Thea's Reawakening

Chapter 13

The camp was like a ghost town. People had heard about the ogre lurking around and decided it was best to stay put. I didn't blame them, only the ogre was there for me and my family. Since finally retrieving my memories, it was apparent why Shaun was so angry. He thought, because he should have been wed to Leyla, that he deserved to be master since Elias was exiled. The only way he could come into any power was getting rid of both me and my father. He didn't count on the poison not working properly. Either that or I just had one hell of a guardian angel.

After some convincing, Colin and Elias agreed that the only way to draw Shaun out was to be out in the open alone. I walked through the center of town, kicking up dirt and rocks, as I made my way to my father's home. Leyla wouldn't have left his side and I wasn't sure what state Luther would be in, but it only made sense that Shaun would be there; waiting.

I opened the door to Leyla's tear-streaked face. "Thea? Did you find it?"

"I know where it came from, but it wasn't there. How is he?"

Luther's skin was greyish and sweaty. Either the poison was more potent or my attempted assassination was a failure altogether. "He mumbles, but I can't tell what he's saying. Sometimes he says your name, sometimes mine, but he's somewhere else entirely. Why would ogres attack us? We haven't seen one in years. This doesn't make any sense."

Before I could give her an explanation, Shaun appeared just outside the door. "Thea, how nice of you to finally come back for the rest of us. You make a habit out of abandoning people, don't you?"

"Shaun," I moved to stand in front of Leyla and Luther. "It's kind of stupid to come back to the scene of the crime, don't you think?"

He smirked, "That's the pot calling the kettle all kinds of colors, isn't it. Do you have any idea how much damage you caused here?"

"Actually, I do. That's one reason why I was called back here. I had to make right for all of the horrible things I did and for how I treated people. Unlike some people, I have learned to confront my problems, not try to erase them."

"Please," he started getting angry. "Have you ever tried loving you? You're one heartless bitch."

I nodded, "I was, but you actually did me a favor. I would have kept on making my life and everyone else's life miserable if you hadn't tried to have me killed. I got a second chance. I hear that some people might kill for that."

"Thea, what's going on? What are you talking about?" Leyla wiped her face on her sleeve.

My outstretched arm kept her back, "Shaun wasn't happy with the hand he was dealt, so he decided to get me and Luther out of the picture. He figured with you being the only one left in our line and Elias being exiled, you and him would run the show. Only he didn't count on the poison not working properly."

Leyla gasped, "What? Shaun? That's not true, is it?"

Normally, Shaun was calm and collected so it was surprising and scary to see such rage in his eyes. "Oh shut up, Leyla. You hate Thea. Ever since you were kids you resented her so don't get all shocked when I actually did something about it."

"She's my sister! I may not like her, but I still love her you twit!" She lunged at Shaun and I had to use both arms to hold her back. Shaun stood in the doorway, the guards' knives pointed at this neck and a stupid grin on his face.

"Leyla, stay here," I ordered.

"But.."

"Stay. Here." I scared myself with the tone in my voice, but that was the point. If my plan failed, it was imperative that she survive. Leyla took a few steps back and put her arms around Luther. "Whatever you hear, don't come outside. Do you promise me?"