Minotaur's Curse

Chapter 21

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate and remember the life, and death of Aklin Lightwood. His life was full of adventure, even in his late thirties he lived to the fullest. A few words from his best friend and sister." The pastor finished his serment as Byrin and Rose walked up onto the podium to talk about Aklin.

"Hello everyone, thank you for coming here today to celebrate Aklin. My brother was extreme, as well all know. He was a hero but also flawed. In his last days he lost his mind driving him into further insanity. We are not here to remember these days right now. We have joined to bring you peace and prosperity upon his death to celebrate his innocence and life." Rose started, her face was somber, a reflection of the brainwashed crowd.

Even if the funeral was genuine, the people on stage were not as affected by what was being buried. Behind the scenes Logan, Lyric, and Elena were searching for the gem in Aklin's old apartment. From the wide open serene field the funeral was on Byrin could see the Minotaur keeping watch outside of the building.

"I would like to add to Rose's statement, I wish to bring up memories about Aklin's youth. As children he was invested in bugs, all sizes, types and color. Once he brought home a scorpion and named it Jerry, we kept Jerry for two years. At age fifteen he dragged Logan and I to a cliffside fall. That was where the two fell in love, it was like magic, slowly forming into something amazing. If Logan could be here he would have more to say." Byrin announced to the crowd.

The people cheered and ogled the hero as if he were giving the speech himself. Their eyes were hazed, unalive vessels storing alive humans. The rest of their bodies were perfectly alive, in a sense they were not physically affected by the gem, only mentally.

They held third hand residue of the magic, affected while the magic is in use. Logan, Byrin, and Rose were second hand residue; they were physically affected and not mentally. Rose had her residue secluded and diminished to turn it into her own magic, no longer a residue. Aklin was first hand affected, his mind, body and soul were affected, he was at the entire will of the gem, with no remorse.

Soon Lyric exited the building and signaled to Byrin and Rose. The body was already burned, but the gem was found. They were able to bury the whole story. Without a second glance the two threw their handful of dirt into the ground and placed their roses on the podium as they walked off. Their black suits masking into the dark forests.