A LIFE UNSEEN

ANNABELLE'S RETURN

In the Great hole, the great witch felt the presence of a dark power. She got up from the place she sat and took a few steps towards the pool of water in front of her.

The water kept bubbling, sending information which left the witch feeling prepared.

She dipped her hands into the water, a white image appeared whispering “ it is time.”

The witch stood for a while and appeared in Gracie's room. The curtains were opened and Gracie woke up immediately.

“ Mother, why are you here?” What is happening?” She quivered.

The witch was still silent, as she continued looking at the bed. Gracie turned to see Amira beside her.

“ Mother, why are you here? We met last night.”

“ It is time Gracie, Amira is in danger.” the witch said.

Gracie bowed with disappointment but understood it was time to leave her mansion back to the Great hole as danger was near Amira.

“ Mother, no I can't allow Amira to end up like you. We can't come back to the Great hole, no! I don't want to.” Gracie hesitated.

“ Annabelle will be here in no time to kill you and her, she has the power of Medea in her, I want you safe. You shouldn't have let her run away and you never came back for my advice. This is the only way. Amira has to know her origin.” The witch said.

Gracie woke Amira, who was frightened to see the witch.

“Mother, why is she here?” Amira asked.

Gracie's voice trembled as she replied. “ I'm sorry I kept it from you, she is my mother, the witch, who has helped us all this while. I'm sorry…. I hid the fact that she was your grandmother all these years because I wanted to protect you. We'll be going with her, Annabelle will be here in no time to destroy us. We must go back. She will teach you the ways of the witches because they have been chosen to be the next in line to wield the powers. I tried so hard to be the one and allow you to enjoy your youth but I can't”

Amira was shocked, her eyes widened in fear. The witch finally said, they had to leave immediately as Annabelle was close.

“ Why are we even running from Annabelle? The witch is here to protect us.” Amira was being reluctant.

“ She's not the Annabelle you used to know and I am not strong enough to fight her. That is why you need to come with me and learn to harness your abilities.” the witch declared, she turned around to leave and they both hurriedly joined her and disappeared.

******†************†*********

Annabelle met the house deserted. She hovered at her father's picture frame on the wall, a mix of emotions within her. She remembered the beautiful memories she had with Rufus and the night her father died. She recalled the pains Graie put her through. She sat on the wooden chair beside her and thought.

‘ Gracie you can't run forever, I'll find you and I'll make you and my sister feel the pain I felt and beg for mercy. Rufus, how could you kill the one person that mattered to me? I hate you, I hope you're dead already before I find you and destroy you myself.’

She got up from the chair and stepped out of the house. She heard Medea whisper, she took over Gassel and claimed the throne in order to have authority.

‘ let the people worship and bow before the great Medea.’

Annabelle smiled. ‘ Being the queen and protector of Gassel will give me the authority and command. This is my destiny.’ Annabelle thought, considering Medea's advice.

She approached the palace, leaving the villagers who saw her startled, her steps were firm and unwavering. When the soldiers tried to block her from moving into the palace, she raised her left hand, furry in her eyes and her powers unseen , wrapped the soldiers’ throat slightly, making them drop their swords. “ Anyone who tries to interfere will be killed and mourned by his family. I am no longer the Annabelle you know, the pitiable daughter of the blacksmith you know but you can call me Annabelle the queen of darkness.” Annabelle announced, with a sly smile, and walked to the palace courtyard.

The people, servants and soldiers who saw her actions were terrified. One of the soldiers immediately went to inform Theo of the situation outside the palace

“ Master, the blacksmith's daughter is here but she's different and possesses magic. It seems she's here for a fight”

The protector, who was astonished, immediately got up from the throne, yielded his sword and its blade shone with an ethereal glow as he walked to the courtyard.

The sword was filled with the royal bloodline ancient power and was passed down to every protector.

The energy in the atmosphere was extremely strong, as Theo came out to face Annabelle.

“ Why are you here Annabelle, I didn't kill your father. The one who did is not here.”

Annabelle smiled, her voice dripped with spite.

“ From today I'll be the protector of Gassel and I shall gain more power by conquering other Kingdoms. You're weak Theo. Renounce the throne or I'll destroy you.”

“How dare you challenge my rule.” Theo shouted. His voice reflected off the stone walls.

With a blow out of speed, Theo charged, his sword cut the air. Annabelle evoked a shadowy shield and avoided the blow. She strikes back with a wave of dark energy, which makes Theo stumble back.

The battle continued. The two exchanged blows and remained undefeated as though lives depended on it.

The villagers had already gathered and watched in fear. They all prayed for Theo to conquer and do away with the evil that had consumed Annabelle.

Annabelle destroyed a fountain which sent stones flying but he countered it with a blast of energy from his sword.

Annabelle finally realised the sword also gave him strength and absorbed the power from the sword which made her stronger.

She gained the upper hand as Theo stumbled, his sword drifted from his grasp. And Annabelle grasped him with her dark powers, restricting him.

“You should have renounced the throne peacefully but I'll make you serve me.” Annabelle whispered.

She sealed him in a dark ethereal chain and declared to the people.

“ It's either you are loyal to me or you die. Everyone! swear your allegiance to me and live. She commanded. The people were gripped with fear, some pledged allegiance immediately and others attempted to run away.

The ones that attempted to flee were chased by the soldiers who had pledged.

The sounds of screams were heard as the guards killed most of them. Although a few managed to escape.

The voice of an elderly man who also refused to yield to her was heard, “ Annabelle, this is not who you are, your father won't be happy wherever he is.”

Annabelle filled with anger immediately she heard her father's name consumed the man in dark flame. His scream echoed, as the fire consumed him.

Annabelle watched without regret.

“ Let this be a lesson to everyone of you who goes against me.”

Everyone immediately fell on their knees and bowed to her.

She ordered the guards to throw Theo into the dungeon.