The Secret Sin

O n e

The sight before us makes my stomach churn, Grand Master Zaratrost looks like a bloody pincushion.
Merlin places her hand on my shoulder. I turn and hide from the sight.

"Grand Master!"
Captain screams in disbelief. All the other Sins follow suit.
Shouts of anger sound from outside. All the Sins crowd around the narrow window. Hundreds of Holy Knights stand at the foot of the building.

"Run!"
Captain orders and I try to reach him. But Merlin grabs my arm instead.

"I'm sorry, Captain."
She whispers and touches his forehead, he disappears. She teleported him somewhere. She does the same to me and the world goes black.
~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~
When I wake, we are far from the city.

"Adeline? Are you awake?"
Merlin's caring voice calls from somewhere. I groan in reply.

"Yeah, what happened?"
I ask. She comes back with a flask of water.

"Here, drink. The kingdom of Liones is no longer a safe option for us, we must flee. I think the kingdom of Camelot would be best. Their King is a just one, as are the Holy Knights."
She informs me. I shake my head, refusing her words.

"I'm not leaving the others. We need to find them, now."
I say, nearing tears. Merlin sighs.

"I know you don't want to leave the others, but it's not safe anymore."
She says and grabs my arm. She teleports us away from the forest, away from the other Sins, away from the kingdom, to Camelot.
What greets us? Hostile Holy Knights. Merlin pushes through the men and towards the castle.

"Call your King, my friend and I require an audience."
She informs one of them. I follow closely behind her.

"You're not allowed in there."
A guard says to Merlin and I. Merlin snaps around and glares at the man. She grins and begins to tighten his armour.

"Merlin, that's enough. We came here for sanctuary, let's not ruin our only chance."
I say and pull her away from the man. He exhales as his armour returns to normal.

"You're no fun, Addie."
Merlin pouts. I roll my eyes at her, she's so childish sometimes.
We enter the room and shocked faces greet us.

"What is the meaning of this?"
A man atop a throne demands, I'm guessing he's the King.

"Majesty, my name is Merlin and this is Adeline. We request refuge in your kingdom."
Merlin states. I tap her arm but she ignores me.

"You are from Liones. Why should I grant you refuge? Liones is not in any danger, we would have been informed."
The King says. I tap Merlin's arm again, continuously this time. She turns to me.

"What do you need, Adeline?"
She snaps. I point at a pretty woman sat beside the King, probably the Queen.

"She's dying."
I state simply. The King stares at me shocked. Before he can explode, the queen speaks.

"How do you know this, child?"
She asks. I bow my head in respect.

"Forgive me, but I heard your heartbeat. It isn't steady. Also, I am no child."
I reply. The queen nods her head.

"Come here. Adeline, was it?"
She beckons me. I make my way forward but Merlin holds me back. I shake her off and walk to the Queen.

"My name is Adeline, correct your highness."
I say. She nods happily.

"You are quite smart, my dear. How did you know of my condition?"
She questions. I shrug then look at Merlin. She nods hesitantly.

"I am the Ghost Sin of Despair, I'm well acquainted with death."
I say simply. The queen gasps shocked, while the King draws his sword.
He makes to strike me but the sword passes through me.