The Secret of Moonacre 2: The Shrouding Darkness

Chapter 11: Attack From Within

When she had finished her breakfast Maria rose and walked into the hall after excusing herself. She halted with a bright smile. There was shocked but pleased to see Wiggins, curled up next to Wrolf. The huge black lion purred. And the puppy snored softly, snuggled against his flank. Maria smiled and stroked Wrolf.

“Good boy.” She crooned softly. “I know you’ll teach him how to be a great dog. You were the best.” Maria told the black beast. He purred.

Maria walked into the now deserted piano room and walked over to the window, sitting on the sill and gazing across the field and into the forest. A small deer walked out of the woods and into the field before it began grazing. Maria wondered how life could go on while something so dark lurked in the forest. She sighed. Would her life forever revolve around light and dark magic? Saving the valley repeatedly? Or would she be allowed to settle down and be happy…maybe even have a family. A tear slipped down her cheek.

Maria jumped as she felt a tap on her shoulder. She looked up into the worried eyes of Robin.

“You ok?” He asked. Maria hesitated with a sigh.

“Yes…no…I don’t know.” She sighed. “It’s like there is always something I need to do. Always some dangerous adventure that I drag everyone I care about into. It’s my fault that your father tried to kill you all those years ago and you almost died this time. If you hadn’t have helped me then you never would have been shunned by your father or have gotten into such danger.” Maria murmured.

“No Princess. If you hadn’t of made me help you I might have been killed. I was ordered to go after a rogue De Noir. He was very dangerous and I would most definitely not be sitting where I am today. Right here with you.” He murmured.

“You’re standing.” She pointed out quietly with a soft smile before it fell again. He shifted his gaze from the deer to her face. He stared at her with such intensity it made her nervous.

“Would you really not know what to do without me?” He whispered. Maria looked away then back up at him.

“Robin I….” Her reply was cut off by a strange strangled cry. Maria leaped up and raced down the hall with Robin on her heals. Soon everybody except Loveday were streaking after Maria, towards Digweed’s room. Maria threw open the door and to her horror she saw Digweed writhing in agony on his bed, with darkness flowing through him. Mrs. Heliotrope screamed. But Maria suddenly grew disturbingly calm and a strange sensation tingled through her. It was white hot rage.

Maria took one step forwards and the whole castle seemed to shake under that step.

“Stop!” She roared at the darkness…with such unusual fierceness…such authority. She was literally glowing ever so softly, and as she screamed the command, bright white mist which contradicted the darkness burst from her body and sliced through the dark fog like butter. Sharp pain ripped through Maria’s body and the darkness seemed to shriek before it flew through the window and into the forest, vanishing.

Maria collapsed onto her knees breathing heavily and Mrs. Heliotrope rushed to her husbands side. Digweed was awake but clearly still in pain. His eyes were feverish and glazed and he was gasping for breath. Sir Benjamin and Marmaduke stared at Maria in shock and Robin scowled at them before he rushed to her side.

“Are you ok?” He asked desperately. Maria looked up at Robin. Her body ached fiercly.

“Fine.” She muttered weakly. Her voice shook and tears fell down her cheeks. Robin dropped to his knees and scooped her into his strong arms, hugging her and letting her cry. She carelessly wrapped her arms around Robin’s neck and sobbed into his shoulder quietly. Sir Benjamin looked back and forth between Digweed and Maria. Maria sobbed a bit harder. She didn’t know what was wrong with her but she did know she was hurt. Her tears were not because of her pain however. Perhaps it was the fact that Digweed had almost died. Or perhaps it was the fact that her uncle was staring at her the way he was, like she was some sort of monster. Or maybe it was because she had been about to tell Robin how she felt about him and now couldn’t find the courage or words to.

These questions ran through her head and she decided that it must have been all of the above. Finally she struggled to her feet and limped stiffly over to Digweed. He peered up at her with warm eyes.

“Th…thank you…” He stammered weakly.

“I’d never let harm come to you.” She replied, pain evident in her voice. She wanted to say more and Digweed looked like he did too, but both hurt. Instead Maria leant down and hugged him. He wrapped his arms around her too before Maria stood again. She limped over to her uncle. He took half a step back before he caught himself and stood firmly rooted to the spot, eyes still filled with shock and confusion. Maria stretched eye level with him.

“Uncle. Think of me what you will but know that I am sorry.” She murmured with cold defiance. She shoved past him and Marmaduke and into the hall. Robin instantly followed her. Sir Benjamin had opened and closed his mouth, unable to form an answer and he turned, starting to follow her too but Robin wheeled on him.

“No! Let me talk to her… You’ve done enough.” Robin said darkly under his breath. Then he turned and followed Maria up the stairs.

When she reached the tower she pushed open her door and numbly walked to her bead, collapsing onto it and sobbing into her pillow. Robin followed, closing the door behind him and sitting on the edge of her bed, rubbing her back gently. His warm woodsy musk wrapped itself around her, calming her. His scent had picked up a subtle sweetness…She realized it was her smell. He had been around so long he had stolen some of it. Gradually her sobs softened.

“What’s wrong?” Robin asked quietly. Maria looked up at him, beautiful silvery blue eyes filled with anger and pain.

“It’s my fault!” She snapped, then sobbed. “If I hadn’t made uncle give him the day off he would be fine!” She sobbed.

“You don’t know that! Don’t be ridiculous.” Robin scolded. “You don’t decide what that thing does or where it attacks. Besides. Nobody even knew it could get onto the grounds. It could have attacked anyone, anywhere.” He added. He glared at her. Maria sighed. She knew she was being unreasonable but she was hiding what truly upset her. She sighed again loudly.

“I’m sorry Robin.” She murmured. “I think I’ve drug you into the wrong thing this time.” Robin just shook his head sadly.