The Coming From the Shadows Series
Coming From the Shadows: Lydia
Previous Instalments:
- A Boiling Point Between Sisters:
- The Siam Ambush
- The Ambush: Part 1 – Surviving the Cult: A Journey Through Chanthaburi
- The Ambush: Part 2 – Surviving the Cult: A Journey Through Chanthaburi II
- The Ambush: Part 3 – The Ambush: A Tale of Survival in Siam
- The Ambush: Part 4 – The Ambush: A Tale of Survival in Siam II
- The Ambush: Part 5 – The Price of Loyalty: A Tale of Survival
- The Ambush: Part 6 – The Secret Wars and Dangers of Fanaticism
- The Lombardy Storyline
- The Shadows of Lombardy – Shadows of Lombardy: Cults and Power Dynamics
- In the Shadows of Lombardy – Shadows of Lombardy: Mysteries and Cult Dynamics
- Desperation in Lombardy – The Minotaur Strikes: Desperation in Lombardy
- T.I.C: Pain and Temptation – The Imperium Chronicles: Passion and Temptations
- T.I.C: Insidious Manipulations – The Chronicles of the Imperium: Dark Manipulations
The Imperium Chronicles: The Descent and Vengeful Reprisal
Resistance
Introduction:
A tension, so thick it could be cut with a knife was in the air; it hung over the Cultists as the scent of wine, and the simmering menace built up; Jakob had returned – he has reached his boiling point with his older brother; Morgan after his declaration to betray the Imperium for ‘Love’ now, he intended to betray.
Albert looked at him; the words Jakob just declared hung in the air; a grin twisted Albert’s lips “Then we have our destination” he declared “Angelo, Federico, Adamo” he barked, shifting his eyes towards them, his voice raspy “Get the men together; we’re going to capture our prize”
Chapter 1
2nd of February, 1909 A.D. – The Late Evening
Lombardy, Italy
South of Motta Visconti
The makeshift bed felt empty now that she was laying on it alone; it had begun to offer little comfort, Morgan’s presence felt strange – despite how short a time it had been, he had managed to ensnare her into submission through their physical intimacy during the previous night, and by constant presence, now, she was longing for him – it was a far cry from her usual determination and independence – each memory of their sexual encounter repeated in her head, becoming more detailed as she focused on it.
His touch; his gaze – it all resonated, all stirred; it sent her mind reeling, she would never have done anything like that before; why now – her mind was mostly fixated on her desire for his presence, but, there was something else; she started to remember little piece of her past with her estranged husband; George – images flickered through her mind, it terrified her – George’s cruel dominance, the suffocating control he exuded – George has turned her into a Domestic-Slave, broke her down from her role as an Anti-Cultist, she had been active fiercely for years until her marriage to him – her actions, all of them had unintentionally helped him secure more power – when he had no further need of her activities, he began his twisting of her vulnerabilities – at 18 she became pregnant, it descended rapidly from there – her 11-Year marriage from 1899 to 1900, from her giving birth to twins in 1890; a forced separation when George cast her out that year; 1900 – it had a devastating impact, but 5-Years later, Lydia reunited with her – she couldn’t remember the specifics of George’s control, how he had manipulated her so well – but, George’s control seemed similar to what she was experiencing right now; with Morgan – there was subtle differences, George abused her, not just mentally; but physically – Morgan, she felt safe with him – her thoughts started fixating again – the deep thoughts she had just barely managed to get through, they simply faded once it shifted back to Morgan.
The rebellious fire that had reignited in 1905; her decision to flee London to Calais with her daughter; Lydia – it had reignited her desire to return to the fight alongside old allies – now though, it had been almost entirely snuffed back out, the flame sputtered – she had submitted to Morgan without even a fight.
As she laid there; tears welled within her silvery-grey eyes, blurring the rough beams of the roof above her; she felt exposed, vulnerable – her defences had crumbled like an ancient ruin – yet, she wanted that safety Morgan had made her feel.
Then; a creak – it was soft, but it drew her attention, snapping her to attention as she quickly turned her head over.
Beside the makeshift bed; Lydia had clearly been sat there for some time; her legs crossed, back straight; her eyes though, so much like Cathryn’s; silvery-grey – Lydia was the miniature-version of her mother, both physically and personality – her eyes were narrowed as they were fixed on Cathryn with an unnerving intensity – there was no greeting, no comforting words; just an unsettling stare, Cathryn squirmed under the weight – that strength Cathryn had always had – it was long gone – she was defenceless.
The silence stretched; it felt like an oppressive blanket – Cathryn felt like she needed to lash out and demand answers, but nothing came – like with Morgan, she couldn’t bring herself to say anything – all her vulnerability was laid bare before Lydia; her cold, assessing stare.
After an eternity; Lydia finally shifted – her hand reached out, closing gently around her mother’s; there was a brief squeeze – it felt…, reassuring, that there was safety not far away from her – her daughter’s hand was soft.
Lydia then gently released her grip, slowly rising back up to her feet, she turned, her movement was fluid, graceful as she practically glided from the room, leaving her mother alone – momentarily, her thoughts were no longer in turmoil – Cathryn was still confused, but it provided her a sudden warmth as she sat up fully, wiping her eyes as she began trying to decipher what was behind her daughters actions.
A little later, shadows danced about the walls from the flickering of the light as the group gathered around the table – Cathryn, as her eyes landed on the table, her thoughts were no longer on what was being brought up; her mind returned to the previous night, when she and Morgan had become intimate, the table being the spot that started it brought it all back to the front of her memory – meanwhile, Morgan, his voice resonant and authoritative laid out the plan “We need to make our move; we’ve agreed to travel to France” Morgan shifted as he leaned forwards, his left hand gesturing to the map.
Before he could continue; Lydia interrupted him – it was purposely done, cutting across him as he was about to explain things “And what is your opinion Mum?” her voice was soft, but laced with steel – the question hung in the air – this was a direct challenge to the shifting power dynamic, all eyes turned to Lydia – but Lydia’s eyes were fixed on her mother
Cathryn looked to Lydia; snapping up when she had spoken, it pulled her back to the present moment “Uh…” Cathryn hesitated, she shifted uncomfortably, then her eyes shifted towards Morgan, Morgan fixed his eyes towards her “M.., Morgan is right Lydia” she said, her voice softer, it lacked her usual authority, that usual conviction “France…, it’s our best option”
Morgan’s gaze returned to Lydia – he recognised her as a threat to his growing control over Cathryn, but, to do so this quickly, he hadn’t been prepared for, his and Cathryn’s relationship hadn’t even been made knowledgeable to Cathryn’s daughters yet – did Lydia know?
Lydia’s expression remained unreadable, almost detached – but, the aura was undeniable, something had happened mentally for Lydia after her close-class with Albert in the forest along the Ticino River – the vulnerability she felt when he had attempted to physically assault her – to try violating her before she managed to get free, it hadn’t sent her spiralling downwards – it had reinforced her growing rage, and her observation of Morgan and her mother; only served to fuel that fire as it burned.
Lydia, despite knowing it was Morgan’s influence Cathryn was adhering too, just as she had done back in Britain when she was still living at the Smythe Estate – her point had been made, she wasn’t going to be allowing Morgan to go unchallenged.
As the group finally left the abandoned building to begin their travels; Elizabeth questions Lydia – demanding to know what she was doing “I am watching” she said “Very, very closely”
Chapter 2
2nd of February, 1909 A.D. – Earlier that Day
Paris, France
Within the opulence of the Parisian hotel suite; crystal chandeliers glitter above a table laden with fine wines and exquisitely prepared delicacies – the atmosphere though, that was far from festive, in December, George had been forced to flee Burma after the Imperium’s coastal facility had been attacked by an unidentified dreadnought – it led to a British reaction in the region and a subsequent occupation of the facility believing it to be a source of local resistance against British rule – it had revealed the Imperium’s weakness, its inability to confront an Imperial Empire openly – the Imperium, the unifying voice of various different Cultist groups since ancient times, it was use to operating in the shadows, playing the Puppeteer as it controlled Kings and Queens – used the resources of Empires – but, December 1908 demonstrated they could not hold a candle to direct Military action.
George; since 1905 had been gradually losing his influence and prestige amongst the Imperium – and this latest event was yet another blow – at the head of the table was Victor; officially he was the elected leader of the Imperium – but, he had never held true power until recently – clawing his control back since George’s influence collapsed following the destruction of his Estate in 1905 caused by his rebellious Son; William and younger twin daughter; Lydia “George” he said, his gaze drifting around those gathered; representatives of differing cults; French, German, Spanish, American, their faces etched with a mixture of power and paranoia
George; the leader of the Cult of the Minotaur observed Victor with an increasing anger “Explain the loss of the Burmese Facility; it has cost us millions, and not only that, but our foothold within Burma, as well as the loss of many of our best operatives in that region”
George masked his expression with controlled disdain, hiding his anger as he shrugged, he made no effort to straighten up – he was too use to power and control, he was not going to allow for vulnerabilities to show “We had an unexpected attack; a Dreadnought bombarded the facility, that…, unfortunately led to the British Army coming in to occupy it, they believed we were some kind of local resistance movement; our defences were ill-prepared” his gaze swept across the table “Perhaps” he said, his voice icy “Instead of attempting to strike at me Victor; we allocate resources to address the failure, our allies within Siam failed to capture a small group of dissidents as a direct result our fellow French Cultists attacking one of my operatives”
The atmosphere grew more tense – but, luckily, it was broken as a Messager burst through the doors “Sir; I received a telegram from Italy; the Cult of the Wolf is request assistance from the ‘Roosters’ here in France, the American Cultists sent by you have disappeared and the British Cultist; Albert has been badly wounded; they believe their target; Cathryn is still in the region”
George snapped his attention up; eyes widened with predatory gleam ‘Cathryn’ it reignited his possessive rage; Victor did not miss this and grinned as he leaned forwards, his eyes glinting with his visible amusement “Perhaps you would like to accompany some of the Cultists here to Italy; a chance to reclaim your estranged wife”
George never answered; he simply got to his feet and left, the message providing him further details as they left.
Chapter 3
20th of February, 1909 A.D.
Novara, Italy
North of Arona
Weeks had passed since they had fled the abandoned building South of Motta Visconti – and during that time, each day; it marked Cathryn’s descent into Morgan’s control – he pried into her past, used his physical touch and hypnotic words, they were a subtle poison that eroded her will, replacing it with a dangerous dependence – with each bit of information Morgan learned, he applied it – the more Cathryn tried to think about her past with her estranged husband; George, the more she revealed, the more Morgan had to use, she didn’t notice it – but Lydia had, she had been watching.
The revelation of their relationship was also made – Morgan’s only reason though was to ensure he could be physically with her all the time, despite Cathryn not being ready to reveal it; he pushed it, it had come as a shock to Elizabeth and Norina – Lydia had remained an impassive mask – Elizabeth was outraged initially, declaring her distrust of Morgan and his family due to being part of the Imperium – though, Morgan simply claimed he intended to abandon the Imperium for Cathryn, declaring ‘Love’ for her it eased Elizabeth’s anger.
Unlike her older twin – Lydia was constantly watching, challenging, she provided moments that forced Morgan to relinquish momentary control when Lydia questioned for her mothers opinion and suggestion, they served a purpose – Morgan knew it was to challenge him and his control – but, he couldn’t react to her aggressively, Cathryn was still strongly connected to her daughters, he resolved to begin trying to break that down after Lydia’s latest action – embarrassing Morgan with a refusal to even go along with her mother’s ‘suggestion’ to travel towards Stresa to their north, instead, she insisted travelling to Gignese instead.
In truth; Lydia was actually delaying their movements on purpose – she knew that the Cultists were pursuing them, they wouldn’t have missed her ‘Forgotten Notes’ – it was a calculated risk, one that she needed.
Meanwhile; a different kind of atmosphere swirled around Erin and Norina – throughout the journey, Erin had been Norina’s guardian the entire journey; Norina, the adopted daughter of Cathryn after being rescued in 1906 by Cathryn and Lydia following the Cultists attack on her family vineyard – she was the youngest of the group at 17, despite her struggle with English, she had been slowly improving – Lydia, usually protective knew and trusted Erin around her, which allowed for the developing bond to flourish without issue.
Erin, a 19-Year old American Cultist had an obsessive fascination with Lydia, and Norina’s twin-like appearance to Lydia; her long, raven-dark hair and silvery-grey eyes had drawn Erin to her, initially it had been purely based on the similarities – but, as time has progressed since Erin rescued her during the ambush along the Ticino river – Norina had become Erin’s ‘Little Dove’ a fascination all on her own equal to that of Erin’s fascination of Lydia – what started out as a fear of Erin had blossomed into a genuine relationship, she constantly found herself in Erin’s embrace or under her watchful eye “Are you cold my Little Dove?” she asked, her voice a silken purr – her lips tugging into a smile, gently pulling Norina close, wrapping her within her arms, Norina smiled as she kept her eyes on the flickering flames, though she leaned back; against Erin as she felt her warmth.
Just across from them; also watching the flickering flames of the campfire was Cathryn – her gaze was lost within its crackling dancing flame.
Morgan sat down beside her, his arm draping possessively around her shoulder; she automatically leaned in against him, seeking comfort – finally, she drew her eyes away from the flames, she looked to Morgan – her mind clicked briefly; she saw it, the similarities between George and Morgan – the constant need to ‘protect her’ to ‘dominate her’ it sent a shiver down her spine, her mental state had finally begun catching up – everything was processing, she felt like she was screaming.
Morgan looked at her; the submissiveness in her eyes was still there; but, something felt different, he leaned in – he kissed her, it was deliberately slow, but it had the intended effect, her felt her hand move against his face, her fingers lightly touching him along the cheek.
Her eyes closed – she felt the softness of his lips against hers as she sank; it made her go numb for a moment – they wouldn’t remain by the fire for much longer, retreating to the privacy of where they had set up their makeshift bed, Morgan led her away without much trouble.
The pre-dawn chill chilled Albert’s exposed skin as he sat atop of the horse; his eyes scanning their recent discovery – it was clear they had stumbled upon an encampment “Whoever was here, is long since gone Signore” Adamo told him
“I see that” he said calmly; eyes drifting about the scene before them “It means we’re on the right path though, I guess those notes we found were not false after all, perhaps Lydia’s carelessness was genuine” he chuckled “I will soon capture her; then I can take her to her father and finally, he can uphold his end of our agreement” he was practically giddy at the prospect of being so close to finally reaching his goal, capturing Lydia and forcing her into marriage as agreed with George
The Cultists began moving once again.
Deeper within the Mountains
Nestled safely deeper within the mountains; Cathryn’s group along with Erin and Morgan had finally reached a point of exhaustion; after all of the climbing and walking, they needed to rest, setting up a new encampment creating crude shelters.
Lydia, sitting on the ground; her bag left beside her makeshift bed focussed on the task in front of her; within a mortar and pestle – she was at present grinding a mix of easily breakable little stones with some glass, her attention firmly focused on the action, while sat beside her was clearly hollowed out, but small fragile shells that she intended to use.
Close by was Erin and Norina; they sat quietly, huddled together in an embrace as Erin rested her chin gently against the top of Norina’s head; Norina, her eyes were partially closed as she leaned against Erin, she was too tired to really focus on much, and barely even registered Elizabeth arrival into the crude shelter.
Elizabeth, pushing her blonde hair back shifted her icy-blue eyes towards Erin and Norina with a slight confusion but turned her attention to Lydia as she sat down beside her; she didn’t register what Lydia was even doing “You’ve been different” Elizabeth said; her tone was sharp “Especially since Mother and Morgan told us they were in a relationship”
Lydia maintained her silence; she simply focused on she was doing.
“Can’t you just be happy?” Elizabeth pressed “Not once since I joined, you and mum have I seen you genuinely happy; your always in this icy demeanour, its like you never once learnt to be happy”
“I would have thought that would make you happy” Lydia said without breaking her concentration; Elizabeth’s brow furrowed
“We aren’t under our fathers influence anymore Lydia; we’re free, and we’re dismantling his operations along with those of the Imperium, right now, Morgan declared he would abandon the Imperium because he loves our mother, at least be happy about that” Elizabeth was growing frustrated at Lydia’s lack of responses, her continued focus on whatever it was she was already doing
“You distrusted the American Cultists before you even met them; now, your blindly accepting Morgan because he has made a claim to abandon the Imperium out of love; the only one I have observed to have genuine feelings is Erin” Lydia stated quietly “I told you to observe; so tell me, what have you actually seen” Lydia’s eyes finally moved; her gaze finally coming to her older twin sister
“Well…, he seems to love her” Elizabeth locked her eyes with her sister “He’s always close with her, he’s protective, and mother trusts him leading us to safety; which you keep hindering with constant questions directed to get mum to confirm it, we know you don’t trust him Lydia, I suspect that your too use to it just being you and mother, since Norina doesn’t usually add input”
“You think him taking the lead in every decision is…, a good thing?” Lydia returned her focus to the mortar and pestle “Because I certainly don’t; take a moment Elizabeth, just think about that for a moment; what if he’s controlling her, would you stand by and do nothing?”
“Of course not; I would protect her; but he’s clearly not doing that, he’s protecting her, she has been unusually tired lately, she seems drained; she was fine before the ambush, maybe things are just catching up to her; she is Thirty-Six” Elizabeth thinks a moment
“Our mother’s current submission reminds me of our she was back at our fathers Estate; where she did as she was told or risked physical assault” Lydia said; collecting one of the hallowed out shells and carefully began to pour the finely grinded powder into the small gap to fill its hallow interior
Elizabeth waves her hand dismissively “Don’t be ridiculous Lydia; Morgan isn’t like our father, our father was a monster”
While Elizabeth and Lydia continue their discussion; Erin and Norina remain in their passive position “Everything will be alright my Little Dove” Erin whispered “I won’t let anything happen to you” her voice was low and reassuring – Norina felt her lips tug into a smile as she felt safe within Erin’s embrace, leaning close against her
Chapter 4
Just a short distance from the discussions between Lydia and Elizabeth – Cathryn sat quietly, staring, her she was lost in her thoughts – Lydia had begun to consistently question whenever Morgan was deciding on their plans, bringing questions directly to Cathryn and ignoring Morgan – it was clear Lydia only acknowledge her mother’s directive, Cathryn recognised that – Morgan though, he was growing frustrated, Cathryn could feel it, but, she simply struggled with his constantly growing influence – Morgan, eased in beside her drawing her attention to him “You seem troubled Cathryn” his voice was a low rumble “Are you okay?”
She hesitated; turning to look downwards “It’s Lydia…” she said slowly, her voice quiet “I know your getting frustrated with her, but…, she is just independent…”
Morgan raised his eyebrow a moment before returning his expression back to being impassive “I’m aware Cathryn; her independence is…, admirable, but, doesn’t it seem like she is simply acting out?” he watched Cathryn carefully “She doesn’t trust me; I would have thought after I got us all this far, she’d be…, appreciative, after all, if you trust me, why can’t she?”
Cathryn frowned, her mind which was beginning to catch up with everything that was happening was not at war – her usual determination and independence had been undermined, she had given it all up without a fight, she had submitted without a flicker of hesitancy – now though, Lydia’s approach kept Cathryn as an active participant, Morgan wasn’t dictating alone with Cathryn simply agreeing to whatever, she had to start providing her opinion again – this clashed with everything Morgan was doing, it was effective in ‘waking’ her up “She does it because she cares; she wants to protect me…, I think she feels you might try to do what George did…” she told him, her voice was flat
“Are you sure?” Morgan watched carefully “Or…, perhaps she is the one trying to control the situation, to control you even; perhaps something has begun influencing Lydia, and perhaps misleading her”
Cathryn thought for a moment – Elizabeth was still influenced by her father, she was still relatively fresh to the Anti-Cultist fight that She; Cathryn, and Lydia had been involved in, Morgan’s suggestion wasn’t impossible – Elizabeth did have a rather powerful presence for Lydia – they clashed due to their differing opinions and upbringings
“Cathryn; it must be exhausting, you have carried this weight for so long on your shoulders, Lydia, bless her heart could be causing more stress than she realises, perhaps its time to just,…, take a moment to step back, let me protect you; I can carry some of these burdens for you, you don’t need to do this alone” he leaned closer; his voice a soothing balm against the swirl of confusion she was experiencing “Lydia might be simply lashing out, out of fear; but you know my loyalty is to you, I would never question you or undermine you”
South of Saint-Maurice, Switzerland
As February gave way to March; the group had finally emerged from their harrowing journey through the mountains, the city of Saint-Maurice was within view, but, the relief was short-lived – the distant sound of hooves echoed the arrival of horses, it drew their attention, but Lydia – her attention was fixed on the Cultists coming from Saint-Maurice – George Smythe; her father was amongst them.
“Lydia!” Albert Cain’s voice called out, finally drawing her attention – she recognised the possessive hunger in his voice; her attention momentarily moved from the sight of her father’s approach, directed towards Albert’s approach
George; as he approached, his gaze fell upon Morgan, noticing how close he was stood beside Cathryn, his eyes fell onto Cathryn – he recognised her submission immediately, his eyes narrowed, he flared with raw anger “You dare” he said, his voice a low growl as his eyes turned to Morgan “You dare claim what is mine?”
Morgan realised rather quickly just what kind of problem was developing; Cathryn though, she stood silently still; her past and present was clashing, she felt a wave of dizziness washing over her – the memories of abuse by George, the insidious manipulation by Morgan it created a maelstrom within her of fear and confusion.
Erin; she wrapped her arms gently around Norina as she stood behind her, she observed the unfolding scene; he detached gaze missed nothing – the delicate balance of power and simmering tensions – she saw it all.
Her primary concern was Norina; subtly she began easing Norina back with her, trying to steer her away from the centre of conflict “Stay close to me my Little Dove” she murmured; her voice barely above a whisper, but Norina heard her, she simply let Erin move her
Elizabeth observed her father; her hatred was visible – he had so easily cast her aside in 1908 because he had witnessed Lydia’s skill at fight; how different she had become, from a timid child to effectively a weapon.
Moving away from the Cultists; Albert gently kicked at his horse – slowly, he drew closer to the group; his eye landing on Lydia; climbing down, he soon invaded Lydia’s personal space “Time for you to accept the inevitable”
Lydia barely registered him; he had ceased to be a source of fear for her; but because she wasn’t acknowledging him, he made a move to grab her wrist – it led to an immediate reaction – she shifted her posture; she yanked her arm to the left, Albert, not expecting the movement moved with her arm in a slight stumble – her elbow snapped up quickly, landing against the base of his throat causing him to suddenly change direction as he fell backwards – it drew attention.
Moving her hand inside of her jacket; Lydia wrapped her fingers around the fragile shell hidden from view – Albert, now angered rose quickly to his feet, pulling the Talwar sword off his back, seeing him moving into a more aggressive stance, she brought her hand out and with a flicking movement released the small, fragile shell forwards – it hit Albert on the face, the finely grinded glass and stone released upon impact and very easily got into his right eye; blinding him now in both eyes – shifting her hand, Lydia drew the Jian sword from the scabbard attached to her bag that hung along her waist from the strap it hung from her opposite shoulder; with a quick spin, the Jian sword was soon spearing forwards – it landed dead-centre against Albert’s throat – the silence was overwhelming as eyes just took in the brutal scene – the lack of emotion being displayed by Lydia.
Lydia, her eyes drifted towards Morgan a moment – her eyes narrowed as she pulled the sword back, there was a subtle thud as a body hit the ground “You think you can protect my mother; go prove yourself” she said quietly, gesturing towards her father “You claim you can protect her; go prove it”
“Lydia!” Elizabeth hissed “What are you doing?” she stared at her younger twin with disbelief
“He claims to defend our mother; claims he can protect her, yet; all I see is him destroying her” Lydia did not remove her focus from Morgan, she kept her sword raised, pointing it in her fathers direction, gesturing for Morgan to prove what he claims “You are doing what he did to her; I was too young to help her then, I am not anymore” moving the sword she positions it in front of her “I know my father; I know his cruelty, but I will tell you something more important; at least he is honest, you are manipulating my mother, turning her into something you want her to be”
George observed Lydia for a moment; she was so very different from the ‘useless’ child he once believed her to be; how she had been so weak and incapable of comprehending the Imperium’s brutal education – yet, right here, he could see more than of what she had become since escaping the estate in 1905 – his eyes returned to Morgan, he moved forwards, the French Cultists; ‘The Roosters’ remained were they were, the Italian Cultists; The Cult of the Wolf continued their observation from the opposite side – George approached Morgan and Cathryn – he saw exactly what state Cathryn was in, he narrowed his eyes as he looked at her.
For Erin and Norina, they had slowly been quietly repositioning themselves; Erin’s loyalties had long since moved to Lydia and Norina; she had no qualms with abandoning Morgan if it meant ensuring the safety of Norina – Norina was the most vulnerable of Lydia’s family and that, in Erin’s mind demanded her attention – her arms never once left Norina as she held her firmly in place directly in front of her; her arms offering what little shield she could, no one seemed to have even noticed their subtle movement aside from Lydia, she could see the subtle gesture in her head movement – the acknowledgement of what Erin was doing.
Morgan found himself in an impossible position – Cathryn had submitted to him, after all the constant reinforcement – it was now at risk due to Lydia leaving him no room to manoeuvre – if he tried to flee, he would reveal his weakness to Cathryn, if he stood his ground, then he’d be putting himself up against George Smythe – George was known as a physical monster, a man of unnatural strength that was impossible for a man nearing his sixties.
George shifted his gaze towards Morgan “You touched what belonged to me” he said; his voice a low rumble, threatening
Cathryn felt herself finally move; she backed off, moved away from Morgan, away from George; she felt a building of panic beginning to overwhelm her senses – then, she felt someone grip her hand, she snapped her head around; Lydia – Lydia had gripped her hand, her hand was soft, warm, reassuring – she gently pulled her; Elizabeth was at a loss of what was happening – their father had completely switched his focus – he didn’t seem to care about them at that moment, he was too focused on Morgan, that was until he spoke “This won’t be our last encounter” George stated “I allow you to leave children; it is no fun trying to break someone that is already broken” George’s voice remained threatening but his eyes never left Morgan
It was clear then, he was letting them leave without a fight – he was at present, more focused on Morgan, the man that had dared to claim what George viewed as his, he wanted to keep Cathryn with some semblance of who she was, but what Morgan had been doing had clearly undermined all that – George was prepared to let them leave, to allow for Cathryn to regain what Morgan had taken, at least then, he felt, he could break her himself the way he wanted.
For Lydia; this was preferable – the Cultists allowed them to leave without a fight, it meant she could get her mother away from both her father and Morgan, her mother was her priority – nothing else mattered; while the air grew more tense; Lydia gently lead Cathryn by the hand, Elizabeth followed – they joined up with Erin and Norina to continue towards Saint-Maurice, they didn’t look back – Morgan was left to whatever fate would unfold there along the mountain with George.
As for the group; they sought safety briefly in Saint-Maurice; there was no immediate threat due to George’s acknowledgement of Cathryn’s present state, it allowed for things to begin settling.
Chapter 5
March, 1909 A.D.
Saint-Maurice, Switzerland
The crisp Swiss air did little to clear the fog that clung to Cathryn – despite finally getting away from his insidious influence, it’s effect was lingering; Lydia though did not leave her mother, she remained a constant presence – she would be there for as long as her mother needed her to be, though Lydia realised just how deep Morgan’s efforts had worked – it was almost like starting from scratch, though she was confident that with enough time and space, Cathryn would see through the mental fog currently effecting her “Are you alright?” Lydia asked, gently sitting down beside her on the floor; her voice was soft
Cathryn slowly nodded “Yes Lydia…, I am just tired” she told her, she shifted her gaze, looking towards her daughter “Everything just feels…, muddled”
Lydia nodded; she knew that ‘tired’ didn’t begin to describe what her mother was really feeling; this passivity was a terrifying anomaly; she was meant to be a determined fighter “Rest for now Mum, I will be here if you need anything”
Meanwhile; at the other end of the safehouse – Erin and Norina had established their own little world, they had been in the midst of talking while Erin was sketching away in her notebook – Norina sat beside Erin, observing her sketch – she watched the charcoal bringing a rather macabre image to life within the page, she was impressed by just how well Erin drew – other pictures she saw included a sketch of Lydia – which Erin revealed was drawn in 1905 after only a brief interaction with Lydia and she managed to draw her from memory without issue, how Erin could remember with such detail left Norina speechless.
At present though; Erin’s current image was something else entirely “È un po’ inquietante” Norina said, her voice soft, almost a whisper as she traced the outline of the image with a delicate finger
Erin moved gaze; looking towards Norina with a grin “Death is the only certainty my Little Dove; I find beauty within its inevitability” she spoke with her usual quiet and sultry tone; it was simply her voice purring as it usually did when she spoke with Norina
After 1906; Norina had seen a lot of death; more than what she wanted to ever experience, she understood the sentiment, even if she didn’t share it; then there was the bond that had formed between them since the ambush along the Ticino river.
“At the Vineyard I asked about what led you too them” Erin said, a more serious tone now present “The Italian Cultists did that didn’t they?; you wasn’t just at that vineyard by accident, that was once your home wasn’t it” she observed Norina saddened expression as she slowly nodded; she thought for a moment, reaching out, she gently took Norina’s hand, giving a gentle squeeze
A faint blush warmed her cheeks; she looked towards their hands a moment – Erin’s grip was soft, but firm – comforting and warm – it was a far cry from their first interaction at the Fiorio Vineyard where her first interaction with Erin was marked by fear – now she had different feelings bubbling up.
After a moment; Norina shifted her positioning, she moved directly onto Erin’s lap confusing her for a moment; once Norina settled though, she couldn’t help but smile, putting the notebook off to the side before she gently wrapping her arms around Norina and rested her chin gently against Norina’s head “My little dove” she murmured softly
In the kitchen – Elizabeth found her sister in the middle of making a herbal tea “How did you know?” she questioned, drawing Lydia’s attention towards her “How did you know what he was doing to her?”
“I observed” Lydia said simply “I remember what she was like before our father removed her nine-years ago, forced her out so we wouldn’t have her protection, allowing him to continue with his sickening education, I, unlike you also got away remember”
“Yes, the fire I remember” Elizabeth slowly nodded “I hated you for that; I hated that you escaped, saw it as betrayal to our father” Elizabeth shook her head “I was blind”
“Yes; you was” Lydia agreed; Elizabeth looked up at her with an irritated expression “But your not now are you, I have learnt a lot since escaping, you’ve only just really joined us Elizabeth; you will learn a lot of the same things I have, things that the Cult of the Minotaur never allowed you to learn, and there is a reason for it”
Elizabeth raised her eyebrow “What reason?”
“Control; if you don’t know how to interact on an emotional level, you won’t care how you treat people” Lydia notices Elziabeth surprised expression “What?”
“Lydia; you are the most emotionless person I have met; I have interacted with so many people, learnt to influence them and learnt how to deceive them; but looking and observing you; your like a brick wall” Elizabeth told her
“You don’t know what goes on in here” Lydia gestured to her head “I’m in pain; I am always in pain” Lydia said, while she maintained control, there was a brief tremble in her lip that betrayed her usual unreadable expression – with that though, she left, taking the cup of herbal tea back to her mother – as she sat back down beside her mother on the floor, she gently passed the tea over to her
“He.., he made me feel things” Cathryn confessed, her voice barely a whisper “Things I haven’t felt in so.., so long; weak…, vulnerable; he knew it”
“He won’t control you again Mum” Lydia observed Cathryn carefully “We…., ‘We’ will not allow it again” she repeated; emphasising ‘We’ so her mother was reassured she was not alone
While Cathryn needed time to adjust; time to heal – Lydia temporarily took the lead of their small group, Lydia acknowledged time would be needed to get her mother back on track, and that, she was resolved to focus on – the decision was made to remain at the safehouse for as long would be needed, the fight against the Imperium could wait for now.
Written By: Westley H.
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