"Mother..."

My hands trembled as she got up and approached me. Those serene green eyes stared at me with confusion that reflected in my face as well.

"Carline? Who are these people? How am I alive?"

I could not answer since I was also full of questions. Mother pulled me into an embrace and Reichen loosened his hold on me.

Blankness shrouded my whole being. I could not understand what was going on. I knew Mother was alive but to see her moving and breathing with her warmth engulfing me was a different kind of shock. 

My head nestled in her neck. The fragrance of flowers stuck in her body was the same as I remembered and it felt reassuring but...

Was that it? Did all of this happen just to revive Mother? Did Father offer his life in exchange? But why only now? Was it because of the Lost Treasures?

As I delved my mind deeper questioning what was happening, Mother's hug became tighter and there was a part in me that felt off. I should be rejoicing but I could not shake off the uneasiness.

I looked up and saw Reichen going towards Xenon's body and Blaze was still holding Prince Asher. As for Erodessa, she laid stiffly on the floor like Father.

If I thought about this rationally following the order of events right from Cannaria's possession of Erodessa up until the death of Father, there was certainly something wrong.

Mother stroked my hair similarly to when she comforted me. It was a light pat in between caresses on repeat but I could not get rid of that trepidation. Foreboding washed over me from a suspicion that came into mind as my eyes shifted alternately to the two fallen bodies.

"I miss you, darling," she whispered soothingly, full of infallible tenderness but her words only sent chills to my bones. Mother did call us that but it was also Father's endearment when he was doing his theatrics.

I did not wait any longer and swiftly took my dagger. "Well, I don't."

The impostor was quick too and evaded my attack. I tried another strike but the woman was agile despite using a body that had been lying down for years.

A wave of her hand and the weapons that were scattered in the ground raised and attacked me.

"You're Cannaria!" I shouted in confirmation as she did a similar move earlier.

"It is 'Queen', child," she corrected.

Luckily, Reichen was already by my side and helped me deflect. It was similar to his power and he was able to counter without problems. The weapons dueling each other in midair was a magnificent sight but my main focus was the woman who was using my mother's body.

"Why are you inside Mother's body?"

She cackled so eerily that got me goosebumps rising all over my body. Mother's gentle look morphed into menacing. It was an expression that would never grace her face. The laughter settled down into a wide smile but there was no elegance that I admired. Her smile showed peril and conceit looking at us like we were inferior to her. But it was the reality, how could a mere human match a god in the first place?

The Dark Queen and the Fallen God had attached infamy to their names. One not greater than the other with their equal atrocity that made the people writhe in their wrath. Worse, they were the same person and it was undoubtedly the woman standing in front of me masquerading Mother.

"It seems like you are no fool like your father. It was unfortunate that he was obsessed with a woman."

Cannaria scoffed and glanced at Father's dead body. There was no sign of empathy but there was an unmistaken revulsion.

"He did not actually know that a life sacrifice is required to use the Lost Treasures in unsealing me. After all, the almighty True God lost his life just so he could seal me. But, there are no perfect seals. Exchange is needed and only a life sacrifice with his blood can unseal me. He was so senile living for thousands of years that he forgot I have you as my descendants that had his blood flowing as well. Fathers are really fools, am I right?"

Her smile stretched more. She was indeed beaming with joy but I could not be happy for her regained freedom. Mother's melodious voice turned into venom with Cannaria inside her and she was not done speaking.

"Goodness. I must have talked a lot seeing how quiet you are. I'm excited about this perfect vessel, you see? It is unlike that descendant of mine plagued with the blood's curse and I can hardly stay for long. But with this..." She flicked her hand and I was immediately thrown to the wall.

My back hit the deformed rocks. I should be grateful for Father's torture that made me have this high tolerance for pain and resilience. If not, I would have fainted from the impact.

"Ace!" Reichen ran to me at lightning speed and made me drink something.

It was the same black vial that he gave me back at Mt. Grisly. I had learned that a member had the magic to brew potions and each had the desired effect. After the last drop, all the pain vanished in an instant.

I stood up and honed my magic. I was still awakened as Verdari and it was the most powerful magic I had with the infinite possibilities inside the barrier. It was the only thing I could think of other than using other's magic that had a small chance since Cannaria was indeed a god.

It was in my peripheral earlier when I was thrown off. I saw Blaze sending his scorching fireballs but they turned into ashes before they can barely reach her. It only meant nothing could harm her.

I visualized the barrier leaving my body and slowly entrapping her. There was only one rule. She would not be able to move. Not even a fraction of movement.

She would not be able to destroy it if she stood still. Besides rendering her unconscious would be an impossible feat when Amicas or Cattivos scarcely fell into that spell.

I quickly dispelled and awakened as Ace. I changed into one of the members who controlled plants and restrained her more. Another transformation, an array of steel rods surrounded her. The next problem was whether I should kill her or not.

I never once directly killed anyone. I could deal a heavy blow but never a fatal one.

"Let me," said Reichen, sensing my indecision.

But before we could even come near, the steel bars collapsed and the vines were torn. I could not see my barrier without awakening but it was positively smashed to smithereens if she was able to break free.

After all that, Cannaria's face which was covered by the bindings was revealed. The sophisticated arched brows were now wrinkled and those beautiful round eyes squinted in displeasure.

"This is no fun anymore. How I despise this magic but I commend the irony," she started blabbering again. "It's such a twist of fate that my will was your father while you inherit that despicable magic of that father of mine. I remember Enmir's way of playing with you. Perhaps, this will be more entertaining."

An icy dread sunk in my stomach. She did another gesture and I realized the hand motions she did were similar to how Cattivos make their enchantment.

The devious grin returned to her lips as she faced me. "Now that you're magic's gone, let's begin shall we?"

I quickly looked back to see the others. Reichen's eyes had become golden and Blaze now had a similar shade as Prince Asher. The latter was assisting Erodessa who had become conscious at the worst time when we were all powerless.

To think it could get any worse, Reichen's body was suddenly lifted in the air and followed by Erodessa, Prince Asher, Blaze, and the lifeless body of Xenon.

"Choose. Save one and the rest of them will die." I was constrained by her again and could only look.

Sweat gathered in my palm or perhaps all over my body with the stickiness I felt. My body quivered even without any hint of wind. Another set of lives was on my hands once again. I thought I had lived past it but I needed to endure this torment again.

"Take Erodessa!"

It was Prince Asher who yelled that pulled me from the anxiety swirling inside me. Yes. This was no time to let fear consume me.

"She was all dragged into this. Her curse grew worse and we seek King Enmir. Who thought that he had lost all his humanity already?" he continued.

"No, Asher! I shouldn't have involved you with all of this!"

I never once heard my sister sound so helpless. There was also an apparent concern and fright in her stare.

"I agree with Asher. Choose your sister, Ace."

"I concur. I wouldn't be a ladies' man if I failed to save a lady, right?"

Blaze who I had not heard for a while lastly spoke but he had the mood to jest in this situation.

"Choose, child," imposed Cannaria and walked back in forth towards them.

I ignored her permeating gaze and did not utter a single word, stalling for time. Everyone had disappeared a while ago and I was hoping for an interruption.

"Irises as yellow as the shining sun on a bright day and the color of autumn in the darkened sky. Are you a Deliora?"

At the mention of that surname, I hastily looked up to Cannaria. She was fixated on Reichen who remained silent.

"Goodness. Children nowadays had the audacity to ignore their elders. You won't answer? I'll start with you, then."

"No! Leave Reichen alone!" I was not able to refrain myself and screamed at the top of my lungs.

It was futile to think she would shirk all of this with just words but at least I got her attention. However, she returned her eyes to Reichen and lifted his jaw.

"Reichen... You have that name of that bitch! Ha!" She burst out into maniacal laughter. "It's been ages! I should've known when I saw you controlling those swords!"

Her head snapped towards me. An ominous grin was still pasted on her lips paired with twinkling eyes that showed mirth from malice. It was the sight of insanity that reminded me of Father.

"Choose now."

No answer.

"You can't decide? If that's the case, let them all die."

My mouth slacked at her verdict. Her palm had a dancing black flame and it grew bigger and bigger. It was akin to a cloud of smoke rather than fire and emitted a threatening force. It radiated no heat but who knew what the hell it was.

"Stop! Stop!" I was shrieking crazily as my body remained motionless.

I was not even aware of the tears flowing from my eyes as the large black thing that was half Cannaria's height directed towards them.

Cannaria had released that magical flame but just in time, the whole cave tremored and I was able to move. I rushed without thinking but I was too late. All of them lay on the floor with pools of blood but for a miraculous reason, Erodessa remained unscathed with Prince Asher's limp body beside her.

I dashed to Reichen's side. He had wounds all over and his shirt was torn. His head cradled on my chest. I did not mind the blood soaking my clothes as I could only stare at his incapacitated appearance.

In perfect timing, black-cloaked people emerged from a damaged wall caused by the vibration. They sprinted inside along with the white-clothed men chasing them. All of their eyes were of different shades of color than the usual violet eyes. Except for one lady who was at the front.

"Ah. You're finally here, dearest sister. I've been waiting for so long and you brought a lot of unwanted guests," said Cannaria nonchalantly.

An all-out battle of black and white started but all I could think was the man in my arms. I felt magic seeped in within me and I awakened as Verdari. I formed a barrier without taking my eyes from Reichen and set the rules.

Everyone inside was able to heal. The healing was not potent like our innate healing abilities but it could keep them awake. In addition, no one could leave and enter the barrier without my consent, covering ourselves from all the noises outside. However, Reichen's pulse seemed faint and apprehension drowned me.

"Don't you die on me, you, tenacious jerk," I muttered as teardrops fell on his pale cheeks.

In just a short time, Reichen was able to squeeze into my heart. His death was not something I could just ignore. I appreciated those days were together and I got used to it so much.

All our memories flashed like a fast-paced theatre. I thought I'd like my freedom but being free didn't mean I had to be all alone. Thanks to him, I discovered that the freedom I sought was having someone to support me, ready to help when I was in dire straits and put me above anything else.

I always thought having someone necessarily meant I should bid their wishes but Reichen let me do whatever I want as long as it didn't affect my safety. He gave me reassurance and affection. The only problem was he put me too much on a pedestal and keep everything to himself as long as I could live without worries.

"How did Brother become a Cattivo? How?!"

I flinched and came back to my senses after I heard Blaze raging voice.

I twisted to my right and saw Blazing piercing a look at Erodessa. I was stunned looking at her reaction. My prideful sister was crying! Her eyes puffed with redness and tear stains on her cheeks. Her tears overflowed as she continued her silent woe.

"It... It was my fault...Father vowed to erase my curse in exchange... of his betrayal..." Erodessa eventually talked but she kept on pausing midsentence.

"I don't mind him being a traitor but did you know that a royal of Carrion will never have a proper burial if they become a Cattivo?! How can he betray me for a woman? Worse, he died but he can never be buried with our ancestors!"

It was considered a disgrace for the royal family of Carrion not to be buried in the mausoleum from what I gathered but his word stuck on my mind.

Prince Asher died? I thought they were simply heavily injured with a chance of death but it was actually worse. I immediately scanned the room and Xenon was still knocked out despite the upheaval. I wanted to check him but I could not leave Reichen.

He won't die, won't he? It was a stupid thought since Xenon had been benumbed during this whole period. He could not protect himself from that attack.

I wanted to check on him but my gaze roamed the barrier. People had been trying to break my barrier all this time but it all ceased.

Only Night stood there. I was relieved seeing his carefree grin as he motioned me to let him in. For some reason, I recalled the memory from two years ago. The day I first met him on the balcony of my bed-chamber. The day my life changed.

I adjusted the rules and called him. "Night! Please help us. Prince Asher died. Reichen's wounded. Please check on Xenon, too!

I said it one go before he could reach me. "That's what I'm here for, Ace."

He took out a black vial with a star inscription at the center. He poured it into Reichen's mouth and went towards Xenon to do the same thing.

The breath I had been holding was released as Reichen's eyes fluttered open. I squeezed myself towards him and more tears left my eyes.

Blaze drank it too despite having minor wounds. I could only assume that Prince Asher made an enchantment and protected him and Erodessa while the other two men positioned on both ends had to suffer the brunt.

"We need more hands as much as possible. Erodessa, you stay here. You can join us, bastard." Night stated and scrutinized Xenon.

She only nodded and we went outside. Opposite from the quietness inside the barriers, the cave resounded with shouts of strife and reverberating echoes of weapons rattling against another paired with the heavy stench of blood.

I readied my dagger and joined the fight. Above us were Lady Mhilrim and Cannaria. It was a fight between gods. They were on equal footing and everyone could hear the confrontation amidst the chaos.

"Why do you protect these vile people, Mhilrim? They are all worthless scums!" Everyone could tell it was Cannaria who chattered with that fiery temper even without looking.

"You keep repeating yourself, Cannaria. Don't blame the humans for your mistake." Lady Mhilrim's tone was a contrast to her gentle voice when I met her. It was cold and unfeeling.

"My mistake? That bitch of Deliora was using Father! I warned him but what did he do? He banished me! What's more, he gave her my magic!"

"You're both wrong, Cannaria. It was your prejudice to humans that lead all of this and your magic had always been with you. Humans had no faults in your destruction."

"Ha! Humans only want their gods when they needed them. Once you show them your power, they will turn into disgusting creatures seeking more."

"Not everyone is the same as your husband."

"He's not my husband!"

They fought as they exchanged banters. Gods were surely on another level. How could they talk while slashing each other simultaneously? I glance up and I was in awe of Lady Mhilrim's skills but I did not have the luxury to watch as another enemy ambushed me.

My dagger swung and cut his stomach. Blood spurted and landed on my robe, combining with all the people I fought earlier. One after another came and I was stuck on the Cattivos ganging up on me.

Only the clanking of weapons ensued until one was left. His sword swerved upwards and I dodged as a body flung beside me.

I was surely a jinx since I was praising Lady Mhilrim's strength earlier and here she was with her dirtied dress and even her beautiful curls became a mess.

I finished off the man and helped her get up.

"Lady Mhilrim," I greeted.

"Thank you. It is luck that I landed where you are. You have touched me and I need you to transform yourself like me to deal with Cannaria. We had no option but to use offhanded means to stop her," she said in one breath and returned to her fight.

I did not hesitate to do what she asked and dispelled Verdari to turn into Ace. I covered myself with my hood. I could not find my mask after it was thrown up and I prayed this was enough to hide my transformation.

Lady Mhilrim said offhanded and that only meant doing dirty tricks and sneak attacks.

My whole body morphed into hers. It was completely a different feeling with the abundance of magic. Speckles of light entered my sight but aside from that, black swirling air was congregating on Cannaria's body. It was like I was transported to another world with how contrasting the brilliant light and portentous darkness were.

I hid among the crowd near them and waited for the right moment. I did not have to wait long as my eyes locked with Lady Mhilrim's.

I lifted my body effortlessly and I was behind Cannaria. I collected the floating lights and confined her. Lady Mhilrim did not hesitate and her sword stabbed Mother's body in an instant.

Cannaria gasped for air while my mouth hung on the floor. I knew it was not Mother but her body impaled would be undoubtedly added to my long list of nightmares.

Light emanated from Lady Mhilrim's sword and Mother's body shone as the tiny orbs of light surrounded her.

"You've done it, Mhilrim. You've done a taboo. Congratulations on your first evil deed, dearest sister."

And with that, her body staggered towards me.

"Is she... Is she dead?" I asked as I caught her in my arms.

"Yes," Lady Mhilrim answered. "Let's go down."

I laid Mother's body on the glass bed she had been residing. Lady Mhilrim took out her sword but there was not a single drop of blood from Mother.

The Cattivos perhaps had sensed their defeat and fled one by one. I released myself from the disguise as Lady Mhilrim pressed her hand on Mother's wound.

Mother let out a sharp intake and her eyes flew open. It landed on me and tears streamed on her beautiful face that did not endure the passage of time.

"Carline, my darling!" She pulled me to her side and I was speechless.

This is really Mother...

"I will give you time but do it faster. Only a small part of her soul is here and she cannot last long."

"But---"

"Mother!"

I was cut off by Erodessa who jumped herself to Mother.

"What do you mean earlier, Lady Mhilrim?" I understood it but I could not accept it. Not when Mother was back.

"Her being alive is the result of magic. That is why there is no enchantment that hindered our abilities here and this goes beyond the world's rules. Those who died from life sacrifice had their soul scattered and if we continue to supply her magic, this part of her soul may disappear from defying the natural laws and she would never be able to reincarnate," Lady Mhilrim explained.

The feeling of being risen only to be drowned once again overwhelmed her.

Cold wrinkled fingers entwined with mine. I looked up to Mother whose face was as gentle as in my memories.

"It's fine Carline. I already accepted my fate a long time ago. I should be fortunate that I have met you once again. As well as you, June."

"You recognized me?"

"Of course, you're my son." Mother reached to pat him as her eyes were still glistening with tears. "I never had the chance to apologize to you. I wish Yves and Lian are here too."

"I'll get them for you, your majesty," someone interrupted.

"Who's this?"

Sullien took off his mask. "I am Duchess Pheles's son. Rhett Pheles."

I peeked to the other side of the room. Reichen was leading the clean-up along with Willow and Blaze and other familiar masked faces.

"You've grown well. How is Marian?"

That quickly halted the pleasant atmosphere.

"She's dead, Mother." And it's all because of me. I bit back the unspoken words since I didn't want her to worry.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Mother apologized.

"It's alright, your majesty. I'll head out first."

In just minutes, Yves and Lian were there. They were befuddled but it was replaced by shock when their eyes landed on Mother.

"Come here, my darlings."

They pounced like excited children and Mother pulled the rest of us, forming a big hug.

"Where is your father by any chance?" she asked all of a sudden.

No one spoke for a moment before I replied, "He died."

"When?"

"He died here today after doing a life sacrifice," I explained further.

"I see..." Mother stood up, seeming like she was looking for something and it could only be Father.

There were countless bodies and many had been trampled on. We could not tell where Father's was but Mother was able to discern him.

She walked towards him and crouched down. This was the same man who struck terror within me but his life dwindled like any ordinary human.

Mother held onto the fallen corpse, staring longingly that was filled with anguish and animosity before looking up at us.

"I'm sorry. I could not stop your father. I never knew I could hate and love someone at the same time. I cannot kill him but I cannot repeat my mistake either. I can only sacrifice my life to help my children."

"What kind of enchantment did you use to cost your life Mother?" Night asked the question I was also seeking answers for.

"Breaking an enchantment takes twice the amount of exchange it needed and I bound another enchantment that my life had been depleted," Mother explained as she brushed Father's hair.

"What do you mean, Mother?" My brows furrowed as my thoughts lingered on her first statement. My body had an enchantment even before?

"You awakened at a much early age than June. Only a year old and I have to hide that fact but for some reason, you awakened once again. I had to unseal it so you can fully use your magic but in order to protect you from his violence, I tied his soul and body to you to stop him," she replied.

No wonder. Anything that involves the soul always had a higher price to pay from what Reichen told me.

She looked down and her voice lowered as she continued. "Every pain Enmir inflicted on you will be rebound on him. Indirect or not, as long as he was involved. That was the only way I could come up in the past."

How can that be? Father never backed out of torturing me. Instead, he worked his way on new methods every time. If what Mother said was true then Father was madness reborn because all he did to me made me want to kill myself yet he was able to endure all of it.

"It's time," came Lady Mhilrim's voice.

"Farewell, my children. All I wish is for you to live well." She stood up and embraced us again. The rest of them did not understand what was going on and Lady Mhilrim explained it to them briefly.

There were disapprovements but Night made them shut up. Mother returned to the bed and I could feel the tears welling again.

Lady Mhilrim covered Mother's eyes and blessed her eternal sleep. Weeps of sorrow shadowed our short reunion. I wanted to be greedy but I fended off the idea in the end.

"What does this mean? Why are you fading as well?"

Night's voice intervened in my thoughts and I turned to them.

"You silly. I thought you boast of a good memory. Didn't I tell you that light could not exist without darkness? Cannaria and I shared the same fate ever since we were born. If she's gone, I will be, too. Father created us to be the barriers that blessed the people with magic. Cannaria had always been the darkness. It was only the human's perception that she fell into deprivation. Father damages his human shell but he remained as a protector of this world and this is his retribution for killing my sister."

As Lady Mhilrim spoke, her body slowly faded. It started from her legs and gradually went up.

"Now that the barriers of magic had been broken. All humans will be the same. You will be free of all the burdens and no gods will interfere with your lives again. This will be my last blessing."

"No... No... You just can't leave like this, Mhilrim!" Night who did not even shed a single tear earlier had tears streaming down his face at the present.

Lady Mhilrim's hand landed on his cheek. "Ah. You finally called me my name. They always thought you were chasing me but who would have thought it was an unrequited love of a goddess."

"It's not unrequited!" He bellowed.

Lady Mhilrim's smiled dazzlingly. One full of love and joy as their gazes imprisoned each other.

"I know. You're such a contradiction, Night. You're the most reckless yet austere person I met. Besides, you are right. Humans and gods should never mingle."

Night tried to hold her hand but it was futile as it faded into nothingness. 

"I will be back, Night."

Those were her last words as the speckles of light that had been visible when I was Lady Mhilrim materialized and formed a protective barricade.

The whole cave quaked. The large whole above became wider as pieces of rocks fell on hour heads but the sheen layer of light did not let single debris pass through.

I was with my siblings and a hand held onto me. My eyes peered at its owner and I was faced with a pair of orbs like the color of the sun making its way to the darkness of the cave.

The cave finally gave in and the light which was filled with magic dissipated and was replaced by the bright glow of the sunrays. Warmth paved its way, illuminating the dim place as if erasing all sorrows etched in the soil spilled with blood and resentment.

It was the mark of an end and the start of a new beginning.

***

Note: I dedicate this chapter for you Joyfully420 and your dislike to Lian lmao Thank you for giving my story a chance :)