Worst Curse: A Ghostwalkers Journey, Book II

Chapter 9

     Released from Pilo's grip, Yasmina had nowhere to run. Deep in the High Priestess' land, she knew she crossed the point of no return a long time ago. Standing before her father, leaving didn't cross her mind. Unable to take her eyes off of the large man in front of her, she struggled to find the words to say. Her entire life she wanted to have a conversation with this man, but given the opportunity, she lost the words. A part of her wanted to fall into his arms, and another part of her wanted to drive a silver blade deep into his chest. She grew angry at the vulnerable part of her, yearning for a father's love. For a long time she fought against those feelings, and at the very sight of him, they all returned. Crossing her arms, she couldn't look him in the eye. Therion reached out for her, and she moved out of his reach. Knowing their destination would be inside, she took the needed steps to enter the house, and stay away from Therion.

     "You're so beautiful," he said, following after her. "Your mother would have been proud."

     "Don't speak to me about her," she replied.

     "Why are you mad at me? I didn't give you up because I wanted to. I gave you up to keep you safe. I never intended for you to fall into a coven. Do you know how that happened? After we handed you over, I was never given any information about your whereabouts."

     "Kidnapped along the road while we were traveling. They could smell my cursed blood."

     "You do know they slaughtered us...No one would listen to me. They all thought they were showing up for a cure, and P.A.C.E. killed them all. Your mom and I didn't see eye to eye. I accepted the curse, she never could. The only thing we could agree on was that you were in danger being with us...Once your mom was murdered, I ran to the only place I knew I could be protected...the coven took me in, to use me, but it was protection. I wanted revenge, and I knew they could give it to me."

     "Well that's something we have in common," she said. "Where's your revenge? If you knew you could get it, where is it?"

     "I agree that it didn't happen in the time table that I would have liked it to happen, but that doesn't mean that I've given up."

     "What's your plan for revenge," she said with a raised voice. She stopped and turned to him as the anger helped her find her words. "You hoping they die of old age?"

     "The Light Witch isn't someone you just attack without a plan...You haven't seen the things she can do...We have a plan, but it's taking time. She came in one night and wiped out the entire coven. The High Priestess lost a lot of power that night. But we've created something. When the time is right we'll attack. Now that you're here, there's no reason we can't attack. Is this your moon coming up?"

     "You're wrong. You're running out of time. They'll be coming soon. We made sure of that."

     "Why would they come after us?"

     "They're coming after her. She is a disgrace. Just wasting her powers away. The coven has worked with me, and I'll take the throne once she's fallen. I'm one night away from my moon. Once the convergence is over, she won't be able to stop me."

     "Did the coven tell you what would happen?"

     "No. No one knows for sure. What can you tell me?"

     "I don't know for sure...Have you been practicing magic? How do you expect to take out the High Priestess? You can't do it with brute strength. Believe me, I would have done it by now."

     "She'll be weakened by an attack from the city, if not taken out. After, the coven will descend on this land and finish the job."

     "Someone will have to harness to darkness. The Light Witch won't take her out without having a replacement. You'll have to go through the Light Witch to achieve your goal. I don't think your coven has thought this out."