-Karen-I looked back up at tree canopy above me and could see the stars peeking down through the dark leaves. I managed to calm down enough after thirty minutes and kept walking towards the palace. I came across a scattered skeleton under a small tree. Leaning against the tree was an old scythe and a ruby ring on the ground. I figured that this was another test having to do with death. Quickly, I gathered the bones into a pile and set the skull on top. I took the scythe and ring and laid it in front of the bones. I can't release a soul that isn't present but I can at least pay my respects to the dead.I resumed my walk but was stopped as the blade of the scythe cut into my side. I put pressure on the new wound until I felt my feet kicked out from under me. I landed hard on my right shoulder, crying out from the unexpected pain. The scythe landed right next to my left ear as the angry skeleton started to flesh out.“You who have limitless power- You will give it all to me!” The deep
-Karen-“It took you long enough!” Eldon said from behind me. “I was beginning to wonder if you died.” I turned around and saw he was watching me carefully. Did my hair grow back? I could see the long locks tumble down around my elbows. “The future you face is very uncertain. I honestly don’t know what is going to happen to this planet anymore but if I know you well enough, I know Mazifik will make it through because you never understood the words ‘don’t be reckless’.” I laughed lightly and nodded in agreement. “The subsequent choices you make will determine not only your future but the futures of every person and creature on this planet.” I nodded in agreement. “We need to leave quickly though. Your test ran longer than I thought it would. Monica was able to dispel the barrier Nathan put up around the camp-” I made a portal quickly into the main tent of the camp to observe what was going on. “Most people wait for me to finish.” Eldon hissed annoyed. I peered through a small slit to
-Karen-He looked down and nodded. “As you wish.” Nathan took a deep breath and side stepped us and called all the Mages to the cooking pot. Joanne with Alexander on her hip, Valerie and Bart also joined the group.I took Conor’s hand and we went into Nathan’s tent and listened as Nathan spoke to the group. “Listen up everyone. A decision has been made by the King and Queen. We only have a few hours, but we are to change into black clothes, take a blanket or two and we will not be in camp tonight.” We heard them start to murmur. “I want you to break up into groups of three to five- Arthur will be the second in command. Bart and Jo, I want you both with me since I’m tasking you with keeping Alexander content while he is away from his parents. Bart, please sedate him as soon as nightfall happens. It’s better for him to sleep through this.”“I can feel that they are not okay with this.” I whispered to Conor. He nodded in agreement.“It’s the only way to make sure they don’t get killed- T
-Karen-“Amazing to see you’ve been waiting for me. You did say to come back tomorrow and its just after two.” Her voice called as she walked through the portal dressed regally. How insulting! Wearing real battle robes when your nothing but a traitor! I could see the palace in the background and knew immediately that she had summoned her portal in the Rose Garden. Of course we waited, we aren’t about to let you show up that unexpectedly. “I knew I should have come back sooner.” The portal shut behind her while Monica looked around the camp. “That’s odd- Only you two remain in the camp? Where did you send the others, Karen? You can try to save them all you want but they will be killed. After talking it over with my king, we decided we have plenty of slaves in our colonies. Only death awaits the lot of you rebels. Including your ugly little boy.” My baby is handsome! Just like his father!“Shut the fuck up, merkin. Our son is adorable and loved by every single member of the Mage Clan- Y
-Karen-“Don’t give her any fucking mercy! Not after her role in William’s death! And not to mention every other hateful thing she’s done.” He added hatefully. I looked over at him and smirked. He returned the dark smile.I watched as her blood started to pool around my feet. “You want mercy? Where was my mercy?” I asked softly. “Where was it when you killed me at the fountain when I was a small child?! Where was my mercy when you hired Lewis to try and destroy me?! Where was that mercy when you helped that bastard and merkin take our first baby, William!?” I punched her in the face as hard as I could. “You don’t deserve mercy! Ever! I am going to make you wish you were successful in destroying me years ago. I will never let you touch another soul on this fucking planet as long as I live!”Before she could say anything, I wrapped my hands around her throat and started to choke her, feeling every ounce of rage bubble up and burst as my hate worsened and roiled in my blood. “Struggle! B
-Karen-“I warned you- Did you think I was going to simply forgive you for the things you’ve done to me?” I asked as I stepped closer to her. “Hate me all you want. But in the end, you failed to break me- You failed to end me- Plainly put, you completely failed. Soul Shatter!” I yelled, punching directly through her soul. As soon as my fist touched her, she shattered like glass and faded away forever.There was no sound as I stood there staring at the spot where her soul had just been. It’s over. Even in the end she hated me. I looked down at my hands as I let everything sink in. Now I have to accept the fact that I have taken her life and shattered her for eternity. Unexpectedly, I started crying. Why? Why am I crying over this? I tried to fight the wayward emotions I felt, but I cried louder. Conor pulled me to him and I sobbed my soul out while he held me tightly to him.“She doesn’t deserve your tears, my love. But I understand- She was still your mother and still part of you no m
-Karen-Later that night, Conor came in around twilight and put Alexander to bed for me. Thank you for that, dearest. I snuggled into his embrace when he sat down next to me. Nathan came in a few minutes after that and sat down on the other bed with his hands clasped in his lap. “Do you want to know what we have done?” I dropped my gaze and held my breath as the many thoughts started to race through my mind.As Conor sat next to me, he was holding my right hand with his with his left arm wrapped around my back. “Think about that carefully before you answer, baby.” He whispered in my ear. “We can’t take back that information once you’ve been told.”I sat in silence for several minutes thinking about this seemingly minor choice. Today has affected me in unexpected ways. What should I do? If I know myself well enough, I will always wonder what happened. I heaved a sigh as I debated the options. I think I do want to know. That way I can make sure I never go there. It took me a minute to c
-Karen-“It feels great to be clean. Even if it’s only for an hour.” He whispered in my ear. “We should take advantage of the situation.” I snickered because I was thinking the same thing. “Victory celebration, part one.” Conor murmured running his hands down my sides. “I see that smirk- I know you want to.” I giggled softly as I nodded. I made the first move on him as I knelt down and pleasured him the best way I knew how. “Such a naughty vixen.” I could hear him enjoying himself as I kept going. I looked up for a second and saw him looking down at me with a look of desire on his face. He pulled me to my feet and made out with me. “Mm. I miss this. I miss it just being us.” He whispered in my ear. “I miss rushing back to the apartments after drills and seeing you waiting for me. It always made my day.” I miss that too.“I know- But from the hints I’ve gotten from Nathan, it won't be that way anymore.” I whispered in reply. He started kissing my neck, making it hard to think about any