Chosen Legacy (Book Five of the Chosen Universe)

Chapter Six

MORA

She liked Katherine. Mora knew she was the only one besides Zell who did, but she had her reasons. For one, Katherine was nice to her, and not in the creepy way Zell was. She didn't try to hurt Mora, and she didn't seem to want much from her except the occasional monster. In exchange for that, Katherine gave her something that was worth any price... A mother.

They sat together now, playing with Cindy Sunshine and the other dolls Katherine had bought for her. As far as Katherine was concerned, a little girl needed more than one doll. They were having a tea party at Katherine's secret place. It was the safest place in the world, because not even Zell knew about it. That was what Mora liked about it the most. Katherine let her hide there whenever Mora was scared. It had become her sanctuary.

"Have some biscuits, Mora darling," Katherine said, passing her the tray of cookies.

"Thank you, Katherine," Mora replied sweetly. She took a bite. "These are delicious!"

"I used to bake all the time before..." Katherine stared at her feet.

"Have I upset you, Katherine? I'm sorry."

"No, no, darling... It's not you." Katherine pulled her into her lap and tickled her, causing Mora to giggle. If Zell had pulled her into his lap, she'd have been terrified, but she knew Katherine wouldn't hurt her.

"Why are you sad then?"

"I had a little girl once... But she never wanted to play dolls with me or have tea parties... As soon as Katie could crawl, she started chasing after her father. That was all she cared about, being his loyal little clone... It wasn't until my father got inside of her head that she admitted I was a part of her, too. I know love is weakness, and I know it's only because of the illusion my father created for me when I was born that I think I feel these sorts of emotions, but... I just wanted my daughter to love me, and be loyal to me. I wanted to play with her and teach her the things a mother should teach her daughter. I wasn't just a Goddamned incubator to be used to deliver Tommy's child... I was her mother!"

Mora wrapped her arms around Katherine's neck and kissed her cheek. "You're a wonderful mother, Katherine. I love you."

Katherine relaxed slightly and held Mora close. "I wish you were truly my daughter, Mora. You'd have been a million times better to raise than my ungrateful brat."

They snuggled for a bit before they went back to their tea party. Mora was the happiest she'd ever been in her life.

HAYLEY

She could hear voices as she began to come around. An Australian voice... Katherine, she remembered as everything began coming back to her. The other voice was younger and spoke in a sing-song tone. A child? Hayley wondered. She realized after a moment that it was far worse than a child... It was Mora, who was not actually a little girl.

Don't panic, Hayley, she told herself. You're still alive. There must be a reason why she hasn't killed you yet. They don't know you're awake... Focus and see if you can overhear anything useful. She might be in trouble, but Hayley was hardly a damsel in distress. She'd figure out a way to get out of this.

"Do you think your pet will be waking up anytime soon? Maybe she'll join us for tea!" Mora said cheerfully.

"Oh, she's awake," Katherine said. "I can hear her thinking." She began laughing. "Come join us for tea, Hayley." She grabbed Hayley and pulled her violently off of the cot she'd been on. Katherine tossed her into one of the chairs at the table and tied her to it before Hayley could even register what had just happened.