The Secrets of Ahkmenrah's Tablet (ON HOLD)

Chapter 8

Isabella's POV

"What is the meaning of this?" I heard Father ask. "My daughter cannot see?"

"We are unsure of how it happened," Ahkmenrah explained. He began telling them the story of how I showed up at the Museum, my powers, Kahmunrah, and so forth. When he finished, he pulled me closer, wrapping his arm across my shoulders.

"My child," I heard Father say. His voice sounded closer than before. I felt the roughness of his hands as he touched my cheek. "We will fix this. You will be as you once were."

I reached out for him, wanting his strong arms around me. He understood, pulling me close to embrace me tightly. I sniffled slightly as I cried.

"Hush, my daughter," Father soothed. "All will be well."

Ahkmenrah's POV

Father researched tirelessly every night for a week. Larry had decided to return to New York for the time being. I had assured him I would call with updates every few days. Father had examined the tablet, thinking Isabella's magic was sourced from it. But so far he had found nothing. It wasn't long before Isabella began to show signs of weakening further. Her health declined quickly every night. I was slowly losing hope. Mother remained close to her as I aided Father in his work.

"There is nothing here," I stated in frustration, slamming shut a book. "We will never find a cure for Isabella."

Father gave me a stern expression. "My son, you have little faith. We will not stop until she is as she was before. Isabella will be healed. You have my word."

I was sitting with Isabella in the main room of the Egyptian exhibit, speaking quietly to her of all that had transpired in the past week and a half. She was resting heavily against me, her breathing labored and slow. Her hazel eyes were closed, and she appeared to be sleeping. 

"Ahkmen..." she rasped.

I gripped her hand, tears pooling in my eyes. "I am here, sister. I will not leave you." 

"Where is Father?" she coughed violently then, leaning forward slightly. 

When the fit had passed and she sat back, I noticed a hint of red around the corner of her lips. Worriedly, I took in her appearance. Her once fair skin had turned a sickly shade of almost gray. There were dark circles around her eyes, and her bones were starting to show through her skin. It was with a heavy heart that I realized she would have less than a week to live at the rate her health was deteriorating. 

Before I could respond to her question, Father and Mother rushed into the room. "My children," Father began. "I have found a way to heal Isabella."

I perked up at his words, listening closely. "Tell me, Father. What must we do?"

"There are tales of a dark power that can take over one's soul. It infects their body, weakening them as it spreads. In Isabella's case, her power has been a source of healing and protection for her. It kept her safe from any illness. But without her powers, this darkness has quickly taken her over."

I felt Isabella grip my hand tightly as she listened. "What must we do?" I asked for her. 

Mother stepped forward. "The darkness is flowing through her veins. She must bleed out the darkness to heal. It is the only way. Your father believes her power is sourced from the tablet," she continued. "If that is the case, Isabella will reawaken fully healed."

Looking at my father for confirmation, he nodded once. He didn't like this anymore than I did, but it was our only option. If Isabella didn't do this... she would die. "Isabella," I whispered.

She nodded, not needing any more explanation. "I have to try, brother." 

With a deep breath, I helped her stand. She gripped my arm as tightly as she could manage in her weak state, and shuffled along beside me. When we had reached Father's side, he took her into his arms. 

"Isabella," he told her. "Because your powers are sourced from the tablet, and the tablet is powered by the light of the moon, you will feel more at ease while this happens if you are in Khonsu's rays." At her slight nod, Father gently picked her up to carry her outside. 

Isabella's eyes closed as she lay her head against Father's chest. I could hear my sister's breathing ease a bit once the light of the moon touched her skin. Father carefully laid her on a bench just outside the doors, before taking a small blade and making an incision on both of her wrists.