Chapter 47
(Alex)
The light was warm as it took me away. I could feel her pulse racing to the very end. She was terrified of her death and I wanted to tell her that it was okay that she wouldn t die. But I couldn t.
When I opened my eyes, I was lying on the floor of the burnt house in Iceland. The cry of the Banshee was nails to my ears. I pushed to my feet, searching for her, wanting to get this over with.
She was curled in the corner, in her hag form, her skin wrinkled and tattered. Her thin hair hung in her eyes and she showed me her yellow teeth as she smiled.
I ve been waiting for you.
I stuffed my hands in my pockets.
Have you? I m so thrilled.
She crept to her feet.
I can t believe I have you. I ve waited forever to get my hands on a soul like yours. Not many humans like to throw theirs away so carelessly.
It wasn t carelessly,
I replied, thinking of Gemma. Had she woken up and realized she was still alive?
She trialed her fingernails along my shoulder and then ran her hands through my hair.
It seems careless if you ask me throwing your soul away, all to save the life of a human girl.
I swatted her hand away.
First off, stay the hell away from me. Just because you own my soul doesn t mean you can put your gross, wrinkly hands on me.
She snarled and then smiled wickedly.
You re mine now and I ll do whatever I want with you.
Then she danced around, shifting into her other form. Her hair thickened and her skin smoothed over.
There. Is that better for you?
She reached for me again.
I shoved her back.
I said don t touch me.
You can be bitter all you want,
she replied.
But eventually I ll break you.
I was already broken.
So what s next? Do you make me your slave? Send me to the Afterlife? Tell me what your great plan is.
She traced her hands along the burnt walls and pieces crumbled to the floor.
You re very ungrateful. When you came here asking me to take your soul in return for freeing the girls, I thought I was doing you a favor.
You were.
I gritted my teeth.
But it doesn t mean I hate you any less.
She dropped her hand, smacking her lips.
Free souls are hard to find. Even Helena herself would kill for one. The power yours will give me can help me take her down.
So that s your big plan,
I said, snorting a laugh.
You take my soul and try to take down the Queen of the Afterlife. Great plan. You really must be a true genius.
She lunged for me, wringing my neck and pinning me against the wall. And I let her because I had no fight left in me.
Defend yourself,
she growled.
Or it won t be any fun.
Let him go.
The voice chilled the air, but warmed my skin.
The Banshee let me go, her lips trembling as she turned for the doorway. A woman with white hair, blood red lips, and silver eyes stood in her path.
The Banshee bowed her head.
I m sorry Annabella. But he gave me his soul.
His soul wasn t his to give.
Annabella walked into the room, glancing around at the charred walls.
So this is what the entrance of the Afterlife has come to. Looks like things have taken a turn for the worse.
They have,
the Banshee said excitedly.
Perhaps soon, Helena will no longer rule.
Annabella shoved her to the floor.
I may not like my sister. But to utter such words about her in my presence is dishonorable.
The Banshee wept and curled into a ball.
I m so sorry.
Annabella ignored her, her silvery eyes landing on me.
So this is what you offered in exchange for the freedom of her soul.
She pulled a disgusted face at the room.
Very brave of you.
You re the Queen of the Afterlife s sister?
I asked.
So that makes you the
It makes me nothing,
she said.
I choose to be whatever I am. But if you want to know what I reign over, it s the essences.
I grew worried that something had gone wrong.
Why are you here?
She eyed me over.
I think what you really want to ask is if she s okay if she lived because of your sacrifice?
Is she?
I asked.
Is she still alive?
She pressed her lips together and her gaze was heavy.
Tell me, why did you do it?
Because she was my other half,
I said.
And because I love her.
Other half?
she considered this with curiosity.
It s a beautiful concept to me, and maybe that s why I m doing this. It s an amazing gift for two humans to bond themselves together as tight as you have.
What are you doing?
My eyes darted to the Banshee as she crawled for Annabella.
Please don t take him from me,
she begged.
I need him.
So you can try and take Helena s place.
She laughed.
That ll never happen.
Then she whirled her back on me.
Make sure you live your life the way you want. Second chances are precious and don t come around often.
Before I could ask her what she meant, I was sucked away into blackness.