The Secret Sin

F o u r t e e n

This is absolutely terrible, Ban and Meliodas are going to fight and I can't stop them, mainly because Arthur is holding me back.

"Please take her away from here, Arthur."
Meliodas says, still standing casually.

"I will, but you have to come back for her."
Arthur compromises. Meliodas slowly shakes his head while I shake my head in denial.

"No, you can't fight. I can't lose either of you."
I cry, struggling to reach the pair.

"Addie, let's go. They'll both be fine."
Arthur says to me softly. I nod my head and my body goes limp. The last thing I see is Ban charging Meliodas who doesn't resist. I let out a sob but Arthur drags me from the fighting.

"Where's Merlin?"
I sob as I'm picked up.

"She took the King back to Camelot to heal him. I thought I better stay behind to find you, are you okay?"
Arthur asks, but I shake my head in reply.

"I tried so hard to stop them from getting hurt, but I never protected them from each other. I didn't realise Ban would go so far as to try to kill Meliodas."
I sob into Arthur's shirt and I can tell he's feeling a tad awkward.

"Maybe you shouldn't try so hard? It's not you job to protect them, is it?"
He tries reassuring me. My sobs subside and I look up at him.

"But it is, I'm bonded to them so I have to keep them safe from harm. But I can't save them from each other."
I yell frustrated, sounding angry at Arthur but really just angry with the situation.

"How do you think it's going?"
I ask suddenly. Arthur sends a quick look over his shoulder, in the direction of Meliodas and Ban.

"Well, I think the fighting has calmed down a little seeing as there isn't any rumbling or dust."
He says evenly. Before I can answer, somebody blocks our path. A smaller, female figure stands behind the other.

"Ah, miss Adeline, what a lovely coincidence. Are you injured in any way?"
A deep male voice asks. I frown at the man, why would he care if I was injured?

"I don't see how her health is any of your concern."
Arthur snaps in reply. The person steps into the light, it look like Hendrickson but more demonic. He drags the smaller figure forward, exposing Elizabeth.

"Oh, but it is. She's the key to Meliodas, her and Elizabeth. If I take him out, he won't interfere with my plans."
Hendrickson laughs, as if he's funny.

"What are your plans? I'm a little slow."
I ask sarcastically. Hendrickson chuckles lowly.

"I'm going to resurrect the Demon race."
He answers simply. I think I forget to breathe, I go still as stone and cold as ice.

"You can't-"
I start to protest but Hendrickson isn't listening.

"I can, all I have left to gather is Elizabeth's blood. And yours, Princess."
Hendrickson sneers at me. Arthur's body stiffens at the comment.

"Princess? I thought it was just a nickname from Meliodas, but you're actually royalty?"
He wonders out loud. Great, let's have another headache to deal with.

"Hi, Elizabeth. I'm Adeline, it's nice to finally see you after so long."
I smile at the scared white haired girl behind Hendrickson, completely ignoring the question. Both men look at me strangely.

"Merlin."
I say suddenly. Both men look at me strangely again.

"Your mage friend can't save you now."
Hendrickson says. Elizabeth frowns in confusion.