the last chapter

The final chapter

Mortified, Athos reached out to grab Helena. His hands wanted to crush her, destroy her, I wanted to protect her. We started to circle each other. Lunging towards me, Athos roared and yelled in frustration. I ducked and sprinted to the other side of the room.

“Run Helena! Please.” I shouted, as Athos grabbed me by the throat. My head was pounding, and sweat poured off my forehead like a waterfall. Helena was running towards me. She had a knife. An icy fist clamped over my heart. Then it all went dark.

I saw my life flash before my eyes, I wondered about what had happened. Helena, Katherine, Athos?

I was probably dead anyway… no point of thinking anymore. Katherine was gone. So was Helena. I can’t think. What clouds my eyes and thoughts?

I think I was lying on a bed, I could feel the light feather pillows against my sore neck. A cold cloth on my head, and I could hear birdsong. The smell of blood, and the wildflowers from the forest. I think there is somebody here, sitting on the bed. I can taste blood in my mouth, and I can start to see a picture. I can make out colours, but everything is fuzzy. Glittering gold, soft peach, creamy white, crimson red, something is moving closer. I think that it must be somebody’s face. I shut my eyes again, and fall into a long, dreamless sleep.

   Helena was sitting cross legged on the edge of the bed. Athos was dead and gone forever. I had the house. I had Helena.

Epilogue

Helena and I never saw Katherine again, but I hope she found her lover. Helena and I have lived in the house for a year now, and are happier than ever. She didn’t need to be tamed, and when I ask her: "do you love me?" She always says yes.