39 The Truth She Forgo (2/2)

'Paint them in that beautiful vermillion.'

'Paint them in your favorite color.'

Chalice succumbed to it completely. All she knew was whatever it was saying gave comfort to her heart. It soothed the dark feelings surrounding her and suffocating her. She was put in bliss and she wanted to stay there. She let herself go.

When she came to Chalice saw the dagger glistening, reflecting her current state: a demon. An iron stench covered her from head to toe. Blood dripped from her sticky hands. It colored her white shirt like painted poppies in full bloom. Her face was tinted by rivulets casting an eerie glow on her beautiful countenance. Her eyes glinted with remnants of her bloodbath. Corpses were littered around her. The three men stood far away from her in shock and disbelief.

This was the truth that she has long forgotten. The reason why she really quit the organization that time and pursued other professions. Professions which she deemed as safe. Jobs that were meant to contribute to the welfare of people and uphold order and justice. Roles that only made her emptier.

This was the memory she had buried along with her will to live. The memory of a night of carnage and wanton slaughter. A little boy's lifeless eyes. The eyes of an innocent soul she took away from the world with her own hands in a bout of bloodlust. It was the memory of a mission where she was supposed to be the savior but ended up with her as the murderer.

This was her sin.

Chalice stared at the fair hands of the body she has taken over. Her eyes blank. This body was innocent. But now it has been tainted by her. Even with this new life, it seems she can never escape the darkness. One which she had fought for years but ended up swallowing her, casting her in its detestable color. It was the abyss she stared into, and that which had stared back.

She had hope that in this world she'll finally have her redemption.

She wanted redemption.

But that darkness consumed her again. She still gave in. Though Chalice did not hurt her companions this time, but until when? This world required her to kill. This world was even crueler than the previous one. She has proven that on Janus street. So until when can she ensure that wouldn't succumb again to the temptation? Their lives will only be at risk with her around. She was a sinner. A killer. A murderer. She was beyond saving. She was not meant to be here.

'Leave!'

'Leave! Only when you're gone could they be safe from your hands.'

Chalice heeded the whispers of her conscience. The emotions were eating her from the inside and she couldn't take it any longer. She needed to get away.

”Onyx!”

She called on to the black stallion. The horse galloped to her side as if feeling the turmoil she was in.

Chalice leaped onto his back and commanded him to move.

She left without looking back.