A Grave Sin

Song recommendation: https://youtu.be/VubXnyQHfGY

All of Michael's senses began to dim. Cora's face was disappearing into a black blur. The last of his strength seemed to be fading. Then suddenly, there was a loud thump. Michael spluttered for air as Cora's lifeless body fell down beside him. Michael's eyes slowly opened.

Veretta stood in front of him, his sword in her hands covered in blood. She reached out her hand to him. He rose with difficulty. His eyes went to Cora's body with confusion, then back to Veretta.

" You saved my life... " He breathed.

Veretta stared down solemnly at Cora, "Who was that woman? Was Cora possessed?"

" Yes," Michael said clutching his throat, "that was Kalandra. The woman...who killed me,"

Michael turned to Veretta seriously ," Are you hurt?" He glared at the bloody gash on her forehead.

"You were almost Killed. Yet, you are asking about my condition," Veretta said in a low voice," You came here to save me, didn't you?"

Michael turned away, "No, I came for this,"

He dipped down and plucked the scattered stones from floor.

" You're lying..." Veretta's jaw clenched," you're lying and I don't know why! "

"We don't have time for this," Michael replied stiffly, "Silthus has Ace and the scroll. We have to go after them,"

"Why?!" Veretta demanded, "You are the one who gave him to Silthus. What do you care what happens to him?"

"I'm going to take him back," Michael replied slowly.

Before Veretta, could say another word. The doors flew open. Leva Veral marched into the room, with same dignified air as the first time Veretta had seen her. Her steady grey eyes fell on Michael. Estelle and Darius followed behind.

" It is an honour to meet you, Grand master," Leva gave a gracious bow.

" I'm afraid we don't have time for pleasantries," Michael answered briskly," Silthus has taken the red general and fled,"

" I am aware," Leva smiled politely,"I was informed by your party,"

She gestured behind. Tomas and Yona followed.

"We found them beyond and they led us here," Leva glanced down," I see you have the stones,"

" What are they?" Veretta questioned.

"They represent the four quarters of the continent: North, East, South and West. All are needed to open the holy scroll. Thus why Silthus sought to capture the continent,"

"Well, now Silthius has the scroll," Michael stated flatly.

"Ace is one of my oldest friends," Leva smiled," we will retrieve it. This is still a victory. We have finally conquered Silthus' stronghold. The West and the South are free,"

"We will soon free the East and North," Darius enjoined, "Estelle and I will go to Cora's stronghold and lead the takeover,"

"It is all thanks to your leadership," Leva smiled warmly at Michael.

"I have no interest in leadership," Michael dismissed," I'm going after Silthus. I will leave the rest to you..."

" Pardon my frankness, Grand master, " Leva interceded," but your party needs time to rest. Silthus will not kill Ace. We should take this time to recuperate,"

Michael glanced at Tomas who was leaning weakly against Yona and the wound on Veretta's brow, " Very well," he conceded reluctantly," then I must prepare. The rest of you should be treated by the healers,"

He strode out of the room impatiently.

" Forgive his rudeness, Grand master," Tomas hesitated, "he is always like that,"

"No offence has been taken," Leva chuckled,"but someone should see to his wounds,"

" I will go," Veretta bowed. She could hardly bear the kind eyes of Leva Veral. She still felt deeply ashamed to be in her presence. Leva gave a nod and Veretta hastened after Michael.

He hadn't got far. He was hobbling to the lower floor with great effort. Veretta quickly caught up.

" Go to the healer," Michael said without meeting her gaze.

"It will be a waste of saving your life if you drop down dead," Veretta returned drily.

" I'm fine. I was only lightly stabbed," Michael chuckled to himself.

"You have a strange sense of humour," Veretta frowned.

"At any rate, I will be fine, please go and see the healers, " He entreated.

"What that woman said to you...It wasn't true, Michael," Veretta said ignoring his attempts to stagger away.

Michael finally paused," You heard that...well you're wrong. It is true. All of it. Love is not something I am capable of, she just reminded me of something I already knew,"

" Do you..." Veretta stopped short,"never mind. Let's get you somewhere I can heal you,"

They proceeded back into one of the least damaged rooms. Veretta helped Michael onto the bed. She held her hand to Michael's shoulder.

"This is not a light stab,"She sighed, " It's practically to the bone,"

"Luckily, I have you to heal it," Michael smirked.

Veretta continued to heal the wound and dress it. When finished, she looked down at it sceptically, " That looks terrible. Tomas would have done a better job,"

"As if I would let that brat touch me," Michael snorted.

Veretta lowered her hand. Michael pressed his hand to her forehead. His magic was warm like spring rain and his touch was gentle," Feel better?"

"Yes," Veretta answered slowly. She snuck a glance into his golden eyes. Suddenly, she felt an urge she could no longer fight. She leaned in and kissed him softly. Michael turned his face away.

" I'm sorry," Veretta faltered," I misread things,"

She rose to leave, but Michael grabbed her hand, " You didn't misread anything,"

He pulled her in, running his hands through her raven hair. His lips met her feverishly. They both fell back onto the bed. For a moment, they were embroiled in a passionate embrace.

Then, Michael gave a grunt. Veretta rose, staring down at his reddening bandage, "I told you," she giggled.

They both burst into laughter. It became quiet again as they both lay beside each other.

"So I don't repulse you any more?" Veretta asked quietly.

"You never repulsed me," Michael turned to her earnestly.

"But you keep pushing me away and I don't understand it," Veretta entreated.

"I don't mean to..it's just we're not meant to be,"Michael replied reticently.

"How can you know unless you try?" Veretta laid a sweet kiss on his lips.

"I'm just going to hurt you," Michael breathed.

"It's like you said, I'm a strong girl,"

They clutched each other desperately and frantically consumed in an ardent kiss. Michael seized Veretta by the shoulder. He laid kisses on her white neck hungrily. Veretta let out a moan of pleasure. Michael threw his bloodied shirt aside. Then, Veretta threw her arms around his neck.

They were still in a breathless and intense undressing when a loud knock broke apart their reverie.

"Michael! Are you in there?" A voice was heard at the door.

"Go away!" Michael growled.

"It's Darius,"

"Don't care," Michael continued kissing Veretta's neck.

"Shouldn't you at least listen to what he has to say?" Veretta whispered

Michael pulled back with irritation. He marched to the door, opening it impatiently.

"What?"

"Oh it's..." Darius halted. His eyes panned down," you... you're... not dressed,"

He turned his face away.

"What do you want?" Michael crossed his arms indifferently, "This better be life or death,"

" I wanted... I'm sorry," Darius said attempting not to look, without success, " Can you put some clothes on, please!"

Michael gave a derisive snort and slammed the door shut. He went to the bed and threw on his shirt. Veretta followed suit buttoning up her dress.

"Here," Michael said, pulling a blanket from the bed and wrapping it around Veretta's shoulders, " You look cold,"

"Thank you," Veretta blushed.

Michael went to the door once more. Darius glanced over from his position leaning against the wall.

" As I was saying," Darius began grudgingly," The Grand Wizard has called us all for a meal tomorrow. She's invited you to attend,"

" I'll pass," Michael replied categorically.

"You're not even going to consider it?" Darius protested," I'm leaving soon with Estelle. Won't you at least see me off?"

"Why?"Michael frowned.

"Why?" Darius pouted,"because...we're friends,"

"I don't remember becoming friends with you," Michael raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

"What do you mean?" Darius argued hotly, "You saved my life. We fought together. You invited me to dinner,"

Michael's expression remained unchanged.

" How can you be so heartless?"Darius sulked.

"Of course he will go," Veretta emerged from the room, "Michael was only joking. Weren't you, Michael?"

Darius' eyes widened and a flicker of understanding followed. He glanced at Michael apprehensively.

"Right... Joking," Michael murmured unconvincingly.

"Then you'll go?" Darius petitioned excitedly.

"We will," Veretta smiled.

"We will?" Michael repeated, doubtfully.

"Great, I will convey the message to Miss Veral," Darius smiled," I'll leave you to return to... whatever you were doing,"

"Actually, Darius," Veretta said quietly, " I'd like to come with you. I'd like to speak to the grand wizard,"

"Oh, of course," Darius smiled widely. However, upon seeing Michael's glare, he promptly turned to leave. Veretta began to follow, but Michael pulled her back.

"Are you sure about this?" he whispered.

"The meal ?" Veretta questioned.

"No," Michael grinned," You and I, I mean,"

"I kissed you first, remembered? " Veretta returned with a coy smile.

She started after Darius, slipping out of Michael's hand. The moment she disappeared, Michael's smile faded and he returned inside. Down the hall, Veretta caught up with Darius. He greeted her with an apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry. I got in the way, didn't I?" He said remorsefully.

"Not all," Veretta chuckled.

"Michael isn't the jealous type, is he?" Darius asked ruefully.

"No, I don't think so," Veretta laughed.

"That's good," Darius replied relieved," He's a hard person to understand,"

"I agree with you there," Veretta smiled sadly.

"But he seems to care for you a great deal," Darius said thoughtfully, " He didn't hesitate to save you from Cora at that dinner,"

"At dinner?" Veretta questioned, "you mean earlier?"

"No, the night of the dinner party," Darius ruminated," when he told me to take you and run, I was surprised,"

Veretta's eyes widened incredulously, but she quickly replied," Yes, that time. I think I must have drunk quite a lot. What exactly was the argument about?"

Darius paused and looked at Veretta surprised," You don't remember?"

"I do, " Veretta lied, "It's just blurry, that's all,"

"Well, they were playing a game," Darius recalled. Then stopped," Perhaps, you should ask Michael,"

" Ah, yes I will," Veretta smiled sheepishly.

They reached the doors of Leva Veral's room. Veretta was surprised to see some semblance of order had already been instilled. The desk and furnishings had been replaced. Estelle and Leva were drinking tea at one of the tables. Leva at once rose to greet them.

"Michael said he will join us," Darius announced.

"As so he should," Estelle enjoined, "I will leave you then, Grand wizard,"

"Thank you for joining me, your majesty," Leva gave a bow.

As Estelle left the room, Leva turned to Veretta and Darius, " Will you join me?"

"Actually, I was about to retire for the night," Darius smiled.

"Then please, miss Veretta. Take a seat," Leva gestured to the table.

Both women sat as Darius took his leave. Veretta stirred nervously, unable to meet Leva's gaze.

"Grand wizard," Veretta began.

"Please call me Leva," came the kind reply.

"Miss leva, l asked Darius for an audience with you because I have a terrible sin to confess," Veretta's eyes watered, "I...am the one who brought the Second grand Wizard back to life. I used dark magic, against the college's teachings. I did horrible things on account of revenge. I hurt my friends and I hurt reputation of the college. I have committed a grave sin. I know that this deed cannot go unpunished, so I will take whatever judgement you bestow upon me,"