132. Three to Go

132. Three to Go
Aiden had arrived at Astor Hall. He was covered in mud; it was shocking to see him so disgusting. He didn’t even look at me as he shoved something wrapped up at me. “You were right it was where you predicted.” Then he walked off. I felt myself rising with anger, but the feeling quickly left me. I didn’t get what that was about.  

“Should we do this?” I asked Teddy who was standing there looking worried. Before I could ask what was wrong, he went back to his neutral stance. “No, tomorrow I need time get the people you need there.” He said. “So will I be home alone then, while you're gone, or do you want me to come help you.”  

His reaction was instantaneous. “No, you have to stay here, why don’t you go lay down in the library, I will walk with you. I already have the innocents you will need, I just have to transport them, and well I also need to go find Baron. I will need his help with something.” He paused and looked at me.  

What did he mean he already had the innocents. Was he keeping people here in Astor Hall? And Baron why would he need Baron, we had done the ritual last time alone and it had worked fine. My agitation was growing, almost like my skin was crawling. Then it vanished with a sharp look from Teddy. “Come along love, let’s get you all settled before I handle things.” He said coming and taking my arm gently and threading it in his own.  

“Teddy I can help, you don’t” I was saying but he cut me off. “Beatrix, you need to rest, you need to relax, last time this took a lot out of you, let me do this for you.” I felt at ease settle in my mind and gave him a nod. I sat down in the library and he went and retrieved a book for me. “The Count of Monte Cristo?” I asked and he smirked. “I remember it is one of your favorites.” I smiled, it was.  

He gave me a quick kiss and left me to read. I read, whenever I felt the urge to get up though, I felt a pull that prevented me from getting off the couch. I would become overwhelmed for a moment, then peace would settle and I would refocus on the book. It was such a strange thing. I couldn’t put my finger on what was going.  

“Beatrix?” I knew that voice, I looked up from my book and saw Leia. She was looking at me, a smile on her face, but it was clear it was masking something. “Do you want some company?” She asked me. “Um yeah that would be lovely, here let me move over.” I said but when I tried to stand, I felt restricted again, then angry then at peace. All the emotions raced before I even knew it Leia was sitting down in one of the big armchairs across from me. 

“It is alright no reason to move or get up.” She said softly. “So, you are going to be destroying another dark relic, Baron said he was helping Teddy with setting up.” I nodded, “How many are left after this one. Do you know?” She asked. “Yeah there is three after this one, at least according to my biological father.” Leia nodded.  

“Leia what the fuck is going on?” I asked point blank. I knew something was, but every time I began to think too hard my mind just turned to soup and I was all relaxed. “Why do you think anything is going on?” She asked. I rolled my neck and noticed how she visibly flinched. “Leia” I choked out my voice somewhat predatory, but then again my mind went mushy and I sunk back into the couch.  

“So, after the last three you will be gone and will you go after Malachar?” She asked me. “Yes, and I will win, his power is mine now, my lightning should be able to destroy him.” My eyes narrowed, not at Leia but me thinking? When was the last time I even tested my own skill. I didn’t feel different maybe the last ritual didn’t work. I just felt so confused, it had to though. What was going on?  

“Leia I think something is wrong. I don’t know can you see if there is something wrong with me?” I asked my friend. She was a healer, she could fix what was wrong, well I hopped. “Beatrix nothing is wrong, everything is just how it has to be.” She said and my anger flared again. “No, something is” again I felt relaxed. She stood “I just wanted to tell you, you know before you go do the ritual, that.” She paused for a long moment.  

She moved then and stood in front of me, quickly she glanced around. Then she was hugging me, I heard her whisper to me. “Thankyou for everything you have done and are doing, you have no idea how much you mean to me. And thank you for loving Theo, he needed someone, and I am glad it was you.” She released me and I could see tears in her eyes.  

I didn’t know what was going on, what she said sounded like a goodbye, but I didn’t understand. She rushed out of the room, and I was left confused. I was so tired of being confused. My thoughts seemed to come and go flippantly. I hated it. I wanted to know what was happening.  

I tried to sort it out. I knew I lost time constantly, I couldn’t tell days apart, now it seemed I didn’t even know how to organize my own feelings. It felt like I was constantly flipping through emotions. I hated it, but my hatred felt hollow as I sat there on the couch. “I miss my best friend.” Aiden voice said. I looked up and he was leaning against the door. I didn’t know what that meant.  

His face was pure disgust as he looked at me. “I can’t wait until this is over and I can properly morn her.” My brows furrowed. “When you see Theodore, tell him I left to go get the next one.” I turned my head. “You are leaving, you just got back.” I said and he shrugged. “The faster this is over the better,” He took a breath. 

He didn’t approach as he stared at me intently for what seemed like a long moment. “Beatrix, if you are in there, I hope you can hear me. I love you, and I will always remember your sacrifice. You are incredible, and I am so sorry that this has all happened to you.” He paused and then said  “thank you.” Then he left, and I sat alone and confused, my body and mind prohibiting me from reacting or moving from the couch.