Singularity
Chapter 23

Kira awakened quite suddenly. It took a moment for her nerves to settle as she remembered what was going on. It was the second day without her power, imprisoned in her own castle. She was tired and weak, as if she hadn’t slept at all. She wasn’t laying there long when there was a light knock on the door.

Michalei walked into the room without waiting for Kira’s reply. He carried a full breakfast tray across the room and sat it down on the nightstand. She sat up and looked it over as he took a seat next to her on the bed.

“Good morning.” He chirped.

“Morning,” She replied as he poured.

“One coffee with nothing in it.” He said handing it to her.

“Thank you.” She said accepting it.

“I brought breakfast too and I’m not accepting excuses today. You didn’t eat at all yesterday.” He stated.

Kira rolled her eyes. “Alright fine.” She said and popped a piece of apple in her mouth. “Happy?”

“Yes,” He smiled, “Now you eat up and rest today. I’ll come back and check on you later.” He said.

“Alright,” She replied. “Is my father busy today?” She asked before he could go.

“I’m not sure. I could check for you if you’d like.” He said.

“I’d like to see him if he’s not.” She said.

“I’ll let him know.” He patted her hand. “Now stop stalling and eat. I’ll see you in a little while.

“Alright,” She replied. “See you soon.”

As soon as Michalei was gone Kira walked away from the food. The smell of it was making her nauseous. She made her way into the closet and settled for a slim line red corset gown. She pulled it on grabbed a white shawl then walked barefoot across the room. She leaned up against the door frame of the balcony and looked across town. There was a cool breeze blowing in that calmed her nerves, even if it was temporary, she was thankful for it.

While Kira stood there she listened to the sounds of horses and people as they passed by beneath her window. She didn’t know how long she had been standing there. When the door opened behind her she turned only slightly to see who entered. Sephiroth closed the door behind him. He looked exhausted as he made his way across the room. He saw the tray of food and was instantly saddened.

“You’re still not eating.” He sighed.

“It’s difficult to have an appetite in this situation papa.” She smiled.

“I’m sorry. Michalei is working as hard as he can to fix things.” He replied.

“I don’t understand what you think needs fixing.” She sighed. “It’s alright papa. I know I sounded angry before but I was just hurt. I’m not mad at you.”

“I know,” He smiled. “This will all be over soon.”

“What if he didn’t corrupt me papa?” She asked. “What if I fixed him?”

“I’m sure that he would have you believing something of the sort but you can’t trust him daughter. Not after all he has done to our family already.” He replied.

Kira rolled her eyes and went back to staring out the window. “You just don’t see it do you?”

“What are we not seeing Kira?” He asked.

“Michalei has become everything that you two despise about Domascus. So you should be asking yourself, who is the real monster here?” She replied seriously.

He sighed, “Eat something would you please? You’re starting to sound delirious.”

“Send someone to retrieve this would you papa? I’ll be in the library until supper.”

Kira brushed past her father and left the room quickly. She made her way across the hall and locked herself in the library. She needed time to think. Obviously reasoning with them wasn’t going to work. She would have to stick with the original plan: replace the spell, figure out how to counter it, and get the hell out of Avalon. She made her way back into the rows of books hoping to get closer to the answer.

Several hours passed and the only thing Kira accomplished was a massive headache from all the reading. She gave up for the night, put down the book, and made her way across the room to unlock the door. Then she slowly made her way down the stairs to the dining room. Her father and Michalei were there waiting, surprised that she turned up. She sat down silently and waited to be served. Her spirit was worn down and she didn’t feel like arguing about eating.

As their plates were placed before them, Kira picked up her fork and took a bite. When she looked up she could see that Michalei and her father were pleased. She continued to eat through the nausea and nearly cleaned the plate. She didn’t feel like talking to either one of them and hoped to retire early. But as she stood, dizziness swept through her. She shook uncontrollably and then collapsed onto the cold stone floor.

In a panic Sephiroth hit his knees beside her. “What’s happening to her?” He almost shouted.

“I’m not sure,” Michalei replied as he lifted her into his arms. “Let’s get her back to bed.”

Michalei carried Kira up the stairs with Sephiroth hot on his heels. As she was laid down on the bed he looked over her. She was pale, shaking in her sleep, and appearing as if she was fighting something. She curled up in a ball hugging her knees and finally opened her eyes.

“Kira,” Sephiroth said concerned.

“The pain is too much papa.” She cried. “I can’t live like this. I wasn’t meant to be kept away from the magic.”

“She’s right Michalei, you have to cut her loose or you’re going to kill her.” Sephiroth stated.

“No, not until I stop Domascus. Now, get out. There’s something I can do to help her.” Michalei countered.

“But,” Sephiroth tried to argue.

“I said get out.” Michalei growled.

Sephiroth could feel pressure on his chest. Michalei had almost mastered the ability to push people away. He shivered, backed away slowly and turned to go.

“Just take care of her.” He demanded and then closed the door behind him.

Michalei pulled Kira up into his arms. He held her close to his chest. He tilted her head up and looked into her eyes. As he leaned down he kissed her tenderly, breathing the life back into her, and pushing the pain out. When he finally let go she looked at him wounded.

“You picked up more than a few tricks I see.” She stated.

“I’ve learned enough.” He smiled.

“You shouldn’t have done this. Magic corrupts those that force it into their lives.” She pouted. “You were a good man Michalei.”

“You’re a few days away from being declared a woman.” He countered.

“What’s that got to do with anything?” She snapped.

Michalei smiled and kissed Kira again. It made her furious when she realized his intent. She threw her head forward and connected with the bridge of his nose. Blood flowed from his nostrils as his eyes watered uncontrollably. He backhanded her so hard she hit the head board.

“You shouldn’t have done that Kira. Next time you’re ill, I’ll just let you starve for it.” He said as he stormed across the room.

“You’re just the kind of monster you think Domascus is!” She shouted at him.

“I am nothing like him.” He shouted back.

“Maybe you need to brush up on your history.” She snorted.

“You’ll see. I’m going to make everything right. In a few days you will be bonded to me and whatever that bastard did to you will be nothing more than the memory of a nightmare.” He swore and slammed the door between them.

Kira wept. It was worse than she anticipated. Michalei had completely lost his mind. There was no going back. She had to escape, and now, she had a deadline. If she wasn’t gone by her birthday any chance of having a life would be gone. How was she going to tell Domascus? She had to replace a way. There were answers in the library. So she pulled herself together and made her way to the door. Shock overwhelmed her as she realized she had been locked in. Then hope slipped away as she realized that he was never going to let her go.