Chapter 94: Nightmare, Part 6
The next morning, Sam received the best news of both his lives.
We’ve found that bitch.
Of course, Anabela had phrased it—or rather written it—in much finer words. But that’s what she meant, in the end. Finally, after so much waiting, they were going to hunt down that damned woman. However, not everything was rosy. It couldn’t be. Life just didn’t work that way.
“Tell me, where is the bitch? She hasn’t moved, has she?”
“In a convent,” Anabela replied, rolling her eyes as if to say: I understand you, but that language isn’t necessary. “My spies found her and were killed. Only one managed to escape and deliver the message. But yes, she’s there. She killed all the nuns in the convent and made it her base, I suppose.”
“Are you sure she’s still there?” Violet asked.
“Yes, I’m a hundred percent certain.”
“Alright,” Sam said. “It’s not like I can’t imagine the kind of magic you’re using to be sure of that, but I’d like to know specifically how you’re doing it. Just to be sure, okay? This is very important.”
Of course, the truth was Sam had no damn idea what kind of magic could enable them to do that. He’d only mentioned magic because he was fairly certain they weren’t technologically advanced enough to do it any other way.
“You actually can’t imagine it,” Anabela replied. “It’s a kind of magic the royal family has kept secret for many generations because it’s not something we want the public to know about. I’m certain she remains in that convent, though I have no idea why. Because I’ve seen it with my own eyes. I extended my consciousness to the trees and birds. Trust me, there’s no doubt.”
Ah, the royal family, Sam thought. In the end, no one in power isn’t an asshole. And sure, he was one to talk, but it was still true.
“Interesting. So you’re your own surveillance system. I like that.”
“When are we leaving?”
“In an hour, maybe two. I know, don’t give me that look, but I’m treating this problem with the gravity it deserves.”
Anabela sighed. “A whole army. Well, not the whole army, but a large part. Anyway, preparation takes time. And before you say anything, please don’t go alone. Don’t even think about it. Promise me.”
“I wasn’t thinking about it,” Sam lied. “Anyway, yes, I understand the needs of an army. It’s fine.”
Sam hugged Anabela, patting her back and stroking her hair.
“Thank you. For the world’s sake and my own, that bitch has to be wiped out.”
“You know I’d do anything for you, Sam,” Anabela said. “Anything.”
That sounds very suggestive, he thought. On any other day, he would’ve taken it as an invitation and made the most of it. But this wasn’t just any other day.
“Alright, alright,” Christina interrupted. “No need for such a long hug.”
Not very subtle.
Sam broke the hug. To his surprise, Anabela said nothing. She didn’t scold Christina for her lack of respect toward the queen or for interfering with whatever Anabela wanted to do. She simply acted as if she hadn’t heard her.
“Well, that’s all the information I have. I wish I could give you more. Use your time well to prepare. I’ll accompany you myself.”
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
“Are you sure, Your Majesty?” Christina asked. “The fate of the kingdom rests on your shoulders. A lot of responsibility. Risking your life like this is a bit unnecessary.”
“Am I sure?” Anabela replied. “What is the fate of my kingdom compared to the fate of the entire world? I can’t stay behind. What kind of queen would I be if I did such a thing?”
“Alright, I won’t argue with you, Your Majesty.”
“You don’t have to speak to me so formally.” Especially when you don’t mean it. She probably thought it but didn’t say it.
“Alright, Anabela.”
“Well, you heard her,” Sam said. “Let’s get ready, quickly. Judgment Day is near, and only we can stop it, my sisters.”
He hugged them tightly against his chest and kissed their cheeks.
“But most importantly, don’t die. I won’t tolerate it. We’re all that’s left, after all.”
The two smiled at him. He had them in the palm of his hand. Delightful.
——
Riding with the setting sun rising on the horizon and an army behind them, they traveled beside the queen’s carriage at the center of the formation. So, in truth, the army was all around them.
Sam couldn’t have been more satisfied. Sure, the army was technically under Anabela’s command. But what did that mean? It was far more important that the army was there, for him, to fulfill his objective, to solve his problems.
He didn’t give a damn right now that Miguel had been instrumental in achieving this result. He was content to savor the moment.
The convent wasn’t actually far from the capital, just a couple of days’ travel. So, sooner rather than later, all hell would break loose. He had to enjoy it while he still had the chance.
Sam took a deep breath, savoring the clean, pure air, focusing on what truly mattered and setting aside all the nonsense.
The wind felt good. Not too warm, not too strong, not too cold. Just enough to tingle pleasantly on his cheeks and the tip of his nose.
Life was good. Everything would turn out fine.
“Sam,” Violet said, approaching on her horse.
“What’s up?”
“If I die, I want you to know I love you.”
“Of course I know. That’s why we did what we did.” Sam smiled and glanced sideways at Violet.
“Yes, yes, but I mean I truly love you. It’s not the thrill of a taboo, of a forbidden relationship. It’s not that I chose you because I have no other options. I just love you. Even if the world says it’s wrong, I love you. I honestly believe it’s a pure love, even if it drags me to hell.”
Maybe, Sam thought. Maybe, I wouldn’t rule it out. I’m not the one who decides who goes to hell and who doesn’t, at least not for now. Assuming Satan had anything to do with it, of course. That wasn’t something consistent in the stories of his world. Sometimes he did, sometimes he didn’t.
Well, that wasn’t the point anyway.
“Well, just so you know,” Sam said, “I love you the same way.”
“I don’t know,” Violet said, shaking her head. “Sometimes you look at me the way you did when we were younger, with adoration. When I knew you’d do anything for me, for your big sister. And sometimes I think you’re just using me because I’m a warm hole. Sometimes it feels that way, as terrible as it is. And you know what’s the worst part? I don’t care. Use me and discard me if you want. I need to be with you. It’s what I’ve always wanted.”
Sam was silent for a while before responding.
“Violet, you’re wrong. You’re my sister. I wouldn’t use you. If I ever lie to you about something, it’ll be because I think it’s for your own good. Nothing more. But use you? I’d never do that. I’d rather see you happy with someone else, even if it’s not me, than use you.”
Violet nodded slowly.
“I believe you, Sammy. And I hope it’s true.”
——
“Damn it,” said Hunger, letting herself fall onto the bed. The labor pains were growing more intense. That meant the moment of giving birth was drawing near, of course, and she should be happy to finally receive her reward—the reward for all her efforts.
But if I had known it would hurt this much, she thought, maybe I’d have reconsidered. She didn’t mean it. Well, not entirely, but that’s how she felt.
“I didn’t even give them time to talk, but I’m sure that means the spies have already found me. Sammy will be coming for me. Oh well...” Hunger ran a hand over her belly beneath the thin fabric of her dress. “It’s only natural for the father to attend the birth.”
Hunger smiled to herself.
“Besides, I can’t move.”
Why was she talking so much to herself? Simple. She had to kill time somehow.
“This is the most fitting place for the birth, for the end of all things to begin.”
——
Two days of travel, exactly. Not one more, not one less. At last, they arrived at the convent, hidden deep within the forest.
It was shrouded in an unnatural silence—empty, lifeless. At first glance, it was clear that this was the site of a massacre, though the smell of blood was no longer present—at least not from here.
“Be careful, men,” said Anabela. “This is unlike anything we’ve ever faced before.”
If only you knew, thought Sam as he dismounted from his horse.
There, in that blood-soaked chapel, everything would be decided.
Nightmare, Part 6: END