Chapter twenty-eight

Maisy

  The carriage ride to grandfathers was an awkward one, Considering I ended up with Sara, Emilia, and Anthony. It was either that or I ended up with Eric.

I turned behind me to have a peek at the carriage behind ours. It was too dark to see it but my mind wouldn't be at ease. I couldn't help but wonder what was happening in there.

Considering their bad blood, I wouldn't rule out attempted murder.

"You look worried. Are you okay?" Anthony asked.

I had never had a conversation with him so It was no surprise I turned beet red.

"I'm fine."

His gaze lingered on me.

"If you're worried about my brother, You don't have to. He can take care of himself."

Shallow. They were all shallow.  Here I was worried about my father's being, mental well being to be precise and all he would pin my worry on was Eric. Pathetic!

"I don't think so." I briefly muttered before turning quiet.

"Just leave her alone Anthony. The rich don't mingle with the paupers." Anthony's spiteful wife incited, giving me a dirty look.

I understood what she meant. I was going to be filthy rich when my grandfather eventually kicks the bucket. 

"Maybe. At least I'll actually get to keep my inheritance. The smart move you didn't make." I gloated, satisfied at her discomfort.

"You're right. But... Is Lucy safe?"

"I don't know her. Neither do I care. If she makes a stupid decision to trap herself in a family like this one. It's her choice."

"What a coincidence! Sounds like what Tatia would have said. Guess cruelty hasn't left the bloodline."

I clenched my fist, fighting every tremor that wanted to get at her just there.

She wasn't worth it.

I brought out Tatia's journal and resumed reading, Ignoring the world around me.

Emilia smirked, "Looks like you're taking lessons from the dead."

Something told me she just wanted to get me to hit her. If that was the case, She was definitely hitting the brick wall.

"Of course..." I replied just as sarcastic.

"...If I don't want to end up like her. I should know  every stupid move."

"She's not wrong." Sara teased her sister.

She then faced me,

"Don't take it personal. She just gets grumpy when her schedule gets messed up."

All this while, Anthony had remained silent but the mention of 'schedule' got him talking.

"What schedule Emilia?"

"Why do you care?"

"Because we are married."

"Since when did you see that role as serious?"

Marital issues? Seems like this family was cursed.

The carriage came to a halt and the rider informed us we had arrived at our destination. The red curtain shielding us from the outside world opened, giving me a view of the family Manor. It was considerably dark and the only source of light was the candles compassed around the building.

A maid came to lead the way. The body with me followed the girl as eager as early birds. I guessed this was only for the reputation, One they didn't have. At least, Not one to be proud of.

I threaded the path slowly, gawking the splendor of what was in front of me.

It was impossible to miss. An overlay of color, It depicted beauty with brains, The sister I never had.

All I could mutter was,

"Tatia."

***

Eric

Seated with a man that despised you for a span that felt like forever. I was more than elated to get out when the carriage stopped. At the same time, I knew where I was going was only going to bring back memories. Memories. I so wanted to forget.

From the distance, I caught the view of one of Tatia's mural. It was circled in candlelight which brought out the colors in a unique way.

God...

"Dale told me you made that," Spencer said.

I tilted to him. Just to be sure he was actually talking to me. I felt weak to the knees knowing he was actually referring to me.

"Yes." I stuttered, shocked.

"What was she like?" He asked.

This definitely wasn't my greatest strength. Describing someone who was now a vague existence in my memory.

"She was a good person," I replied.

It was an understatement. Tatia was an angel. Someone who understood anyone. She was loved by all but if I was ever going to get over her death, I had to let go of the basics.

"Well if that's all you have to say about her. I don't think you knew or loved her like you claimed."

"Maybe." I retorted, walking faster to the building in hopes to end this conversation before it escalated.

It was a thing notable to my family. Cursed with lycanthropy, Jinxed with unhappy marriages and the inevitable sacrifices. It was who we were. It would never change so if Maisy deserved any happiness at all, It was definitely not with me.

Spencer got the message I passed in his own way and finally let me be.

We were approached by Mr. Quinn who was as always been led on to us by Lucy, The new pawn in the Clarke family games.

"It's nice to see the Royal family honored my invitation."

"It's our pleasure."

Mr Quinn noticed my eyes was on the painting and said,

"I hope it doesn't disturb you. It's just that it's noctem mortuorem. There is a chance she might appear, I just wanted her to be on everyone coming here mind."

"It's okay. I don't mind." I lied.

Spencer got in before me and Dale turned back to have a serious conversation.

"Are you serious about the divorce?" He asked.

I fixed my attention on Lucy who acted like she barely existed before answering.

"It's for her own good. The chimera is back and I can't risk her life." I disclosed.

Dale caressed his chin, whispering to himself before returning to our conversation.

"What do you think that abomination needs a whisperer for?"

I wished I had an answer for that.  It needed that specie for something. If not, It wouldn't go into hiding all these months. I clenched my fist remembering the pain that beast brought me. The unforgettable suffering. Now everyone thought Tatia committed suicide on our wedding day but the truth was far sinister than that.

***

Three months ago

I awoke to find myself numb, The dead grass poking into my back, like tiny needles. I opened my eyes and gasped in a breath, coughing out dry blood. The blood cloth in my throat restricted my breathing.

My eyes adjusted to the darkness and my sight got clearer.

"Eric?" I heard her call my name.

I followed the voice and found Tatia rested under a tree.

Her dress was painted crimson and she looked pale.

"Are you alright?"I quizzed, limping towards her.

She obviously was not. She had a deep cut at her abdomen region and was bleeding badly. Through it all, She managed to keep her smile.

"Why aren't you healing? Ask the spirits for favors." I pleaded, holding her hands.

"They won't help. I haven't fulfilled my end of the bargain." She giggled, her face wrinkled in pain.

"You can't die on me Tatia."

"Fate can't be changed, Eric."

"Wait... What! Don't tell me you..." I trailed off unable to finish my sentence. I felt a lump grow in my throat as I imagined my worst fears becoming reality.

"...They've told me, Eric." She whimpered, now shaking as she succumbed to her wounds.

"They want you to find her Eric."

"Who? I quizzed.

"My sister."

"What sister?"

"I wish I had enough time. Find Maisy. That's all I know."

There was an awkward pause between us. The tension in the air was a mix of pain, Love and fear, Fear of the unknown.

"Protect her Eric. Promise me you will." She made me swear.

"I promise," I muttered at the moment, and with her last breath, Tatia uttered her parting words.

"I love you, Eric."