THE MONSTER INSIDE ME (#ONC2024)

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: UNEXPECTED HELP

My uncle's wife stands before me, her eyes filled with unspoken emotions. Why is she visiting me like this? Is she here to flaunt her happiness in my face? Is she trying to push me further down? Stealthily, she moves closer, a palpable sense of unease enveloping the room.

"Arabella, I understand you're wondering what I'm doing here. My husband, Ryan, does not know anything. He's really sad," she says.

I fixate on her, a whirlwind of curiosity and apprehension swirling within me. Despite being older than me, she exudes a captivating presence.

"I didn't want to hurt my uncle."

"He knows, and so do I. I love Ryan with all my might. We faced troubles and hardships, but we overcame them because our love is stronger than anything."

Turning my gaze, a storm of anger and sorrow brews within me. She reaches out, her touch as gentle as a warm summer breeze, sending a comforting wave of warmth through me. 

"Arabella, I know this is hard for you to hear, but I wanted you to know the truth. Ryan cares about you, and he would never intentionally hurt you."

Doubt laces my words as I inquire:

 "Does he truly care for me?"

Theolinda nods:

"He considers you family, Arabella. He deeply cares about you."

"How do I handle these emotions? Damn it! I've never felt this way about anyone. I feel like a monster!"

I cry as Theolinda approaches me, extending her hand to touch me, but she does not dare.

"You are not a monster. You're just confused. I want you to know that I do not carry a grudge against you. I am here to help you, no matter what."

Zamon's chilling proclamation echoes:

'She is a monster, and I shall seek her out.'

Zamon stands before us, his presence a harbinger of evil.

As Zamon's menacing figure looms over us, Theolinda steps in front of me protectively, positioning herself as a shield against the threat, her eyes filled with determination.

"You will not touch her," she declares firmly, ready to defend me against the darkness that threatens to consume me.

I am taken aback by her assistance, my mind filled with doubts about her capacity to shield me from harm.

Zamon comes menacingly, reaching out his horrible hands to grasp and carry me away. But Theolinda hugged me. I'm amazed and try to get out of her grip, but she hugs me harder and whispers:

"Stay still!" 

Zamon attempts to grip my arm. I close my eyes. I don't want to watch that. But that hand never touches me.

'What is happening?' Zamon exclaims in confusion, his displeasure evident.

As I gaze around, I discover Theolinda and myself encased in a shimmering white orb. The sphere radiates a protective barrier, shielding us from Zamon's reach. Theolinda smiles reassuringly at me, and I feel a sense of relief wash over me. She says to the demon:

"You're not taking her with you. We will not tolerate it!"

'I feel an angelic presence. Damn you!' Zamon shouts and vanishes.

After a few minutes, Theolinda lets go of her hold. The sphere of light fades. I'm in shock. I'm not sure what to say. I cry. Theolinda smiles and says:

"We love you, Arabella. Everything is going to be fine, okay?"

I believe her because I can still feel the remnants of the protective energy surrounding me, reinforcing my trust in Theolinda. Theolinda emanates an enigmatic sense of tranquility and affection, assuring me of my safety in her presence. Despite the fear and uncertainty I felt moments before, I now feel a glimmer of hope and gratitude for her protection. I inhale deeply, brushing away my tears, and sincerely thank Theolinda for her steadfast support and unwavering love.

"Thank you. I do not deserve your protection. You know how I feel about my uncle. You've been so kind. Are you an angel, or something?"

Theolinda responds:

"No, I am a person like you. My father belonged to the Order and performed a protective ritual to ensure that no supernatural being would ever harm me."

"Can someone perform that ritual for me? It's crucial for my well-being."

"I do not know, Arabella. But I know we're going to help you. Ryan has devised a strategy to get rid of Zamon." Theolinda responds, emphasizing the need for immediate action based on what we saw today.

As I gaze at her, I comprehend the reason for my uncle's infatuation with her; her confidence and determination inspire me to commit to a choice.

"Theolinda, I am going to get this poisoned love out of my head and heart. I'm going to love him, but as my uncle. I promise. I am not going to hurt you both anymore."

Theolinda's warm smile radiates empathy, her eyes brimming with compassion and understanding.

"Thank you, Arabella. It means a lot to both of us," she says softly. 

I feel a weight lifting off my shoulders as I make this promise to myself and them.

Amidst tears, my resolve stands unwavering, driven by a newfound determination to make amends for those I cherish. I know it won't be easy, but I am willing to put in the effort to make things right. The love between my uncle and Theolinda deserves to flourish without any interference from me.