Chapter 50

Chapter 50

In the middle of the night as Anastasia lay down beside Cassius sleeping, whispers stirred her from sleep. She turned, opening her eyes to find her mother standing at the other end of the room.

"Mother!" Anastasia exclaimed, standing up from the bed, and walking towards her.

"What are you doing here?" Anastasia asked, frowning.

"I have something to share with you," Irina replied. "It's important."

"Ohh you finally heard about my marriage to Cassius?" Anastasia scoffed. "After leaving me in the hands of King Darius, you dare show your face again."

"Anastasia I apologize for my behaviour that day," Irina said. "I'm sorry."

"Sorry?" Anastasia brows furrowed. "I could have been dead by now hadn't not been Cassius who had saved me—"

"Anastasia I don't have much time left. Just listen to me. It's about your biological mother."

She raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing at her mother. "My biological mother? What do you mean? And why should I believe anything you're saying after betraying me?"

Irina's eyes softened. "Please listen to me. I know I made a terrible mistake handing you to Darius but just hear me out."

"You let him take advantage of me! I killed King Darius all because of you!"

Irina's eyes soften with tears. "I never thought that would happen, Anastasia. I wanted to create some distance between us after what happened."

"What are you talking about?"

Irina took a deep breath. "It all started years ago. Before you were born, I was barren. The physician told me I was infertile, unable to bear a child. Desperation consumed me and in my despair, I ran to the ocean for help, hoping to find answers. That's when I met her– a siren creature."

"A siren?"

"She promised to answer my prayers, giving me a child. But there was a price."

"What's the price?"

"I had to return you to the river once you come of age."

Anastasia felt her heart sink down. Her breathing turned ragged and she took a step back, shaking her head. She turned around, glancing at Cassius who was asleep, unaware of what's happening.

"And you agreed to this? You traded me all because you are barren?"

"I was desperate, Anastasia. I couldn't bear the hurt of seeing other women with their own children. I was turned into a laughing stock in the village," Irina's voice trembled.

"I was so consumed by emotions, I didn't think about the consequences. But when i brought you to life, when I held you in my arms, I couldn't bear the thought of losing you. I didn't want to return you back to the ocean. You were intelligent, bright among other children."

"I tried to protect you, but with each passing year when you come of age, I grew worried. I put all my anger on you, blaming you for everything and beating you. I tried to create distance between us so that when I return you, I wouldn't miss you."

Anastasia felt her heart become heavy. A single tear escaped her eyes. "Why are you telling me this now? Why now?"

"Because the time has come for you to return, Anastasia," her mother reached out to touch her but she took a step backward.

"Don't touch me!"

"Anastasia you have to come with me. Tonight is the night of reaping and Nerina wants you tonight."

"What?!" Anastasia exclaimed.

"I am sorry for keeping this information from you but you need to come with me."

"Or what would happen?"

"She'll kill me. She threatened to end my life if you don't return tonight."

"And you think I would allow you take me there? You can't be serious, mother."

Irina's face paled. "It's the only way, Anastasia. The siren will come you regardless. If you go on your own she wouldn't hurt you."

Anastasia shook her head. "We need to find another way. I'm not going with you."

"Anastasia, please. She's strong and powerful. She'll kill me if I don't take you there."

"Mother I am not leaving with you there. If she chooses violence then I'm ready to fight than submit myself to her."

She pressed her lips together, turning around. Before she could open her mouth to speak, she heard a swift move. The next moment, she felt something hard slam against her head. Pain consumed her whole body and she fell to the ground, her eyes slowly fluttering close.

"I'm so sorry Anastasia but I have to protect my life even if it needs sacrificing you to the siren."

She felt herself being pulled into darkness.