The Unexplained

Chapter 20

My eyes flick past him as a very familiar person steps out of the forest. Aurora's eyes follow my gaze, and she pales drastically.

"Get her inside..." I breathe, and he doesn't argue as he takes Aurora by the arm and gently lifts her up, before rushing her inside. We've discussed over dinner many times about how much of a disadvantage he could be at without Aurora, without his weapon at his side. It barely does much, but now he's slightly less dangerous, at least. 

I turn to fully face Merlin, who approaches me, the same lazy smirk lacing his lips.

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" My voice drips with sarcasm, something I've noticed naturally happens every time we come face to face.

"Still just as mouthy." He fires back, stopping in front of me. His hood is down, exposing his strange eyes and scar, along with his hair, the same color as mine, almost identical. My blood boils just thinking about it. He's fake, he doesn't deserve the powers that were given to him.

"I suggest you leave now..." I warn. "While you still can."

He chuckles, reaching out and taking a strand of my hair in his hand. "Oh, my dear Ophelia--"

I snarl and smack his hand away, stepping back and out of reach. He laughs this time, throwing his head back a little and I scowl, staring him down with hatred.

He sighs, returning to his calm, serious demeanor when he crosses his arms and puts on a straight face. "I came to make a deal."

I scoff and turn to go. "Get lost," I mutter.

He sighs, in an almost disappointed way. "I guess I have no use for this anymore then..." I whirl to see him holding a throbbing, beating heart. There's only one person that heart could belong to, and I sneer at the thought.

I guess I hav no choice then...

You always have a choice, Phe. You just always choose to help those close to you.

Abby shoots up the moment I walk in, Merlin behind me, and I give her a look. She growls, before slowly sitting, her hands curling to become fists. Cas is next to her, her eyes wide, and Austin is just emerging from the hallway after getting Aurora back into the basement. Jack and Conner aren't here, Jack being asleep under Abby's orders, and Conner is staying with him like the protective best friend he is.

I don't sit, I simply step back so I'm standing beside the couch.

Merlin smirks when he knows he has our full attention. "Abbadon, Cassiel." He nods his head to them, before towards Austin.

"Get on with it, you piece of shit," Abby spats. "The sight of you makes me sick."

"Now now, let's all stay calm." He smirks. "As I told Ophelia, I'm here to make a deal." He motions to the heart. None of us say anything, and he continues, "As you know, I am currently working with a certain person..." He smirks.

Abby pales, knowing exactly who, as do we all. Austin clenches his fists.

Merlin gets straight to the point. "In return for your elf prince's heart, Abbadon must come with me."

We all look a bit shocked, having expected him to ask for Aurora or me.

Abby sneers, staring at the beating heart in his hands. For a moment, she had me believing she'd refuse, but eventually, she hangs her head in defeat and slowly stands.

"Abby no!..." Cas tries to grab her wrist, but she's already out of reach as she stands next to Merlin. I stay quiet, knowing her reasons, and when Merlin extends his hand I quickly take the heart from him. "Abby, please," Cas continues. "We can find another way..."