“No—” she heard Alaris object to it but it was too late.
Something surged straight through her hand, from right right where their hands were in contact. She could feel the strange presence move through her, until it went to her head and she felt it fit into her mind. An odd presence; an added weight.
When it was over, she opened her eyes.
“Is it done then? You will show me the way.”
The Channeler smiled broadly. “Of course. Just go to the Castle and I will guide you.”
She nodded, then she stepped out of that section of the cave and headed back to the section they were in before.
She could hear Alaris' displeased voice, sharp and filled with anger as he spoke to the Chaneller.
She knew this would happen. It was for this reason that she left immediately.
Belladonna felt light on her feet.
She couldn't tell if it was from hunger or from the possession she had just consented to. Her head felt heavier than ever before. It seemed the presence of a sick Chaneller was greater than the presence of over a hundred ghost brides.
Finally she got to their section of the cave. As she stepped in, someone rushed out, bumping into her roughly before running away.
That red hair—
Belladonna recognized her as the woman who stood against the Priest when he had led them here.
By Ignas, she might have put something in that part of the cave to attack them. Belladonna decided against going in. Instead, she sat outside their section.
She felt so light, like the wind could blow her away. Tears streamed down her cheeks once again. This time she let them flow. The sound of music floated to her ears and it brought many memories that were happy in their moments but now sad to remember. The pendant of Eli’s necklace dug into the palm of her hands and she rested her head against the wall.
She remembered Aniya, and she wondered where she could be, how she was. She hated that she couldn't be there right now to protect her.
She just hoped that Alaris was right, she hoped that the lycan would protect her sister and Arlo.
She just hoped… By Ignas, she missed Eli.
Her hand fisted against her stomach and pressed it into her skin. Maybe if she pushed it a bit further, she would just stop feeling this emptiness.
By Ignas, this was too much!
Alaris appeared shortly after, angry.
“Have you learnt nothing?!”
She rose to her feet, and wiped her tears away. Something in his expression flattered at that but he was back to being angry again.
“We don't have time,” she stated pointedly.
“Nightshade!” Alaris snapped. “She fed on your essence, she is feeding on you right now! She was so eager to get into my mind, because she discovered at that moment that it might keep her from dying. She is sharing your life with you. She is killing you.”
“I know,” Belladonna said. “I saw the signs.”
She did indeed see the signs.
Nothing about that old woman felt right. She reminded her of Kestra with everything she did, her constant smile and her eagerness to possess a part of her mind.
Belladonna knew she wasn't just being kind, she knew the price she would have to pay but she was too desperate to look for any other way.
“You sound so stupid. You, idiot! My brother did not sacrifice his life for some witch to kill you by living in your mind!”
“Well, I don't think I'm living either! There is no life for me without him! I don't even think someone like me deserves to live. I killed my babies, I killed him—”
“You did not kill anyone! How many times do I have to tell you that it wasn't your fault?”
“Telling me doesn't change everything. I am grateful that you are standing by my side but this guilt kills me! I will do everything I must to bring him back. I don't care if I kill myself along the line. That is the only way I can forgive myself. That is the only way I can live.”
Alaris' glare remained present and he stared at her for a while before he turned away abruptly. “The only reason she is alive is because of the connection she shares with you.” Then he turned back to her. “Any severance might cause great harm to you. If you sense anything odd, tell me. I would rather find a way to dispose of her efficiently than for harm to come to you.”
She nodded.
“That is not enough,” he cupped her face between his palms. “Promise me you will tell me, Nightshade.”
“I promise.” Her throat hurt with tears but she refused to cry. No. Not this time.
Alaris nodded, dropping his hands from her face.
“We are going to the Castle tomorrow. By nightfall tomorrow, this will be over.”
Belladonna smiled.
Her hopes building up once again.
“Let us go inside and I’ll get us something to eat.”
Belladonna quickly told him about the lady that had been in their section of the cave. With a frown, Alaris stepped in to inspect the cave.
She stayed behind.
A moment after, she could feel blood drizzle from her nose.
Quickly she wiped it away.
All she had to do was wait for tomorrow night and all this would be over.
“Nightshade, you may come in. There is nothing here.”
“I’m coming,” she said as she stepped in.
“Are you certain you are alright?”
“Yes. I could never be more perfect.”