Approaching Darkness

"Aggie, please hasten your packing," said Auntie Isa in a delighted tone.

Agatha could see the sparkling happiness in her eyes as she organized their belongings, clothes, and essential items. Since they didn't have many possessions, the packing process was straightforward and quick.

When they first arrived in Elderwood seven years ago, they brought nothing with them. Auntie Isa found work as a gardener for a wealthy witch, and Agatha helped her as much as she could. This allowed them to survive, even if their lifestyle was modest. They had just enough to avoid going hungry.

Because Agatha had to work, she didn't have much opportunity to make friends. She spent most of her time trying to find work and surviving. Moreover, the other children didn't approach her because she was different. She was a Fae living among witches.

Being alone was somewhat acceptable to Agatha. She preferred solitude to bad company. She didn't want friends who only sought her out when they were hurt because she could heal them, only to abandon her once they were well again.

In truth, Agatha didn't feel too lonely because she had Auntie Isa. Auntie Isa was her anchor, making her feel safe and acting as a second mother and father. 

Since Auntie Isa was not a Fae, she couldn't teach Agatha how to use her innate powers. Agatha discovered her abilities accidentally in a moment of dire need.

One day, Auntie Isa was wounded on her way home. Agatha was terrified when she saw the blood on her hands and immediately grabbed a white cloth to wipe it away. When she touched Auntie Isa's crimson hands, a warm, sun-like energy emanated from Agatha's hand, and slowly, Auntie Isa's wounds began to heal.

"Aggie, it's almost evening," called Auntie Isa from the kitchen. "Come here…" From the living room, Agatha could hear the excitement in her auntie's voice.

For years, they had been in hiding, constantly changing accommodations. But last week, someone from Etherealis, Agatha's father's homeland, recognized Auntie Isa. This person was a casual acquaintance.

Auntie Isa had seen Philippe in the heart of the town while he was shopping for a well-known witch. Agatha learned that he was actually her uncle. She had seen him once before but didn't know who he was at the time. Since Auntie Isa trusted him, Agatha realized he might be a goodhearted man after all, especially since Auntie Isa rarely trusted anyone easily.

They had a conversation, and Auntie Isa learned that those responsible for Agatha's parents' deaths had been captured. They were to be publicly executed a week later, which was why they were going back. They wanted to see the murderers face justice.

Agatha wanted to see them pay for their crimes, so despite her hesitation, she finally agreed. They had already paid a witch for teleportation and her Uncle Philippe would meet them at the border to ensure they wouldn't be blocked by the guards.

After years of endless hiding, Agatha finally felt free. She and Auntie Isa would no longer live in fear of being hunted down in the middle of the night. 

At last, they could live peacefully without constant anxiety. They wouldn't have to worry about their safety in their new home. Most importantly, her parents would finally receive the justice they deserved. Agatha missed them more than she could remember.

Once Agatha and her Auntie Isa reached Etherealis, the lands of the elemental Faes, a wave of sadness washed over Agatha's heart. Tears welled up in her eyes as memories she had tried to forget flooded back. Mixed with these sad memories were the happy moments she had shared with her parents, the last times she spent with her father, and the traumatic experience of witnessing both their deaths. These memories choked her like cold hands around her throat.

Agatha had barely managed to draw a breath when, out of nowhere, they were attacked. Someone covered Auntie Isa's mouth, rendering her unable to use her abilities. Despite her efforts to punch, kick, and hit their attackers, they were numerous and skilled, cloaked in dark hoods that blended with the approaching night. They quickly overpowered Auntie Isa and tied her up.

Agatha fought back as best as she could, but she was like an ant against elephants. Lacking real combat experience, she was no match for the over two dozen men who clearly knew how to fight and kill. 

With little effort, Agatha was pinned headfirst to the sand. She heard joyous laughter nearby, though her vision was blurred by dust. Struggling, she managed to lift her head to see the source of the sinister voice.

Her eyes widened when she saw her Uncle Philippe kicking Auntie Isa, who was lying on the ground. Auntie Isa tried to stand, but her weakened body collapsed repeatedly under the relentless assault. Eventually, she lay curled on the ground, groaning in pain, struggling faintly against the tight ropes that bound her limbs.

"Look how pitiful you are," Uncle Philippe's deep voice echoed around. "How stupid. You easily believed the lies I wove." He laughed again, a chilling sound.

"You asshole! Traitor!" Agatha yelled, though she was restrained. She struggled to move, gritting her teeth. She wanted to hit him, but the weight on her back, likely someone's knees, kept her pinned.

"Agatha," called Uncle Philippe, "you've grown up so well, I see." He laughed as if they were having a pleasant family chat, ignoring the fact that she was tied up and pinned to the ground.

"You look beautiful, just like your whore of a mother..."

Agatha's eyes darkened with fury. She wanted to kill the bastard in front of her for his cruel words about her mother, but all she could do was stifle a sob.

"Fuck you," Agatha spat when Uncle Philippe leaned closer to her. He just grinned and wiped her saliva off with a white cloth. "What do you want from us?"

From the corner of her eye, Agatha saw Auntie Isa trying to move again, but the man guarding her kicked her immediately.

Agatha's body went rigid when she saw Ksaver approaching.

Then, out of nowhere, Eva appeared and walked up to Philippe. "Philippe, dear, will this take long?"

As Agatha stared at the three of them, she suddenly realized the horrifying truth. They were working together against her. For some unknown reason, they wanted her family dead. First her father, then her mother, and now her and Auntie Isa.

Agatha wondered what they truly wanted from them.

She struggled to breathe properly. Why did this always happen? Ksaver had been trusted by her father, but he was the one who killed him. Her mother, Lorelei, had trusted Eva, which cost her life. And now Auntie Isa had trusted Philippe, leading them to this dire situation.

Agatha asked herself, why does trusting always lead to pain and loss? Why do we end up hurt by those we hope to trust? Why do we hope in the first place?

"Tsk, so gullible," Eva sneered. "Just like her stupid mother and father." Then a powerful slap burned across Agatha's cheek.

Eva tried to slap her again, but as her hand came near, Agatha bit it hard, pouring all her simmering anger into that bite. She bit so hard that she drew blood.

Eva shrieked loudly, trying to pull her hand away, while the knights kicked Agatha. Eva finally gave up as the pain overwhelmed her. Agatha heard the cracking of Eva's bones before releasing her hand only when she felt a sword slice into her arm, cutting through flesh and hitting bone. The pain was so intense that it took her breath away for several seconds.

The last thing she remembered was seeing her Auntie Isa being dragged to the ground like a helpless animal before she was consumed by the approaching darkness.