The Coming From the Shadows Series
Coming From the Shadows: Lydia
Previous Instalments:
- T.I.C: The Crete Disaster – Surviving the Imperium: Morgan’s Escape and Redemption
- Coming From the Shadows T.I.C: Aftermath – Dreadnought and Betrayal: The War Against the Imperium
- Thomas’ Love – Santorini Secrets: Passion and Pain in 1911
- The Imperium Chronicles: The Scars of Crete – The Rise and Fall of the Cult of the Minotaur in Crete
The Imperium Chronicles: The Dying Flame
Back Ground:
What had risen in the 1870s under George Smythe from just one of many voices that made up the Imperium; the Cult of the Minotaur rose to prominence under George’s leadership, despite George never being elected the leader of the Imperium; his power had grown unchecked, using his families Business Empire and the ever growing influence of the Cult of the Minotaur – George began controlling the Imperium itself, creating tension with other Cultist movements, and forging alliances with smaller Cultist Groups.
This power reigned unchallenged until 1905; William, one of George Smythe’s children staged a rebellion after the callous disregard George displayed at his mere suggestion of using his own daughter; Lydia as a sacrificial lamb – believing that George could decide on a whim at any point he wanted to kill his own children created a fragile alliance between the half-siblings; William and Lydia – the Smythe Manor was burned down allowing for both William and Lydia to escape; leaving only Lydia’s older twin sister; Elizabeth as the loyal daughter.
This act though nearly destroyed George’s control; the Cult of the Minotaur found itself challenged from other powerful Cultist groups such as the French Cultists ‘The Roosters’, the American Cultists ‘The Brothers and Sisters of Liberty’ and the rising Russian Cultist organisation; ‘The Authority of the Seal’ – seeking to reestablish his grip, George would send Elizabeth to expand the Cult’s movement and influence in Japan and Mexico – but, the Cult of the Minotaur remained under threat from all sides as momentum grew – the elected leader; Victor seized the opportunity to bring more weight to his own position.
A rare chance to ensure his dominance would finally emerge when word reached him that the Ancient Celestial the Imperium sort may have finally been discovered – the Ancient Prison being discovered in the Cretan Mountains; seeing an opportunity that would cement his position, he began organising – however, William had also been organising – he struck the Cult of the Minotaur at the camp along the mountainous encampment, using the carefully positioned Dreadnought anchored within the Heraklion Harbour to bombard the position – it would result in not just the destruction of the encampment, but the destruction of the Ancient Prison, devastating Cathryn’s Anti-Imperium ‘Hunters’ and scattering everyone into a chaotic retreat friend and foe alike.
Inside the mountainous cave where a large crated had been formed at what had once been the sight of the Ancient Prison; William forced Cathryn to fall, seeing her as nothing more than collateral to ensure George Smythe’s death who Cathryn had been trying to help back up.
William’s actions in Crete had a rippling effect; the Imperium was sent reeling and Cathryn’s daughters were sent into flight – William had dealt a devasting blow in his own crusade against the Imperium.
Introduction:
20th of December 1911 A.D.
Lodging House South of Heraklion, Crete
Cathryn had so far spent two-days resting since Morgan had rescued her; their past was a constant remainder for her; she had spent 12-Years as a Domestic Slave to George Smythe; her estranged, now deceased husband.
While in 1909; she encountered the American Cultist; Morgan Mason in Lombardy – he had come to her rescue against the Cult of the Wolf; he had become immediately enamoured by her, declaring his admiration for her beauty – it had broken down her barriers leading to an intimate sexual encounter – despite the 10 Year difference in age, Cathryn at the time in her mid-30s and Morgan in his mid-20’s.
However, within her haze following their sexual encounter; Morgan had taken advantage as his upbringing and training override his initial claims, he’d attempted to turn her back to a submissive role, tried to twist her into passive dependence, without Cathryn’s daughter; Lydia – he would have succeeded – his failure, as it became clear during the standoff against the Cultists due to Lydia carefully organising and leaving hints and information to allow for her enemies to track them, led to a confrontation south of Saint-Maurice in Switzerland – George Smythe allowed his twin daughters to escape alongside their adoptive sister; Norina and their mother; Cathryn .
Morgan though; he was taken in captivity and put through torture within an Imperium prison facility hidden away in France – he would eventually escape in 1911 as a changed man leading to their reunion in Crete; while more ruthless Morgan had also become more empathetic, and discovering Cathryn only strengthen triggered his protectiveness.
Chapter 1
26th of December, 1911 A.D.
Kapsali, Kythira
The glow of the morning sun in the early morning held an almost gentle touch as it filtered through the thick curtains of the lodging house above a bakery; here, Erin Mason lay awake – her long black hair stood in contrast to Erin’s pale, ghostly complexion – he provided her the unsettling ghostly presence that made people so uncomfortable, and the intensity she usually held within her emerald green eyes had instead adopted a softened expression.
Beside her laying peacefully against her shoulder was Norina; Norina had originally gained Erin’s attention purely as a result of her twin-like appearance to Lydia Langdon; Cathryn’s biological daughter; sharing the same long raven-dark hair and silvery grey eyes – Norina had been adopted by Cathryn after she and Lydia had rescued her from the Cultist attack on her family vineyard in Lombardy in 1906 – however, Erin’s fascination evolved beyond her similarities in looks, she saw Norina as something different, unlike Lydia who Erin dubbed ‘The Daughter of Shadow’ due to her disciplined, reserved and stoic nature – Norina was the exact opposite; she was innocent and often the most vulnerable of Cathryn’s group.
Initially; Erin’s first encountered had been marked with Norina as a terrifying experience for Norina; but her continued actions and interest eventually wore Norina’s barriers; when Erin came to her rescue during a Cultist attack in Lombardy that separated her from her adoptive family; Norina had become an obsession all on her own, unique from the original obsession Erin had for Lydia – Erin began referring to Norina as Her ‘Little Dove’ – slowly, the dynamic would evolve; Norina discovered she had begun developing feelings for Erin, and Erin herself realised she was feeling things for Norina.
Following the events in Crete that saw the supposed death of Cathryn – Norina found herself within the splintered group; Lydia had disappeared the night after her mother’s supposed death with Thomas following after her; it had left Elizabeth in charge of the fractured group – Erin, who had completed her own mission in the Amazon had travelled near Crete but hearing word of what had happened, chose to follow what had become Elizabeth’s group as they fled from Crete to Kythira – Norina, seeking escape from the hostility of Elizabeth visited a beach alone where she encountered Erin.
This encounter led to the their current situation; as Erin lay watching Norina, she couldn’t help but feel her lips tug gently in a smile as she gazed at the young Italian woman sleeping within her embrace; she looked so beautiful to her – she couldn’t resist, part of her wanting to make sure that it still wasn’t her imagination; she tentatively reached her left hand forwards, tracing her fingers delicately along the curves of Norina’s cheeks, she was trying not to wake her, her touch was as light as possible.
Erin just found a strange sense of peace as she couldn’t move her gaze – she just watched her sleep, Norina’s raven-dark hair a tangled mess much like Erin’s across the pillow; after everything they’d experienced and been through, it had built a strong bond between them that had developed into love, sharing their first kiss only hours earlier.
Norina gently stirred in response the ticklish feeling tracing against her cheek; her silvery-grey eyes fluttering open; a warm smile greeted Erin “Buongiorno” she murmured; her voice still thick with sleep
Erin maintained her smile; a genuine, unguarded expression few ever saw – leaning forwards, she gently kissed Norina on the lips “I’m sorry; did I wake you?” she whispered
“I do not mind” she said softly, her hand reaching forwards and gently stroking Erin’s face “It is a nice way to wake”
Erin savoured the moment; the warmth of Norina’s touch, a comforting anchor in the tumultuous sea of her life.
The Aegean Sea
The churning Aegean stretched out before them as the Steamer gently cut through the water as it slowly sailed away from the volcanic island of Santorini; on the deck, Lydia stood by the railings, her silvery-grey eyes usually sharp and focused were now clouded with deep uncertainty – she still felt the ache in her body from her recent sexual interaction with Thomas – a moment that came about when her emotional state had become so raw – his presence had managed to ground her, the moment of vulnerability had broken down Lydia’s usually impenetrable barriers, Thomas had become the only person to ever break her emotional walls down to see the real woman beneath the surface – she was still grappling with the new world she had entered.
So many things ran through her head; she had grown from a timid young girl into a weapon; trained in various methods to deal with death; her childhood a was a life of misery and cruelty, an education of brutality that her father included animal torture and death to break her into a tool for the Cult of the Imperium – her lack of ability to fall into line though made her at the tie the weakest link of her family – only after reuniting with her mother in 1905 did things change, she escaped to Córdoba – she was trained by her mother and ‘The Monk’ to become a weapon against the Imperium, against her father – she had locked away her emotions.
Now, they were at the surface; the events at Crete swirled in her head, but not just that – with her barriers coming down, her old empathetic nature had come to the surface, shame and guilt had begun working their way through her head, she could see the faces of men and women she had killed; her breath began to pick up as she lowered her head down against the railing.
Thomas; noticing her posture slowly approached – he knew she was experiencing volatility in her emotional state since she watched her mother’s fall; she was raw emotionally, but, he also noticed the strange leaning she had against the railings – he understood that she was also reeling from their physical intimacy; he leaned against the railings beside her “Penny for your thoughts Lydia?” he asked gently
Lydia sighed as she raised her head “I…, don’t know Thomas” she answered; her tone was quiet, she lacked her old strength “I feel like I am adrift at sea with no shore in sight”
Thomas placed his hand gently against her arm “You’re not alone Lydia; I am right here, we’re in this together”
Lydia turned her head; her gaze fixing onto him – she felt her lips tug into a soft smile “I know; I am grateful…”
Her eyes returned to the sea; she was unable to really articulate her emotions; the memories just rotated around her head as she leaned against Thomas; he had become the only person she felt safe enough to be vulnerable with, and he knew that.
Chapter 2:
26th of December, 1911 A.D.
Tarrytown, United States
With the opulent surroundings of the Bureau meeting room; a mix of varying cultures sat in discussion, a testament to the global reach of the Imperium; each representing one of the many Cultist groups across the world – Benjamin Mason, his physically imposing frame radiated authority, sat beside him was his wife; Isabelle – her pale complexion providing her a similar ghost presence that her daughter; Erin carried, though unlike her daughter; Isabelle’s eyes were dark which only further enhanced that ethereal presence she created.
At the head of the table was Victor – the elected leader of the Imperium, he created an aura of power with his presence alone; and without George Smythe present anymore; his tone carried far more weight, though right now, he face was etched with concern.
“The incident in Crete…, it is…, unsettling” Victor said, his tone grave “William’s use of a Dreadnought….” He went silent, unsure what to say
Benjamin shifted his gaze towards Victor; he watched his hesitation carefully, it was alarming to him that Victor was at a loss for words “It speaks volumes of his ambitions”
Isabelle, who had been silent finally spoke up; she had a strange, chilling calmness “The question is; how did he obtain such a powerful weapon of war; Dreadnought’s are symbols of power for Empire’s, they do not usually fall into the hands of private individuals, he has accomplished something even the Imperium has not” her eyes drifted around the table “And to be able to hide it from us for so long”
The room was silent; it was a matter of grave concern; the Imperium was already trying to balance a delicate situation across Europe with its rising tensions, the renewed activity of ‘Hunters’ that opposed the Imperium, originally thought to have been wiped out in the early 1860s and 1870s had been emboldened by not just what had happened in Crete, but by long time activities of people like Cathryn Langdon – she had inspired a renewed movement through the years – and with added European tensions, things were beginning to move far out of the Imperium’s control, normally, they held the reigns of power, now though; their infighting was causing them trouble.
Tarvin, England
In Britain in a tranquil little village of Tarvin; the American Cultist; second son of Benjamin and Isabelle; Jakob Mason had just arrived – he had strict orders, with George Smythe’s death, the Cult of the Minotaur required new leadership, but, there was also the Loyalists of Smythe that created tension and still sought to manipulate their fading control within the Imperium; Jakob had been tasked personally by telegram to deal with ne of the many Rebellious leaders.
Tarvin usually peaceful erupted into violence – gunfire erupted in the streets, , Jakob cared little for the dangers he posed to the innocent people of the village, he had been given his orders and he intended to follow them.
Cultists of the Cult of the Minotaur who swore loyalty to the Imperium did not hesitate to gun people down, if they were in the way they simply became a target – Jakob, his face a mask of grim determination led a group towards the nearby Pub which he knew the leadership of the Cultist Rebels were located.
As he forced his way inside, he unholstered a revolver and looked towards the figure towards the bar who barely seemed to even register Jakob initially “Robert!” he shouted “Turn and face me!”
The man, stood by the bar finished his drink before he even turned; playing with a small item between his fingers before finally beginning to make his way towards Jakob, unafraid of the evolver being raised in his direction “You think you can come here to our land and commit all this violence?”
“Your land?” Jakob narrowed his eyes “This country is not ‘Your’ Land”
“Hmm” Robert raised his hand up a moment, contemplating on what he was about to do; he could already hear something calling to him as he again moved the strange little metallic-crystal shaped object between his fingers “If will be my land; the Imperium wont control the Minotaur anymore, we will fulfil George’s vision”
Raising hand up; there was a sudden shift in the air – a icy chill, with a wave of discordant sounds, like whispers of inhuman voices and the sounds of monstrous screams; Jakob just froze up, he could as if he’d been paralysed, his senses reeling as they went into an overdrive of panic and terror – he couldn’t understand why, just the sounds alone triggered something primal that he just couldn’t resist, terrified that if he moved he’d be attacked.
Robert simply grinned before lunging forwards; taking the opportunity as he pulled a rusty knife from a table – before he could even reach his target though; a strange figure appeared, almost seemingly from nowhere; intercepting the strike with a decisive counter.
Astor; he was an anomaly – dressed with modernised pants and sturdy boots; with multi-layered robes with an experimental body armour protecting his chest, a hood drawn covering his face; he moved with incredible speed and precision, his weapon; a Kodachi Japanese Short-Sword flashed within the light, puncturing the abdomen as Astor came to a halt beside him, his grip tight on the hilt as he wielded it in a reverse-hold, his eyes momentarily flashing a strange darkness as he observed Robert’s shocked expression.
With a swift movement, he pull the sword free before rotating it around as he body landed at his feet with a thud; he then raised the sword up before positioning it to the sheath strapped on his back, returning the sword safely to its usual resting position against his back; the Kukri Knife peaked from the back of his waist, and the Mauser C96 clearly holstered along his hip.
Astor let his gaze fall towards the small little metallic-like crystal that had escaped from Robert’s hand, kneeling down to collect it, Jakob; slowly regaining control of his body observed Astor with a mix of horror and amazement; Astor said nothing as he simply straightened up and disappeared into the shadows of the back room without a word.
Chapter 3:
28th of December, 1911 A.D.
Lodging House South of Heraklion, Crete
Since her rescue; Cathryn had been wary of Morgan, though she accepted his presence, even inviting hm to sit with her as they shared their meals; purely testing the waters, trying to work him out – he was significantly different since their last encounter 2-Years prior, and with his help, she had been recovering quiet well.
From her observations though; Morgan was far less controlling and hadn’t tried to invade her space, he was hesitant when she made offers for him to join her; he was far from the manipulative man she remembered; she was trying to work out if it was a trick…, a lie, was he simply trying to get her to lower her guard.
Growing restless though and needing to get out of the lodging house; she finally felt strong enough to venture out, finally getting the chance to stretch her legs and clear her head.
She visited a few smaller shops; purchasing various unassuming items and tools, knowing she would need to rebuild a lot of her makeshift equipment that had been lost during what had happened in the mountains during William’s attack.
As she was slowly making her way back though; she was accosted by a group of men – they were rough, opportunistic men looking to take advantage of what they saw as a lone woman; Cathryn attempted to fight back, though her injuries strained her efforts, making her usual graceful twists restrictively painful as she tried to get distant or to use counters; feeling the torn shoulder muscle strain she felt her breath hitch sharply before rough hands clamped around her throat as she found herself pinned back against the wall; a sharp pain rushing down her back.
Cathryn found herself overwhelmed.
Just as things began to turn dire; Morgan arrived, his face a mask of fury – drawing his revolver he fired a shot off into the air before pointing it towards the leader of the group “Let her go; now!” he ordered, when one of the group tried to come at Morgan’s side, he only moved the gun in his direction, his finger squeezed the trigger without a moment of hesitation as the loud bang rung out – returning it towards the group he narrowed his eyes.
Realising he would kill them, they scattered very quicky; Morgan moved to Cathryn and helped her back up “Are you alright?” he asked, his voice tight with concern
Cathryn nodded slowly; her eyes hinting her confusion, was this all part of some trick…, some deception? “Thank you Morgan…” she hesitated “But…, why?”
Morgan raised his eyebrow; he looked confused – but, they would begin walking back to the lodging house, a tense silence settling between them, though it wouldn’t last; once inside the lodging house Cathryn looked towards him, her voice tight “Why did you save me?”
Morgan thought for a moment as he let out a sigh “I told you before Cathryn; I have never actually lied to you, even…, when I was misguided, I always was honest, I just wanted to protect you”
“You wanted to control me” Cathryn countered; her voice flat “You wanted me dependent on you”
“I made a mistake” Morgan admitted, his tone laced with regret “I allowed my training…, my upbringing to take precedent; it clouded my intentions, I never meant to hurt you; I do care about you” he paused, meeting her gaze “I know you don’t trust me; I understand, but I am telling you the truth” he told her; his tone indicating his honesty, a sense of vulnerability in his stance as he watched her
“I believe you are so beautiful…, so intelligent, fierce, determined and just simply an amazing woman” he told her “I do care about you; more than you realise; I accept that I have ruined things between us; I understand your guardedness; I just ant you to know it is and always has been…, and always will be; the truth”
Cathryn remained silent; her expression unreadable as she watched him carefully – she was searching for sighs of deception, but, all she could see was his sincerity.
Morgan, misinterpreting the silence let out a sad sigh “I.., understand; I’ll leave you alone now” he left the room quietly
As the evening descended; Cathryn having spent the day deep in thought, finally ventured from her room and approached Morgan, noticing he was sat alone by the window staring out at the nights darkening sky “Morgan” she said; drawing his attention “Our age difference; does that…, not bother you?”
Morgan raised his eyebrow “Why would it?”
“I am ten years older than you” Cathryn said; her voice softening “Why would you invest so much emotion into me?”
Morgan simply fixed her with a soft gaze “I care for you; you are just beautiful to me Cathryn” it left Cathryn staring, her mind began racing “Go rest” he said softly
Cathryn slowly nodded; returning back to the bedroom and laying down; she simply lay on her bed in the darkness of her room; she was going over everything from their past interactions 2-Years prior to everything that had happened since he rescued her after she had barely climbed out from the crater – she simply felt a little nagging voice at the back of her head ‘He’s telling the truth’ she thought.
Chapter 4:
The Himalayan Mountains
The icy winds howled like a banshee through the rocky peaks of the Himalayan mountains it was a symphony of ice and fury – here, amidst this frozen land stood Gallus, he was an oddity, not just in the mountainous peaks, but anywhere in general – his presence simply defied the natural world, an unnerving stillness that just radiated an unknowable power; he stood on the ledge, staring out to the chaotic terrain below.
Behind him stood a man dressed much like a Tibetan-Monk; his robe cluttering violently around him, he had a hod pulled up that fluttered against the strong winds, he locked his eyes on the imposing figure before him “Crete was a disaster” he said; his voice soft, but laced with steel “William’s actions have destroyed the Prison buried within the mountain; though on the benefit of it; he sent the Cult of the Minotaur into a panicked retreat”
Gallus barely moved; his gazed still fixed ahead of him; “Though, I believe Cathryn was killed” the Monk adds with a saddened tone
The unnerving patience only amplified the weight of Gallus’ presence; he had heard of William’s activities through others; Akaterine had once reported to him about his acquiring of a modern marvel of war; A Dreadnought.
It was that act of rebellion that made William a potential danger to the other groups opposing the Imperium; but, Gallus was also aware that the Imperium had weathered such troubling waters before, they had existed since Ancient Times – they followed on of Gallus’ own people – a Rebellious Celestial being that had sought to create war amongst their people and to wage it against Humanity – the Imperium was formed from the Cults that were loyal to him; to Zor’Githas – a Child of Darkness amongst their kind, Gallus shifted his gaze finally as he turned to look towards the monk.
“Cathryn’s group has unfortunately been fractured” he told Gallus “Though, the temple that was destroyed, luckily was not the Prison ‘he’ is held within; that Temple is still safely hidden away within the Cretan mountains”
Gallus nodded “What of the Box; has that been found…, kept somewhere safe?” Gallus finally broke his silence, his voice was a rumble; resonating with unnatural power
The Monk nodded slowly “It has been safely in the hands of Lydia this whole time; she doesn’t know the significance of it, but, she has kept it safe; when it is eventually passed down to the correct person; only then will it finally be unlocked”
Gallus turned away as he nodded; his gaze returning to the chaotic terrain below once more “Very good; continue your role Guardian; keep her safe”
The Monk bowed his head before turning away, the snow crunching beneath his feet as he walked away.
Mersin. The Ottoman Empire
Stood by the port; William leaned against the railings his eyes were locked on the Dreadnought as it sat anchored within the Turkish waters – it was a symbol of power, a Steel Leviathan, and he had just proven not to himself, but his allies – The Imperium was not undefeatable, they could be challenged, though he then thought to his act of betrayal when he stamped on Cathryn’s hand, forced his Step-Mother to fall all so George would fall to his death instead of allowing Cathryn to help him climb back up.
He didn’t understand it; Cathryn had been a domestic-slave to George Smythe; she was not treated like a wife, she was just property to his father, originally, he saw the same thing; it was only with age and experience things shifted, he saw her as a woman who had struggled and suffered in the oppressive Smythe Manor – and yet, Cathryn still tried to help him – her kindness betrayed her, he couldn’t let her help him, so…, he sacrificed her to ensure his father’s death.
William lowering his head.
Chapter 5:
1st of January, 1912 A.D.
Lodging House South of Heraklion, Crete
The New Year offered no promise of peace; the air still hung heavily with unspoken anxieties – making her way into the back room, she found Morgan seated in his usual spot by the window, his gaze distant as he looked out of the window, he had been helping her without asking for anything in return, he had given her space, not overstepped even when all the power was essentially in his hands due to her physical injuries, taking a deep breath she decided to finally ask a question that she had since he first made mention of his escape from a prison – she was hesitant, her voice laced with cautious curiosity “Morgan.., what happened to you in that prison?”
Morgan turned his head; he looked towards her – taking a moment, he stood up and moved around, almost acing as he thought then stopped and looked at her again; the man that stood before Cathryn was so different; a far cry from the arrogant and manipulative man that had been slowly luring her into passive dependency.
He finally spoke; his voice rough, he recounted the ordeal in 1909 when he watched her leave before he was taken by her estranged husband to the Imperium Prison facility within France; he began to give Cathryn a detail description of the torture he endured at George’s hand; the physical brutality the sadistic nature of George’s actions, the pleasure George derived as he inflicted so much pain.
As Morgan spoke; detailing the violations he suffered, Cathryn felt a knot tighten in her stomach; she had experienced brutality beneath George – he’d begun manipulating her when she was Seventeen; the things Morgan said reminded her of everything George had done to her, she felt herself shiver in fear, but she listened to everything Morgan said.
By knowing just how sadistic George had been with her, it made the reality of Morgan’s own experience much more visceral – the similarities were close, the only things Morgan had not experienced in his captivity was the sexual violence she had endured.
She noticed the subtle changes in some of his gestures and little flinches, a haunted look with his eyes; despite it all, Morgan had not been broken – when he finally finished, a heavy silence settled between them; Cathryn looked at him, truly looked at him; this was not the man that betrayed her in 1909 – this was another victim of the Imperium’s cruelty.
“You’re different” She said softly, a slightly tremble as her voice was barely above a whisper “You’re…, not the same Morgan are you”
Morgan watched her carefully; though thinking about what he had done; while not the same as what she suffered under George – he had used that to his advantage, he tried to manipulate her – he felt shame, the regret was evident in his expression “I know…” he said quietly “I can never undo what I did to you; I can’t erase the pain I inflicted on you when I was manipulating you”
Cathryn moved closer to him; her head slightly tilted towards her left shoulder as she stared at him – she felt her heart aching for the broken man before her “What do you really want from me Morgan; truly want?”
He hesitated; his eyes searched hers “Forgiveness” he finally answered “I know I don’t deserve it…, but, if you could find it in your heart to give me, that would be enough…, I have no right to…., anything after what I did to you”
The words hung in the air – heavy with emotions unspoken; Cathryn stared at him, her mind reeling with conflicting emotions; Anger, Betrayal, Compassion and a burgeoning sense of understanding.
A wave of kindness washed over her; for two years, she felt something she had tried desperately to supress, tried to build stronger walls to prevent falling into that same position ever again; right now though; they seemed to drop, like the vulnerable man before her; her emotions revealed the vulnerable woman beneath her own façade of control.
She reached her hand out; trembling slightly – gently, she cupped his face, the height difference between them became far more pronounced as she stood directly in front of him; gently stroking his cheek – her fingers tracing the lines of pain etched on his skin, his eyes, unusually guarded, they held a glimmer of hope and a desperate plea for redemption.
And then; she leaned upwards, she kissed him.
It was a tentative kiss at first; a hesitant exploration of emotion each of them had suppressed – but, as their lips met, a spark was reignited, a flicker of passion, it was unlike the last time; there was no malicious intention as he responded; kissing her – deepening the act, it became a desperate release of pent-up emotions, a silent acknowledgement of shared trauma they had both endured.
Feeling his arms moving around her, he had gently pulled her closer, she had kept her hand against his face – they were lost within the moment, for Cathryn, his kiss was tender unlike how it had once been a tool for manipulation, it was now a genuine act.
When they finally broke apart; breathless and trembling, Morgan leaned his forehead against hers, his green eyes locked onto her silvery-grey; there was a look of surprise in his eyes “Cathryn….” He whispered, his voice thick with emotion
Cathryn didn’t speak; she simply held his gaze, there was a silent promise of a future yet to be written, a future where forgiveness and healing would be possible.
Chapter 6:
1st of January, 1911 A.D.
Kapsali, Kythira
Away from Crete; the atmosphere was very different; not one of forgiveness being experienced by Morgan and Cathryn, or Love between Erin and Norina or the confusion that surrounded Lydia and Thomas – in the crumbling safehouse Elizabeth stood leaning against a windowsill, her face hardened – the supposed death of her mother, and Lydia’s decision to run away had created a growing disillusion with everything going on around her – she felt that continuing the current path was pointless, her eyes fixed on the bag containing her few meagre possessions that she had prepared.
Miquel – the Kenyan born British soldier watched her carefully; he had seen the decline of her mood ever since Damir had abandoned the safe house entirely, and with Norina not returning either; he suspected she had also left – it left just himself and Elizabeth in the safehouse “Elizabeth” he said quietly
“No” Elizabeth snapped; her eyes landing on him “Mother is dead, my father as well; Xian died on that mountainside, my sister has run off, and your comrade has gone off to join her; the Italian abandoned us, which in my opinion is good riddance, she was never part of my family, I do not understand why my mother and sister protected her like she was” she shook her head “This has been a disaster” she said coldly
“Who will fight the Imperium Elizabeth?” Miquel kept his eyes locked on her “Would you really abandon people who are suffering because of them?”
“What good is fighting them the way we have been…, its pointless; now my older brother has a weapon of war…, this…” she shook her head “How do you fight something so large and powerful with no allies or support, while your own kin has no qualms about betraying you?; my mothers dream of rebellion was just that…, a dream” she straightened up “I will not continue this, in this manner; I will find another way”
Miquel watched her carefully; there wasn’t much he could really say, he knew he couldn’t convince her to continue when he was not truly part of the original group; he and Thomas had been outsiders of the entire thing, they only learnt about the Imperium a few years ago, and the only reason he had even been present was purely because of friendship to Thomas – Thomas had sought to get closer to the girl he had developed a crush on, and that, quiet clearly has created a complex relationship that Miquel had no real understanding of he didn’t truly even know where Thomas had gone “Very well” Miquel said sadly “If ever you need some assistance Elizabeth; I offer my help should you need it”
Elizabeth thought but nodded for a moment “I am going to return home to Britain; reclaim my families estate…, goodbye soldier” with that, Elizabeth left Miquel alone in a safehouse Miquel himself was a strange too
As the door slammed; the sound echoed like a death knell; Miquel shook his head – today it seemed, the Imperium claimed at least one victory as a result of William’s action in Crete – Cathryn’s group had effectively disbanded entirely; Cathryn was believed to be dead; Xian was dead, Damir abandoned the group to return to Serbia; Lydia had sought peace and was followed by Thomas to comfort her in her desperate time of need.
Norina had reunited with Erin; and now – Elizabeth had left to seek out her own path, Miquel, he decided that he should instead return back to the army; back to his commanding officer; Wilson to return to his service to the British Empire, he was unsure what else he could do alone against something he had no true understanding of.
Written By: Westley H.
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