A Flickering Flame (A Descendants Story)

Chapter 11

I sighed, lying on my bed for what seemed like days but it has only been an hour.

The voice has finally calmed down, leaving me with my own destructive thoughts.

I decided I can't stay here, it would be too dangerous for my friends.

'You can try and run but I will make sure they will suffer' the voice said, making me sigh as I sat up. 

I rolled my eyes, trying to ignore it.

'DON'T IGNORE ME!'

"Ahh!" I exclaimed, holding onto my head.

"Mal? Are you okay?"

I looked up and saw Ben rushing towards me, sitting next to me on my bed.

"I-I'm okay" I said as the pain faded "Headache, that's all"

"Mal, you know I don't believe you" Ben said, "Mal, look at me"

I looked at him, making him gasp.

"Your eyes" he whispered.

"The curse...whatever it is is taking effect" I whispered.

Ben held my hand, making me smile slightly.

"What's on your mind my love?" he asked, sending shivers down my spine.

I rubbed his hands, to support me. 

I took a shaky breath.

"I-I just don't know who I am anymore" I started "I thought I knew but it was a lie and now something is happening to me I can't change...well I can but I don't want to"

Ben looked at me confused.

"We can find a cure of it, don't-"

"There is" I said "It's either my father's ember which I do not want to take that...or..."

"Or?" Ben asked, smiling at me.

"My mother's staff" I said, his smile turning into a frown "But I don't know how it would react to me, and I don't want to hurt you guys..."

"Whatever you do Mal, we will support you, you know that right?" Ben asked.

I sighed, looking down.

"If you want me to...I can stop your duties so you can-"

"WHAT?" I yelled, something overcoming me as I jumped up, scaring Ben "You can't do that! I need to do them! I need to or no one will! I can't leave it for someone else to do-"

"Mal, calm down" Ben warned.

"Calm down?" I asked, sounding anger "You're telling me not to help those people! I need to do my job otherwise they will think I am some sort of villain and-"

"Mal!" Ben said, raising his voice.

I glared at him.

"Do you think I'm weak?" I exclaimed.

Ben widen his eyes and shook his head.

"No, never" Ben said, looking surprised "Mal, please calm down and think about what saying"

I stopped, frozen in place as I  realised what I was saying.

I widen my eyes in shock.

M-My curse took over me.

The hatred and anger...

"W-What?" I asked, breathless "I-I-"

"Shhh" Ben said, standing up, noticing the distress on my face.