Secrets and Sins

Chapter 41

~Beatrice~

Blinking her eyes clear, Beatrice scanned the area for Ava. She had no idea what she had just witnessed, but whatever had happened the sister warrior was somehow completely healed. A concussive boom shook the floor, dirt rained down from the walls of the sinkhole.

Beatrice turned to see a huge circular portal opening, split absolutely dead center by a strange purplish substance that looked like neither gas nor liquid.

The reaction between the tarask’s skeleton and the Halo’s power must’ve ripped a hole between realms. Was this her plan all along? Is that why that tarask was made from the metal that blocks the halo?

Her mind racing with speculations, a wince drew Beatrice’s attention to Lilith lying not far away from her. She helped the winged woman sit up, angry red burns covered her right forearm and shoulder, she must’ve caught the edge of the blast.

“Lilith are you okay? Where’s Ava?”

“I’ll heal.” She replied, the burns were already healing rapidly and being covered with midnight blue scales.
“She was over there somewhere.” Lilith tilted her head to the right.

Beatrice gaze landed on the Halo bearer sprawled unconscious on the dirt floor. She approached carefully, eyeing the luminescent blue puddle that used to be the Halo blocking bracelet.

Kneeling beside the younger woman she cupped her cheek, “Ava? Can you hear me?”

The Halo bearer stirred with a groan, solid gold eyes opened, staring straight up. Heart clenching, Beatrice flinched away. Ava sat up, her shoulder had stopped bleeding and was partially scabbed over, the Halo glowed brightly on her back.

“I’m still here, Bea.” Ava spoke softly, golden eyes turning towards the taller woman.

Beatrice let out a sob and dived forwards to wrap the other woman up in a desperate embrace. Ava’s arms lifted to clutch at her just as tightly, Beatrice could feel her trembling slightly as she fought to stay herself.

“Don’t give up Ava. I know you can beat this. Don’t let her take you over.” She whispered in her ear.

Ava nodded, “I’ll try, but I need you to get away from me.”

“Ava…” Beatrice pulled back, framing the Halo bearer’s face with her hands, searching for any sign of the familiar honey brown in the gold.

“Please Bea? I can’t risk hurting you.” Tears started to roll down Ava’s cheeks, she wiped them away with her thumbs.

“Okay baby.” Beatrice leaned in and brushed their lips together.
“I love you.”

Ava smiled a watery smile, “I love you.” She gently withdrew, got back to feet and walked slowly in the direction of Reya and the portal.

~Ava~

Reya’s shrewd eyes watched the Halo bearer’s approach, saying nothing. Every step that Ava took, the pressure to surrender control increased. Still the goddess said nothing. Once Ava was within a few meters of her, Reya lifted her hand, the halo blazed painfully and she halted, hunched with the blistering torment.

“You will kneel before your master.” Ava felt the scorching heat escalate, like her skin was aflame.

“You. Don’t. Own. Me.” Each word was a hiss from her clenched jaw.

A furious expression crossed the goddess’s face, she closed the outstretched hand into a fist and the Halo bearer’s knees buckled under the sheer force of Reya’s will, she hit the ground hard. Gritting her teeth, she pushed back against the influence with everything she had but Ava was rapidly losing the battle to keep sovereignty of her body.