.002 Dark Decisions

He Apollo’s brother paced the length of the maroon-carpeted corridor inside his mansion. Thoughts about his brother and his new found happiness struck at his mind like the stinging of hundreds of insects. He descended the spiral staircase that led down underground. A dark shadow appeared beside him as he walked. He recognized it at once, and without turning his head, spoke with coldness in his voice

''Usha.'' He said. '' I am not in the mood for the company of others''

Usha scowled at him, her black eyes cold.
"So you heard.

The man stopped. He turned to face Usha.
''An unfortunate incident. He doesn’t deserve any of it.''


Usha murmured something that he could not make out.
"Indeed it is quite a misfortune." She said almost in a whisper.
"But you do understand...that you have one more possibility left?"
Dracul's expression turned curious.
''And what is that?''
Usha was silent for a moment. When she spoke, she spoke in a quiet voice.
''If you gain possession of the children.''
Dracul's eyebrows narrowed.
''Don't fool around with me, you know that that's impossible.''
But Usha held a grin on her old wrinkled face.
''I can help you.''
''Artemis and Apollo’s children will be the most sacred and protected treasures in the whole kingdom.''
Usha hissed at Dracul.“You don’t think I know that?!”
Dracul could see the anger in Usha’s eyes, she reminded him of a fierce she-wolf that was eating its prey ripping it limb for limb.
“You can either take my help and listen to what I have seen or can forever be cursed to live the life you are living now, always one step behind your brother ceaselessly stuck in his shadow.”
Dracul saw the anger wash away from her face, as she then turned and walked away, waving her hand in the air.
“The choice is yours dear Lord. You know where I’ll be.”
Dracul watched as she walked gracefully away. She’s toying with me. He thought.
“Wait…” He said.
Usha grinned but kept walking.
Dracul wasn't one to accept the help of others, but this time his greed for revenge proved itself more important than his pride.
''I want you to help me.''
Usha stopped, her grin widening. ''Very well. However, I do require something in return.''
*Dracul took a moment to ponder this thought. ''Alright.''


Usha led Dracul towards the end of the dark corridor, where the only light came from lit torches that were placed so far apart from each other on the wall that they seemed to be emitting barely any light at all. Usha had no trouble navigating the hallway. She suddenly stopped, and opened a door to the right with a small black key.
She held the door for Dracul, who took his time while entering the large room.
He had been here before. Vials of mysterious liquids and substances lined the long shelves along the walls. And in the middle stood a large black cauldron.
Usha went over to the cauldron, and muttered a few inaudible words. Dracul stood beside her.
''Perhaps two children are too much...'' Usha said.
Dracul looked up. ''What do you mean?''
''Taking two children will send the whole kingdom after you. Taking just one...''
''One is perfect.'' Dracul finished.
Usha smiled. She poured a vial of black liquid into the cauldron and waved her hand over the rising black smoke.
The smoke began to grow, until it formed deadly black clouds swirling around above the cauldron. Usha muttered some more words, and the smoke began to dissapear.
She spoke once the room was clear of smoke.
''Now, for my end of the deal.''