Good And Evil

"We humans are weak and delicate to all the otherworldly beings out there." Gerald started out solemnly, turning to face Gwyneth, who gave him a beaming smile. With a slight nod, he turned to face forward as they walked through the dim hallways lit by fire torches at every gap and corner.

"We thrive on our own, fighting our own wars as well as wars against one another. We have hopes and dreams. We are good, evil. We exist." He went on and stopped, pulling a fire torch from the hook it was positioned on. Then, with a more focused expression, cast a quick glance at Gwyneth, who had moved to stand beside him.

"What does this have to do with the vampires interfering with us? Personally, I have no affection for the other kingdoms." Gwyneth conceded, shrugging her shoulders.

Gerald smiled in response to her words. "Words of your kindness to the downtrodden parts of Descaera and the other kingdoms have reached my ears. You do not need to speak with such casual abandon to make a point."

Gwyneth snatched the fire torch, holding it with both hands, frowning. "There is no point to make."

Gerald laughed and said, "Being one of the "Good" humans is the point, Sunflower."

Gwyneth pursed her lips, keeping her eyes fixed on the flames that reflected beautifully in her midnight blue eyes. She wanted to slap back at that statement. 

'Being one of the good humans.' 

For some reason, it sounded like a shackle. She had no interest in finding out if she was good or bad. She did not provide food, clothing, shelter... to the less fortunate in order to be called a good person. She did those things because it was the natural thing to do.

She rejected the existence of good and evil. 

And, to be honest, she did not label those who burned her alive as evil humans. Evil was not the word for them.

"You are aware, I am sure, that the war between the vampires and the demons has lasted for so long that many believe it to be the story of time itself." Gerald said, returning her focus to him with a tone that was more serious.

"I am aware, but since it is none of our business, I am not aware of the specifics." Gwyneth responded, returning the fire torch to him.

"Indeed. It is not a necessary piece of knowledge." Gerald took a small step forward, holding onto the fire torch.

Gwyneth stared. "The vampires have a history of buying large numbers of humans as blood slaves way before this intense involvement. The demons, on the other hand..."

"The demons." Gerald cut in, his hand pressed up against the wall.

Gwyneth parted her lips, "Angels of d..."

The wall suddenly shook, making a loud thudding sound that made her pause her words. Gerald moved away from the wall, signaling for her to follow suit with a nod, which she duly executed. 

Just then, a crack line appeared and stretched on the wall. The following instant, it disappeared and the wall gave way, revealing a dark dingy chamber.

"A hidden chamber. Why is there a hidden chamber?" Gwyneth questioned in complete shock.

Gerald chuckled. "Come." And he walked in.

Gwyneth blew out a long breath. Gerald was her favorite uncle and a very powerful man, but he was always so strange. And that was further exposed by this hidden room.

She walked into the room, surprised by the fire torches that lit it up so brightly. It was a tiny study crammed with weapons, books, and odd vialed colored liquids organized on different shelves.

"What is this place?" With wonder in her eyes, she asked, examining every angle.

"This is my study, as well as your grandfather's." Gerald responded, securing the fire torch to a vacant area.

"It feels a little unsettling." Trudging over to him, Gwyneth muttered.

Gerald made a turn to face her. "The vampire and demon war is something that no human has ever witnessed. It is like you said. It is none of our business."

Gwyneth crossed her arms over her chest. "What are you talking about? You are beating around the bush. Again."

"Imogen is being given to the vampires to marry the prince. The succeeding king. It may be foolish, but it is to..."

"Foolish?! Foolish?! You are calling this foolish?!" Gwyneth exploded in rage and disbelief. "Is this a fairytale to you?!"

Gerald sighed. "Sunflower I.."

"She will become the queen? A title powerful enough to make her the only human to witness the glorious battle of those two races that have insanity running through their veins? No one will ever hear of her again, and all you will receive is protection and treasures?!" 

Gerald lowered his head, shaking slowly. "Gwyneth, you..."

"She is my younger sister! An eighteen-year-old girl with hopes and dreams! Our father's greed cannot be the reason I allow her to ruin her life! Isn't it natural to choose me? Why not me?" 

"Gwyneth!" Gerald yelled, grabbing her arm tightly.

Gwyneth's eyes widened, her chest heaving heavily as she stared at Gerald who looked equally enraged and.. frustrated. Furiously, she jerked her arm away and he took a step back sighing deeply. 

"You have no idea." He inhaled deeply, sweat beading on his forehead, sending a confusion through Gwyneth's spirit. "You have no idea why you are seen as an egg that shouldn't have a crack, why no one is upset with you for turning down potential husbands, why people only gently suggest things to you instead of forcing or pressuring you to do them. You have no idea why your father would so avariciously sacrifice Imogen rather than you." 

Gwyneth blinked, utterly bewildered by the intensity of the feelings those words carried. Why...? Yes, everything was true. 

Her family were not obsessive over her life, they never threw a fit when she turned down suitors. Unlike her past life.... Unlike her sister's life.

"Why...?" She asked slowly.

As usual, Gerald began beating around the bush. "You are the first female child. The fairest princess in the land, Princess Gwyneth Whitworth of Descaera, born to be perfect in every way. With your great influence, you are.."

"I am designed to be a useful tool for powerful men. To be perfect for them, to have them swarm around me, to bring Descaera power?" Gwyneth interrupted, clenching her teeth.

"It is only natural for you to be the one your father chooses for the vampires. However, he chose Imogen." Gerald forced a smile, and what he said made perfect sense.

Gwyneth took a slow, deep breath. It all made perfect sense! "Why not me?"

"On the night of your birth, half of Descaera's population perished for no apparent reason. They just died." Gerald began, his face turning pale as though he were recalling a nightmare.

This information shocked Gwyneth beyond belief. No one ever told her! "What do you mean on the night of my birth?" 

Gerald waved his hands apologetically, trying to sidestep her question. Unfortunately, a troubled Gwyneth approached him more closely. "What do you mean, uncle?! Answer me!"

Gerald's pupils dilated, his breathing erratic. "Nothing. Ignore my words." 

Gwyneth scowled deeply. It was unimaginable to her that Gerald would look so terrified. Nothing could possibly frighten him. "Uncle?!" 

Her primary cause for agitation over his words was that... she had experienced something similar.... Familiar...

"It was Death's way of declaring you as his to claim!" Gerald unexpectedly revealed in a tone of complete terror, hiding his face with his hands. "Wh..what I.. I...!"

Gwyneth's eyes widened, her heart racing at the mention of the word... At those words that made no sense. Was he maybe speaking in proverbs? He has to be.. He has to be! "De.."

Before she could finish speaking, Gerald lunged at her, covered her nose with a white cloth, knocking her out cold.

And with a pallid expression, he breathed out heavily. "Do not utter that word."