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SARAFINA.
We enter the cottage and to our surprise it is already lighted.
"It doesn't seem seem to be deserted" Pooja observed after looking around.
"That's what I see, only that who would this place in the middle of an abandoned area?"
"You are here, Sarafina Belaird" we heard a voice from behind—startling us both, we immediately turn to see an old lady standing at the entrance, a bag on her hand and a weird smile dancing on her lips. "But you didn't come alone as I see it" she added, closing the door behind her.
I take step back from her. "Who are you and how do you know me?"
"How do I know you?" She repeated my question and sat. "Well I know a lot of things that you can't even imagine, but you should have a seat first" she waved her hands and two wooden seats appear before us.
Pooja gasped from beside me, I held her hand and we both sank down on the chair, taking cautious looks at the woman, though I don't think she would do anything to harm us.. Just my instincts though.
"So...." I started.
"Actually my name is Marielle, I am the guardian of the winter clan" she stated with a smile. "And I knew you were going to be here because you have the blood of winter in you, practically I know everything about anyone in the winter clan" she concluded.
"So you are saying you know everything about everyone in this island?" Pooja asked.
Marielle placed her index finger on her chin. "If that's what you would call it, then yes I know everything"
"Hilarious, so you knew I would be here, and probably also know why I'm here?"
"Are you doubting me now Sarafina? You shouldn't I took care of Naja till she went back to Zedora"
I gasped. "You knew my mother?" Of course the question is useless because if she really knew everything she would know my mother, especially because she was a winter blood.
"Greatest witch winter ever had, Zedora destroyed her" Marielle replied shaking her head sadly.
"They would regret it, they would regret ever messing with someone like her" I stated vehemently, Pooja gripped my hand reassuringly.
"Revenge kills faster than the strike of a poisonous sword I tell you Sarafina" Marielle said while I smiled wryly.
"Then let it kill me because I won't go down without a fight!"
"Even if it is for him? You can't make the sacrifice just for him?"
"The sacrifice" Pooja muttered. "That's the meaning of the sacrifice Abu was talking about" she turned to me. "You get it now?"
"I knew what the sacrifice was but I've made enough sacrifices and now I would nothing but avenge my mother's death!!" I said yelling the last part.
"Do you even remember her last words?" Marielle asked. I winced, I did remember 'do not let hate blind you'. But I am far from listening to that sentence because of maybe my ego.
"Can I get somewhere to sleep?" I asked not replying her question.
"You have to let go Sarafina, else everything Naja had to die for will eventually go to waste, you have to live the life she couldn't live, else revenge strikes you to death, you have yo love like she never did, else love itself churns out your inner demon" Marielle said.
Tears burnt my eyes as I shook my head and stood up, I couldn't listen anymore... I will kill them all for taking my mother away from me.
And nobody would stop me!
* * *
DITYA.
Ha! The elation I feel now cannot be described, Sarafina is finally gone! Finally left Zedora for good and even if she comes back she has to be sacrificed I have never felt so at ease in all my life, Jamal would finally be mine.
"Insia!!" I yelled, she came rushing into the room.
"Yes princess" she said, curtseying.
"Have the palace dress maker come to take my measurements, I need the best dress for the festival of the rain" I stated happily.
"Of course my princess, I will be back soon" she replied and scurried off, I smiled and lay back on my bed.
The knock on my door was what jolted me out of my nap, I sprang up immediately and got up to open it, drowsiness still in my eyes, I couldn't decipher who was at the door, I blink my eyes rapidly only for me to feel something spraying on my eyes before I slipped into darkness.
* * *
JAMAL.
I just stare at ammi in shock and pain as she narrates everything about her past and what it has to do with Sarafina, I can't believe my own mother can be this wicked to do all these. I can't believe that I even have an half sister and my own mother killed the father because of greed. Not to talk of her killing two people in Sarafina's family.
I.furiously wipe at the tears that has escaped my eyes. "Ammi please leave my room" I said, pain evident in my room.
"Jamal please..."
"I said leave!" I yelled out frantically. "Or if you won't leave,I will just get out for you" I added and grabbed my dupatta, rolling it around my face and I slipped my leg into my flops before storming out.
Khan was at the door. "Khan get the carriage ready, we are going to see the diviner" I stated.
"Alright my prince" he replied in curtesy.
* * *