Secrets

Melanie gathered her belongings, securing her necklace and hiding her valuables.

After her conversation with her dad moments ago, he handed her necklace to her, giving her directions and his blessings.

"Why does everything seem too fast?" She thought realising how fast things are changing.

With closed eyes, she focused on the waterfalls, envisioning herself standing before it's majestic cascade.

"I've finally made the decision to leave. I hope it's not a mistake and I won't get to regret it" she whispered.

As she fastened the necklace around her neck, the world around her shifted.

Melanie opened her eyes, and found herself surrounded by the dense woods.

'Welcome To Almerita' A signpost by narrow path unwound before her, disappearing into the shadows.

Melanie's heart pounded with anticipation and with a deep breath, she ventured down the path, the trees closing in around her.

***

Shaman Dean was seated in his temple with Master Arnold, staring at a mirror like object which had everything that was going on in Mrs. Craig's house playing on it.

"The wheels are already in motion, the prophecy will soon unfold" The shaman stated his eyes glowing in anticipation.

Master Arnold gave the shaman an inquisitive glance.

"Will the girl die?" He asked concerned etched on his face.

"Arnold..." The shaman said and paused staring intently into the mirror "that lies within the realm of the supreme being"

Arnold nodded slowly "what exactly does the prophecy entail? And is she in anyway connected to the girl with the scent?"

Shaman Dean's eyes sparkled "she alone wields the power to shatter the curse. And concerning the scent...let's just wait for it"

Master Arnold sighed "the curse has plagued our world for centuries, are you certain she's the key?"

Shaman Dean stared blankly through the mirror "the deity's are silent on this one too"

Master Arnold nodded his mind wandering "but she's dead now"

Shaman Dean said nothing, he just went mute wondering how the deities planned to use a dead girl to fulfil a prophecy, somehow there seemed to be a glimmer of hope in the midst of despair.

***

Mrs. Craig cradled Charlene's lifeless body, her sobs echoing through the room like a haunting melody.

"You can't do this to me, Charl. Please don't leave," she begged, her voice cracking. "your dad left and now you?"

Memories flooded her mind, each one a razor-sharp reminder of what she'd lost.

_FLASHBACK_

The midwife's mixed expression revealed the truth, a truth Mrs. Craig had dared not face.

"It's a girl," she said, handing the baby to the couple.

Mr. Craig's sad smile foretold his fate, a fate he'd accepted long ago.

"Your job here is done. Thank you, Judy," he said, his eyes already mourning.

Mrs. Craig sobbed, already grieving the loss of her partner, her best friend.

"Is there really nothing that can be done?" she asked, her voice shattered.

"I'm afraid, sweetheart, nothing can be done. It happens to every single Amazon" Mr. Craig replied.

she handed Charlene to Mr. Craig, his eyes brimming with love and regret.

"Tell her everything I've told you once she's old enough."

He said placing his hand on Charlene's chest.

Blue lights flowed from his body into the baby, a final act of love.

A final kiss on Charlene's forehead, then the mother's.

Slowly, he vanished into golden dust, leaving Mrs. Craig alone.

_END OF FLASHBACK_

"Charlene, your father left me with you as a consolation. You can't leave too," Mrs. Craig cried.

Sweat dripped from her brow as despair consumed her.

"Please come back to Mommy, I beg you."

Charlene's pale skin heightened Mrs. Craig's anguish.

"No!" she screamed, reality crushing her.

Her world shattered, leaving only devastating loss.

She rocked Charlene's body, her tears falling onto the lifeless face.

"Charl, my baby, don't go. Mommy can't live without you."

The room darkened, as if night itself was mourning, Shadows crept in, like the determiner of death.

Mrs. Craig's cries echoed through the silence.

Suddenly, the air stirred and faint hum, like the whisper from the shadows sounded, causing Mrs. Craig's heart to skip a beat.

"Charl?" she whispered, a glimmer of hope flickered in her eyes, But it was just a spark and Charlene's body remained still.

Mrs. Craig's face contorted in anguish.

"Please, Charl. Come back."

The silence that followed was rather oppressive and as if the universe itself held its breath as Mrs. Craig's sobs grew louder, echoing through the mansion.

The room seemed to shrink, the shadows closed in and then, nothing...