The Key to X | Editing - but on hold

Artemis

I stood in the conference room, my disguised pulled off. Mother was right; it was time for me to reveal my true self. But was this right? Was I ready to pay the consequences of killing so many people? "H-how?" Paul stuttered, standing up in surprise.

"My father worked part time as a ventriloquist. I spent time imitating voices and speaking without moving my lips. I've done enough to speak through Alexei. " I turned to the camera, which was facing me. "For the past month, I was known as Artemis Sirocco, a new girl placed on the same team as Headmaster Walker's nephew, Maddox. In truth, and reality, I have hidden from the public and others for such a long time. My real name is Anastasia Lexington, the missing girl. Indeed, I am betrothed to Fallon, and engaged. I did not go into hiding all those years away from X. I hid away from Ashton and Rasputin, who knew who I was and what I could do. I spent those years killing ones that were up to it to challenge the royal family. What I do, is all for the greater good."

"Then..."

"Indeed, Paul, I have been hidden for so many years, I doubt that anyone would be able to recognize me. If you are clever enough, take my 'last name,' Sirocco, and make an anagram out of it. You would get "occisor," which means killer in Latin. It is a shame that no one figured it out." I shook my head in disappointment. "By the way, I only wore gloves to protect both of my identities." I tugged on a chain under my shirt, pulling it out. It still had the bullet-shaped mark, thankfully, I managed to pry it out. "Now I just have to see who has the key."

***

I stood on the roof, exactly where I knew I would find the three princes. Marco, Luis, and Fallon all stood, a bit frighten by myself. "I apologize in advance, Luis, for snarling at you. I had to act like Alexei." I swallowed, turning to Marco. "And Marco, I am deeply sorry for frightening you that night. I did not realize until later that you were invincible by skin." I then turned to my fiancé, who looked just as frightened as ever. "Fallon, I-"

"Don't." The boy sighed, waving the two other princes off. He tugged a chain around his neck, the same silver that I had. My heart leaped, could it be? He pulled out his necklace, a match to mine. The spirit of my mother appeared, worry lines evident on her face.

"Anne, Fallon. I believe you are ready. I wish you good luck, Anne. You are right about what you think. Take your true soul." She disappeared, leaving a warm breeze. Fallon sighed, stepping closer to me, taking the silver key around his neck and pushed it into the lock, turning it with a click, opening the small box-like lock.

Inside, it was a silver hue, unlike the black I imagined it being. It floated into the air, my gaze captivated by it. Fallon took my hand, healing up the rest of my wounds before gazing up at my soul. I reached up brushing my finger on it and pulled it towards me. The silver hue was in my hand now, giving me a full view of my soul. I let go of Fallon's hand, pushing it towards my chest, where it disappeared. I coughed, a black hue floating out of my mouth, almost as if waving its finger at me, and flew to my chest as well. My two halves were complete, my lips curved up in a grin, and my cheeks flushed in surprise at the warmth. For the first time ever, I felt human.

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*Le gasp* so it was Artemis the entire time. Well, floating souls are weird. She was right about her soul and coffee. "Black like my soul." *Sigh* Epilogue is next!

-Charlie