The Dark Witch

34. The Final Chapter

I stare at my father's lifeless body in disbelief.

I turn my murderous gaze on Gwyneth, trying to tune out Jacques heart wrenching sobs, "So Aunt Tabitha was correct, you are a heartless woman. That was hardly necessary!"

She peers at me in surprise, "It was self-defense my dear. You saw how he came at me. I am appalled you would think otherwise."

"You are exactly how Aunt Tabitha described." Without taking my eyes off her, I place my hand on a sobbing Jacques. "You listen to me Jacques, I need to you to be brave. Vayetsi is going to take you somewhere safe and I need you to listen and wait for me. Can you do that for me?"

He tearfully nods with a small hiccup.

"Good boy. Now, this is going to hurt but I need both of you to stay still." Carefully I place one hand on Vayetsi and one on Jacques. I send magical pulses throughout their bodies causing them to both flinch, and Jacques to cry out in pain. I ignore him and continue until they're almost glowing with my magical energy.

"My, my, how fascinating..." Gwyneth murmurs in intrigue.

I narrow my eyes at her but otherwise ignore her. "Vayetsi, Abraxas will tell you where to go through your private link. My magic will allow you both to enter without worry of anyone following. You protect Jacques as if you were protecting me, do you understand?"

"Yes, my Queen. You have my word, nothing shall harm this young boy."  Vayetsi swears before taking off, weaving through and over the crowd until he has disappeared from the ballroom.

"I am surprised at you Keeisa. You thought I would have them followed? I have no need of some weakling when I have you." Gwyneth looks at me proudly. "Your powers are more than I ever could have imagined. To infuse someone with magic without even reciting an incantation or without ingredients. Do the laws not apply to you I wonder?"

"The laws of nature apply to everyone, including myself. However, you did not come here to talk about how I cast magic. You came here for me, and I apologize, but you will be leaving here empty handed."

She laughs hysterically, "And you think you can stop me? Don't get ahead of yourself Keeisa, you will be coming with me."

"No, she will not leave this palace." Lady Arachne's voice booms as she makes her way to my side. "We failed in protecting King Cael, and for that we will be punished later. However, until that point in time, we will do everything in our power to keep you from killing our Queen."

"Oh, my dear Arachne, I used to be your Queen as well. If I recall, we used to be quite close."

"Those times are over." General O'Malley appears to my left, his icy stare fixated. "You are no longer one of us, nor are you welcome here."

Gwyneth laughs maniacally, "Oh Lael, you haven't changed one bit. Still as funny as ever. Tell me, how are your wife and daughter? In good health, I presume?"

"You will leave my family out of this Gwyneth!" General O'Malley takes a threatening step forward.

I place a hand on his arm, stopping his advance. "That's exactly what she wants. Just like father. Don't fall for the same trick twice."

Gwyneth peers at me in amusement, "Very good Keeisa, I see you inherited my smarts."

"You have an interesting ability in possessing shadows. This was what your spirit ability turned into after death, wasn't it?"

She hums and cocks her head, "Very perceptive as well... You just keep getting better and better my darling daughter."

I send her a genuine smile, confusing her. "You see, I have been alone for what seems like my entire life. Thanks to you, I suppose. I've been beaten, both verbally and physically. I have suffered more than any woman ever should."