."

"Dad will realise soon what you really are!"

Her hand came to her chest, her fingers held a necklace. It might have been a ruby or garnet but I couldn't really tell. It was glowing abnormally.

"Not as long as my power is over him. Even if I die and if my power survived, he can't be freed."

"You won't get away with this."

"I already did." She pointed the passage with the gun. "Now, walk."

I threw one last glance at Tristane, he was regaining conciousness but his eyes remained close.

I'm sorry.

I stared at the passage that was in the center of the tree. It didn't look scary at all, it even gave out a warm feeling promising safety.

Perhaps it was for the best. No one would miss me after Dad's memory was erased, Mom will survive. I know she will. Oggy, poor boy, he'll be sad. I hope Louie would take care of him. I had no friends at school. All I have now is Lucian.

I turned to him, he was freed from the roots since he was too weak to fight back. He stared at me with those beautiful blue eyes.

Should I be happy that we'll be together now? Does he feel the same way for me? Or he will use me like he did with those other women?

"Just one more step Krista and it will be all over."

Emma cocked the gun as a final warning. It was the last respite.

I tore my eyes away from Lucian and walked through the passage.

I welcomed the warmth whole heartedly.