The Curse Left Unspoken...

A bolt of lightning streaked across the ominous, black skies. Linda hesitated, before rushing into the torrential storm. The sound of her name being called barely reached her ears, but she chose to ignore it and rush on towards a looming structure in the distance.

The icy particles pelted at her dainty skin, the drops turning into stones. Bloody weather patterns, she cursed in her mind, for a short moment thankful that she would soon be able to break away to a shore with good-tempered weather.

Suddenly, the icy particles stopped hitting her. She glanced upwards, and noticed that the skies were still pouring out all of their icy fury upon the earth. Yet, none of the hailstones hit her; they bounced away above her head.

She smiled faintly, thankful for such a caring soul that had come to love her for who she is, in her entirety. If only his presence hadn't ended up causing this rift between her and Luciana.

She reached the old tower, tripping over the first step, her face slamming onto the cold, stony surface. Her vision blurred and she lay on the wet steps, trying not to give into the impending darkness. Suddenly, warm hands wrapped around, lifting her up to her feet. She blinked, and her view slowly came back into focus, allowing her to gaze upon the face of her beloved.

His gray eyes reprimanded her, yet the smile around his lips seemed to encourage her to betterment.

“What did your parents teach you about running on slippery surfaces during a storm?” He teased, the gravelly sound of his voice pouring over her soul like a balm. “Come, let me help you. Before you break your neck and we have to postpone our plans.”

Luciana closed her eyes tightly; wishing, hoping, and praying that she would go unnoticed this time. The softness wrapping around her wrists announced to her that she had, once again, been found. She kept her hands in front of her face, waiting for the tears to sink into her skin.

“Luciana, please.” The gentle voice pleaded. She swallowed and finally allowed her hands to be slipped away from her face. Her eyes fell upon the vision of her aunt.

“You’re wet,” she stated, marvelling at the beauty of her aunt, even though her golden curls had been destroyed, her hair clung to her face, and blood was dripping from a gash above the woman’s left eye. “You’re bleeding,” she then stated.

“I fell.” Linda uttered, smiling down sweetly upon her niece.

“I know. I heard you. Sounded like you were trying to break the foundation of the tower.” The child stated solemnly.

“Hey, sunshine.” The smiling Adonis uttered from where he crouched behind Linda. Luciana’s petite nose wrinkled as her eyes spewed fire at him. “Woah. Calm those beauties, sunflower. You’ll let this whole place go up in flames.”

“As long as you end up dead.” She spat bitterly.

“Luciana...” Linda sighed and then pulled the child into her arms. “Oh, my dearest niece, Light of Hope.” The child struggled out of her grasp.

“Don’t call me that. I don’t want to be the Light of Hope. It makes me dangerous.”

“It makes you special.” Both adults quipped. The girl glared at the man again, but was interrupted by her aunt once more.

“Please, Luciana. Come with us. This is a special day for me. I wish to share it with you. Please. Let us not argue about how unique you are. Let us not argue about whether you like Loki or not. For today...celebrate with me. I am happy! I am blessed! But...” she smiled sadly, “I am blessed less so if I would allow this joy to drive a wedge between you and me.”

“I want you to be happy, Aunt Lin. But, not with that handsome snake.” She glared at him again, but finally sighed and motioned for the two to crouch backwards, allowing her to scoot out of the fireplace.

The whole room brightened up again, and she winced. If only she could lose this power. Then she would be able to run away from her fate. A fate that she could not escape now, since her aunt was leaving and abandoning her duties. The Pixies of the Light were still very needed, even though times have changed.

“There we go. Everything ends up turning out well for us.” Loki smiled, the warmth reaching his cold eyes.

“One thing.” The girl said, drawing attention back to her. She faced her nemesis, for he was just that, and he would always remain that to her. “We have to make one thing clear between us.” She stated, once again adopting her solemn tone.

“And what would that be?” He squatted in front of her.

“Nothing you do or say, can or ever will change my opinion of you.” Once more, her eyes spewed fire at him, before she turned away and rushed toward the massive entrance.

“I understand...” he muttered softly, “I guess that is my punishment for being what I am...”

“What did you say?” Linda asked, as he rose once more.

“Nothing. I was just...Mumbling some nonsense again.”

“Okay.” Her lips curved into smile, before teasing him. “As long as that mumbling nonsense wasn’t a curse being placed on my favourite niece.”

“I would never do that!” He laughed, but, this time, his eyes remained cold. Dread settled around his heart, for what he did not utter he thought, and he knew what would be the result of that.

As long as nothing happens to her today...Tomorrow, perhaps. But for today, she has to stay healthy, so that I will be able to sweep my Queen away.