The One That Got Away

BLOOD IS THICKER THAN MAGIC

She was lying on the grass, drinking in all the sights, the sounds, the smells. Layla had discovered this part of the garden a few days ago and she was completely mesmerized by it. Almost every one of her favorite plants had its representatives there, as if someone had created this section just for her. And the fountain? What a sight to behold! It was made from the same white-pink marble the throne room was constructed. Four majestic angels blowing into their trumpets but instead of sound, water poured gracefully, creating a beautiful pool of emerald waters.

When she had asked Xander why he never showed her that section of the gardens, his face darkened, and he was reluctant to explain at first. Then he spilled it all out, and Layla was dismayed to find out that her new favorite place held such dreadful memories for her beloved.

She giggled, sitting up and ranked her fingers through the grass. After he had revealed to her his reason for avoiding the place, she formed a plan. She would replace his bad memories with new, striking ones. So, she dragged a hesitant Xander to that exact same spot, seated him on the bench, kneeled, and asked him to marry her. It took everything in her to refrain from bursting into laughter as his eyes widened, his cheeks blushed, and his lips formed such a cracked line, she thought he looked like a cartoon.

Layla got up and started walking towards the keep, replaying the scene in her head. He had jumped up protesting that it was his role to propose, even though a burning look of satisfaction in his eyes told otherwise.

"So you refuse? You don't want to marry me?" she had asked.

"Of course I want to marry you!"

"You accept my proposal then?"

"..."

She almost felt sorry for him.

Layla was so absorbed in the memory of her marriage proposal, she didn't notice the figure ahead until she bumped into them. Startled, she raised her head, glancing around. Where was she? Was she lost again? These gardens were surely a maze.

"I am so sorry!" she said to the hooded person who had her back on her. Judging from the dress, it was a she.

"Not yet, but you will be."

Layla froze. Their voice vibrated like a howl from a hellhound. The figure turned around.

She couldn't believe her eyes. Something beyond terror snaked its way through her insides, rendering her immobilized.

"Livia!"

She evil-grinned. "Missed me?"

Layla didn't know what to make of it. The creature in front of her spoke with the voice of demons but bore the face of Livia, who was supposed to be in the dungeons sentenced to death.

"Oh, don't look at me like that!" she pouted mockingly. "I thought you'd be happy to see me!"

Layla furrowed her eyebrows. "Livia? Is that really you?"

She curtsied. "Yours truly!" She rolled her eyes, seemingly annoyed by Layla's lack of understanding. "I am a black witch now. I summoned a demon to grant me power and free me from the dungeons." A sigh left her lips. "It is not that easy, I failed at first."

Her wicked grin broadened, revealing a set of perfectly white sparkling teeth. "Finally I succeeded. By killing my parents. It's called blood magic and it is the most powerful of all because it is achieved by the sacrifice of a relative." She tilted her head gazing at Layla, evil dancing in her eyes.