Red Within The Forest

Chapter Thirteen: Melting Snow

Asena was staring at the cackling flames dancing around Emmet's corpse. The funeral director had managed to sew back on Emmet's head to his body. Emmet's corpse was wearing white and silver-lining clothing. His face was the most peaceful Asena had ever seen him hold. She was looming in the back just watching everyone throwing flowers into the fire. Each flower shows how he was a compassionate and powerful leader. But she knew who he really was. Even though she will admit, she did have fond memories with the man himself, she could never stomach playing pretend with him. 

Acting as if he was trying to fulfill a fatherly role to her and she knew why. Even her father knew why too. Growing up, he would always try to convince her to start calling him father and come to him when she needed help. Her eyes lowered at the memories. Asena's mother would always scold him and make sure to purposefully keep Asena away from him because she didn't want to have that influence on her daughter's life. Until one day, her mother stopped and didn't bother to say anything to him for her mom knew it was pointless.

Her father on the other hand was a different story. Many arguments sparked between the two. She remembered overhearing one of their many fights one night a few years ago. Her father screamed at Emmet, "I know you have feelings for my wife and I know you're trying to take over my role when I'm busy taking care of the village!" Of course, her Uncle would then say, "Maybe I wouldn't have to feel obligated to do so if you were actually here to begin with!" he said. Her father yelled, "If I see or find out you did anything to my wife or tried to fill my role with Asena, my daughter, I will personally throw you out of the village!" he stated.

Asena's auburn curls hung low against the cold winds. She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. She glanced up at the moon. A smile drew on her lips. "One down, a few more to go," she mumbled. Lieve was standing next to Piran while he wrapped up freshly eight white flowers in black silk. He took in a deep breath and tossed them in the flames. Lieve watched Piran's blank stare turning up to the sky. His voice trembled, "I never told him how much I loved him since we were kids." he admitted to her. 

Lieve fluttered her eyes to the ground and swallowed, "I...know you two have had your differences. However, anyone could see how much he did love you." she told him. Piran lightly scoffed and smiled; Asena narrowed her eyes at the two. Just seeing the two standing there made her feel sick. 

Let me tear them apart NOW! 

Her jaw twitched. 

Why are you hesitating?! 

Do it! 

Just snap their necks, rip their arms from their bodies. 

Anything! 

Asena whispered, "Stop it." she hissed. 

Let me consume them! 

We've waited long enough. 

She had to take in a subtle inhale before scolding herself; Asena couldn't afford to lose control right now.

Her entire body trembled and ached. She slipped away from the burning ceremony and traveled a fair distance to calm herself down. Asena stared right at the moon. Her body lurched forward. She watched her fingers becoming longer while her height increased. Her breathing grew rapid. One of her hands crawled into one of her apron pouches and pulled out a small round glass bottle. 

The liquid shimmered a beautiful red, in certain angels it looked purple underneath the moonlight. She popped the cork out and chugged it all down. Asena gasped for air; did it work? Had it been successful? Her eyes glanced down to see her hands carefully going back to their normal size and the muscles throughout her body stopped aching. She relaxed her shoulders, "Thank goodness..." she mumbled. Asena shoved the bottle back into her pouch. Someone called out her name.