The Gate of Shadows

Chapter 87: The Breaking Point

"So... all you're saying in that unending rant. Is that I was an unwanted child, and the soul cairn's part of me before the fall happened?" I questioned, annoyed by everything Tobias mouthed.

All this did was complicate things for me, as I could never be free from the Soul Cairn. It was in my fate to be a dreadful witch. The only thing I could offer the world was to release them from the incantation branded on my soul all those years ago.

But I'll always be a monster. A witch with power beyond comprehension. Something to be feared and envied, yet I... want none of it.

"No, I wanted you but also to save your mother. She was alive and with me while you were an unknown. My love blinded me to you." Tobias tried to explain.

A soft, broken cackle released from me when I realized this man was like me.

Blinded by love. I guess we're father and daughter, after all. The apple didn't fall far from the tree.

"All I am is an abomination. I should've never been born. Your first instincts were right, Tobias." I smirked, locking away all useless emotions inside of my chest.

From that moment, I realized my fate was to be this monster, and my heart was missing.

Tobias sighed, "No... That isn't what I meant. You're my daughter. I understand now that what I tried to do was wrong, and what you see now is my punishment, which I accept gladly! I deserve it!"

Ah... You're nothing but a waste of time. I don't need you or want you.

"I see... How does any of this information help me?" I asked coldly.

All you did was wake me from a dream where I thought I would be free. Now I know that day will never come.

It was the same as when I dove to travel through my memories. I wasn't allowing myself to feel anymore. Emotions were useless to experience—all but the ones that pushed me forward.

"Well... I wanted... I can't help but see your mother in you." Tobias simpered, reaching to me with his arms.

Sadly, it was too late to mend anything between us. We were both strangers to one another.

"I don't care what you see," I said, taking a few steps toward the old man who called himself my father.

No more hiding from monsters or pretending to be anything less. I'll be me even if I'm not wanted, even if... I'm hated by most. If I have...

"I wanted to see you. Before I completed my punishment." He announced.

Sadly, I couldn't care less about his wish, stopping a few lengths away. I wasn't looking for any hugs. However, the demon in his branches watched me closely.

"Enough of this. Take me to Fenris. I don't have time to spare for a ghost," I declared, clenching my hands into fists.

Tobias winced upon hearing me say that, gripping onto his chest.

"Well... The soul cairn must've seen this as a must for you to be here. After all, it allowed me to bring you here to me." He tried to point out, making me laugh.

You just don't get it.

"I don't care about what you have to say anymore. Just send me back to Fenris! He's the only one who matters to me," I ordered, harsher this time.

He shook his head, desperately trying to reach my closed heart.

"No. If I let you go as you are. All you will do is kill everyone you care about." He warned.