Malum {Undergoing Major Editing}

Chapter Forty-eight: The Stars.

The moment I woke, I was on my feet, running here and there, trying to finish everything in time for the ceremony after tomorrow. Charity grabbed me, dragging me to a room I've never seen before. The room wasn't extremely big, but all across the walls were armors belonging to men and woman I've never met before. One specific piece of armour caught my eye, it was just like the rest, except the engraving on the heart that said peanut. It was so small that it would go unnoticed, however; that specific engraving reflected light into my eyes, as if some supernatural being wanted it to happen. The plaque at the bottom had the name Valerie Cohen-Sterling. Loving Mother and Leader. I looked back at the armour. The word peanut circled my mind. My mother used to call me peanut.

"She loved you so much, Maia," Charity spoke from behind me. I was so engrossed into the armour that I forgot that Charity was right behind me, "she always talked about you."

I remained quiet, my heart aching. I missed her. I really missed her. I placed my hand over the word peanut, over her heart, closing my eyes, allowing my tears to fall.

Where ever you are, know that I'm sorry for everything.

I turned around, looking at Charity, "well, now what?"

***

I spent about two hours getting measurements for the armour that I would wear. I personally asked to engrave love doesn't discriminate on the armour. Just like death doesn't discriminate, love doesn't either. I learnt that and I'm thankful that I did. I love my mother no matter what happened over the years, I love the Sins, I love the Virtues, I love Joshua, I love Dominic. After getting measurements, I was briefed of the ceremony: I'd wear the armour, I'd place a drop of blood into some weird water (it's not holy water apparently) and I'd give a speech.

Gosh another speech?

Within moments, it was night time. Time flew when you were having fun, right? I wasn't the slightest bit tired so I went out into the garden. Birds chirped, a light breeze picked up a few leaves, making the atmosphere so peaceful. I looked up at the dark blue sky and the twinkling stars, focusing on the warrior constellation.

I let out a weird noise that was a combination of a laugh and a sob, "if that is really you and you are really watching me, then please somehow tell me I'm doing the right thing. I'm scared. Wait no, I'm terrified. You were the perfect ruler and the Virtues are in the hands of a nineteen year old girl, who doesn't know the first thing about being a leader," I sighed, laying down on the grass, looking at the warrior in the sky, "even when you're de-not here, you're still so powerful. Gosh, I'm the worst daughter and I'm probably going to be the worst leader."

The stars twinkled, as if they were trying to tell me something. I closed my eyes, trying to listen to the sounds of nature.

"I really need help," I sobbed. I finally said it. Those four words shook out of my body. Suddenly, I felt so much lighter, "I'm so tired of everything. I really just want a mother. Once in my life, I need help. I never needed it ever before but I just can't anymore. I want to uphold your passing with so much respect, be the leader you want me to be, but I really don't think I'm capable of doing it. I might not be able to see Wrath anymore, if I take up the job," I squeezed my eyes shut, hot tears streaming down my face, "I'm not capable of being a leader like you."

"Says who?" A deep voice asked.

I opened my eyes to see Wrath standing behind me, "Patience told me that you came out here. I figured you were going this," he looked up at the constellation and bowed, "your highness." The corner of my mouth curled slightly.

"Maia, every leader is different in their own special way. Your mother wouldn't want you to be a leader like her, she'd want you to be a leader like yourself. I've known you for a couple months but you've proved to be the best leader out there. You are a born leader, Maia. I promise that you'll be a great leader and I'll be right there next to you the whole time."

"Promise?" I whispered.

He laid down next to me, placing his arm under my head, pulling my body close to his. I could hear his rapid heart beat, "I promise you, Maia."

I smiled against his chest. The wind would have made me shiver if I was alone. He didn't have to swear on anything major, his word was enough for me. Finally, my eyes became heavy. I fell asleep in Wrath's arms, feeling safer than I've ever felt in armour. I held onto him, praying that this wasn't a dream as I dozed off into a dark, dreamless sleep.

I fully expected to wake up in my bed but as soon as I opened my eyes, bright sunlight stabbed me. I was on something firm yet soft. Once my eyes adjusted to the blinding light, I noticed that my head was on Wrath's shoulder, my arm were slung across his stomach. His arm was wrapped around my waste. I watched his stomach rise and fall, steadily. He was alive, very much alive. For once in my life, I didn't want to get up. For as long as I remember, I've been cursed with nightmares that felt so real, that every time I woke up, I rushed out of bed, but this time, I didn't want to move. I simply wanted to lay in Wrath's arms. I sighed knowing that this wasn't going to happen. Instead of getting up, I fell back asleep. But this time I dreamt.

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Authors note:

So I'm thinking that I might either write a new book after this book or I might think of a sequel. NO PROMISES TO THE SEQUEL.

Lxrxib.