Chapter 200: Retribution
Pristine fear bloomed in Richard’s eyes. The look was a lovely one, because it wasn’t just the fear that captured those dark eyes; it was a clear message of who stood before him, looking down at him with glowing red eyes... his god.
His mouth moved, but his voice was trivial to me, and I silenced whatever word he tried to utter. I have had enough of hearing him speak.
"I have always wondered how a person will react when karma comes to take. I have imagined a shuddering fool, a begging pest, or even a fool being a fool; the thoughts were endless, but this is new. You’re paralyzed to the point you cannot move and remain where you are, like a hollow being of emptiness."
I crouched to him and grasped his hair to keep my gaze tethered to his. "I had no intention of letting you walk out of here alive."
His eyes shook horrified, but then it dimmed as if he had resigned to his fate.
"Do you think I’d make it painless? That I’d give you a swift death as I reach for your heart? The truth is, I would have gotten my way without hearing about Eloise’s origins. I was patient because of her, for I knew she deserved to know about her mother more than anything. The only reason you still breath, and exist in this realm as you walked through my doors was a leniency, and the time is nigh, Richard Ravemont."
I leaned closer. "The legacy you tried so hard to protect will be gone, no one will remember you, no one will remember your good deeds. Beloria shall cease its name, and I shall name it in my own image. Your lineage of heritance will be gone, and the name Ravemont will cease to exist. This is your Karma."
~•~
Eloise swung gracefully on the seat hung by ropes. I haven’t had the heart to approach her yet; I didn’t know if I could.
She looked so peaceful, having some time to herself and her own thoughts. I poked a little at the mate bond, allowing my mind to sink into her emotions. At the first taste, a tightening sensation found my chest.
After hours of watching, I walked closer. I crouched in front of her, and she smiled at me. I wanted that smile to stay longer.
As if Eloise could read my mind, her eyes searching mine for answers.
"I wish I could keep a secret from you."
"It’s alright, I think I can handle it."
"Eloise."
"I have always wanted to know. Please... don’t keep me waiting for longer."
I told her everything.
Eloise was still the entire time, her expression unreadable. But then she lowered her gaze, and silent tears streamed down her face, as if she didn’t have control over it.
I did my best to dry them, but it was nonstop. So I held her hand tighter to keep her grounded. I didn’t want her to suffer in silence, and I needed to remind her I was here.
"Say something, my love," I begged.
"For as long as I can remember..." she murmured faintly. "I have always wanted to know about my mother. I never had dreams; I thought that was impossible for me, because a bastard couldn’t have one. But deep down, I did have one. To see her one day, and get to know her."
Eloise peeled her hand away from my grip and rose, walking forward.
"I have imagined her to be a carefree person, cheerful, funny, and full of life, for I didn’t experience such. In my dreams, she did things I never could have. She was so perfect in my head, it was the closure I needed, and I wanted to be the only one who thought well of her since the entire country labelled her a whore."
I neared her, my hands grasping her waist.
"I can’t dream anymore. It was an impossible dream, a silly dream made up by a child who knew nothing."
"Eloise."
"S-She lived a horrible life. It’s not fair."
I twirl her to face me and use my hand beneath her chin.
"Dreams are still possible, Eloise."
She gave me a sad smile. "Not this one. I cannot think about it like I did; I shall remember her this way, forever. It hurts."
I pulled her into a hug, and she wept in my arms.
"My memory of her should have been one good thing about my past. I wanted it so bad, Drevon."
"I know, my love."
Feeling Eloise’s pain felt like it was mine; my heart broke when hers did, and every sob shattered my soul.
She pushed so that she could see me. "I want them to know the truth," she seethed, as rage rose. "I want the entire Beloria to know!"
"They will," I promised. "They will all know."
She nodded, eyes growing heavy until she slacked in my arms. I picked her up, placing my forehead on hers.
She was burning up!
~•~
Eloise stirred when I dropped her on the bed, and it didn’t take up to a second before her mouth puffed. Sensing what was about to happen, I grabbed a nearby vase, and Eloise retched.
She groaned in pain through the process, and it was endless. I stroked her back to help ease her.
She was sick. It’s been so long since this has happened. I figured it was the pressure from the last few days, and the emotional strain she had to deal with, the news of her mother was the breaking point.
Eloise’s face was finally out of the vase, and she sighed in relief, eyes closed.
"Better?" I asked, wrapping my arms around her and pulling her close to me. I brought out my handkerchief and used it to wipe her lips.
I checked her temperature again, and it was far from calming down. Cold water will do the trick, as well as a brew.
I thought about giving her blood, but her throat wasn’t cold, and she hadn’t asked for it.