The Darkness In Us

Forbidden

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Bela's POV

When we arrived at the Reef, the Vanguard called ahead for me to wait for them. Once they arrived, we each took one man and marched to Mara's throne, Uldren and Petra leading.

Being able to read minds has to be a curse. Sure, it's helped me out when I needed information, or when I knew I was being lied to, but outside of that, I try to avoid reading into people.

As I drag a man with me, I can't help but notice that Petra is very tense. I wonder if Mara's been hard on her because of everything or if it's just the simple fact that someone was out killing her people. Maybe it's both. Uldren is still angry about it and it took a bit of convincing so that he wouldn't go on a rampage. Personally, I would've killed them without any remote chance of a trial. Or maybe...I'd give them the illusion of one, before throwing them in the deepest pit I could find.

I know he wants revenge, an eye for an eye. I would gladly give him the satisfaction of it too. I'd do anything for him. I also knew that Mara wanted justice more than anything and that if he went against her orders, she would be livid.

We reach the throne and throw the men at her feet. Variks was there by her side, watching me intently. I always found him to be rather interesting, although I feel his loyalty is extreme. Still, we both regard each other with respect. I give him a small bow and he returns the gesture. Uldren watches us with fascination, the way he always does. He admires the Fallen after all, their will and their loyalty. I turn to leave the throne room.

"Guardian." Mara calls. I stop in my tracks, stiff, and I turn to face her.

"I need you to stay."

"I'm not a politician. You have no need of me here."

"I'd like you to stay." I say nothing. She's watching me closely and I'm glad I have my helmet on so that she can't see I'm glaring at her. I feel someone behind me and I drop down, using my signature low sweep kick. The person drops down and I'm already straightening up. A foot shoots out to meet my face and I block it on time. We struggle a bit more and then we both havea.knkfe at our throats.

I look at the stranger. He's an Exo as tall as Cayde and Uldren, with aqua eyes, and a orange and metallic tinge to him. He's wearing a bright yellow cloak and a familiar looking chest armor. A Hunter. I can see he's sizing me up too, his eyes sweeping from my face and going down, taking me in.

"Bela that's enough." I hear Cayde say, stepping towards us and taking my arm. I yank my arm from him, defiant.

"Everyone who doesn't know, this is Shiro-4. A Vanguard scout and skilled assassin." Cayde says. Shiro inclines his head and then looks at me.

"You're an assassin I see." he says. I look in his direction but I say nothing and I simply turn and leave.

"Guardian, come back here." Mara commands but I ignore her. "Uldren you are needed here. Stay in your place." she snaps at Uldren, who I'm guessing mad e a move to follow me.

"But-"

"You will do as you're told, Uldren Queensbrother." she says dismissively. He falls silent and I walk out the door, slamming it shut.

What a temper you've got, Guardian. I'll have to discipline you.

I clench my jaw. Mara Sov is the only person whose mind I can't read, just as she can't read mine. That doesn't stop either of us from implanting messages in each other's heads. It's a strange feeling.

"I'm looking forward to it." I mutter under my breath as I head to my ship.

I take this chance to organize my ship. Lately all I've done is just get in, throw my shit around, and get out. I take a look around the room I've got and I see my sheets are unused, cold. There are emoty and half empty bottles of liquor strewn around and I sigh, picking the empty ones up and throwing them in my bin. The half empty ones, soon become completely empty. Good thing I have extra bins.

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Uldrens POV

After the meeting is over, the lowlife's are taken to our prison chamber and Mara dismisses the others. I stay behind and she sighs.

"You could've brought them to me sooner, had you not been so preoccupied doing other things." she says. I freeze for a moment. Does she know about Bela and I?

"Yes. I know you've bee sleeping with her. The Guardian. The one I forbade you to get involved in. The only reason I tolerate her is because she has her uses."

"Mara...shes my girlfriend. Not just some Guardian." I say. She quickly stands.

"She's what?" she hisses. I'm taken back by her sudden change in demeanor.

"You said I could be with her." I say in response. She shakes her head, walking to me.

"No. I said you could leave with her. Months ago when she went to the Black Garden. Then again when we got Skolas. And again for your team effort in capturing these miscreants. I didn't say anything about you sleeping with her, although I knew you eventually would, but this? I thought this was just a fling. You're actually serious." she says. I can feel her rage washing over me in waves.

"I love her." I say softly, truthfully. Mara can't change this, how I feel about her.

"Well, you're going to have to leave her. Now. Go and tell her you're done." she says. I shake my head.

"No."

"What?"

"You heard me. All my life it's been about what you want, Mara. For once, there's something that I want. Something I didn't know I needed, and it's her. She's good."

"She's a murderer. An assassin. She's killed and tortured her own. She works with smugglers and mercenaries. She keeps things hidden from you. Do you even know her?"

"You keep secrets too Mara. Do I even know you?" I ask. The question catches her off guard and for once, she seems surprised. Before all this, I would have been proud of accomplishing this. Now, it seems stupid and childish. I have Bela and she has me. That's all that matters. Mara draws herself up to her full height and authority.

"I am your sister and above that, your Queen and you will not deny me. You will do as I say. You will leave her and your silly delusions of happiness behind. Is that understood?" she asks. I can feel tears stinging at my eyes, burning me. I can feel hate boiling inside me. I can feel my heart break. I want to weep endlessly. Losing Bela would be like...losing Mara...it's too terrible to accept.

"Yes, Your Grace. Forgive me." I say stiffly, getting on one knee in front of her. I must obey.

"She's a distraction to our bigger purpose, Uldren. Don't forget that. We are on our mission. Our mission is more important than that...Risen woman. She's an obstacle. You're infatuated. But that'll pass. Do you understand?" she asks. I nod. I can't argue with her.

"Yes, My Queen." I say. She nods and walks back to her throne and sits upon it.

"You may leave. Tell her when you see her again." she says. I nod and stand back up, turning away.

"Uldren." she says. I stop and look at her. Her blue eyes are boring into my washed orange ones.

"If I find out you've gone against my orders, I'll have her killed." she says. He rwieds send chills through me and I nod.

"I understand, Your Grace." I say. She turns away, having forgotten me already and I leave. I see her ship at the Vestian Outpost and I sigh heavily. Tears spill before I can stop them. I don't want to do this. This is going to break her the way it's breaking me.

I'm sorry Bela. I really am.