Screams echoed in the forest sending animals to scurry in the stark sky night. The only source of light formed at the opening of the village for it beckons anyone to come near for the warmth and shelter of the cold bitter night. To be warned any unfortunate soul to enter may never be seen again. The fire scorch the ancient tree, causing the phoenix to soar high into the black night unleashing embers setting alight huts; sending people out of the safety of their homes and into the waiting hands of the night predators.
Unaffected by the horror outside two women prepared warm water and towels for the new arrival. The dark-skinned woman tried to soothe the pregnant girl, applying herbs to alleviate the pain. Her eyes darkened at the sight of her companion stood watch smiling with excitement, her blue eyes gleam from the fire pit. "Esther if you do not mind there is a maiden here needing both of our assistance." She glared.
Esther's blue eyes shift to her, "Ayana bear with me for this may indeed be the most precious thing I had ever let happen!"
"May also be the biggest abomination you had ever let live..." Ayana muttered to herself. A scream of pain brought both women back to the girl crying. Esther kneels on the other side of her, "It's time to push my dear." The maiden brace herself and started to push. Ayana held her hand talking her step by step. Esther begged all goes well. "One more push," Ayana instructed. Screaming she gave the last strength she had, time stood still everything silent until a wail breaks it. She gasped smirking tiredly, "A boy or girl?"
Esther smiles picking up the baby in the cloth, "A girl." The girl responds, "Let me hold her." desperately trying to raise her arms.
Esther hesitated. "Give her the child." Ayana warned. Ayana helped the girl sit up while Esther gently placing the baby in her arms. She smiled down as the baby stop crying with a yawn. The mother's eyes fought to stay open to take in the beautiful sight in this dark hour. "Welcome to the world little Marie..." With her last breath she fell back into Ayana's arms to put to rest. The baby started to whimper feeling the warmth and security touch of her mother starting to disappear.
Ayana cradle the child in her arms glancing at Esther wary, "She was the last of her family the boundary of the shelter would be broken." They listened to the eerie silence outside the door. Esther's eyes widen, "Take the child in your safety, her and the last descendent of the Petrova line. For I fear the last of the village will be feast upon in its final hour."
Ayana stared back at her, "Does Niklaus knows?" A fierce roar broke the silence turning savage.
"He is well aware of the curse..." Esther mused handing Ayana her amulet, "Go! This may indeed be the last time we shall see each other again, take care my friend."
Ayana raced out the back door cautious of the frenzy atmosphere, at a distance the fire still engulfs the Tree, maniacal chuckles carried through wind. A few surprised gasps ending with a gut trenching liquidity splash. She mutters a quick protection spell pacing to the shelter, left unharmed by the gold embers that flicker sparks. Knocking twice she moved over the boundary line into the musty room thankful the baby did not make a sound.
Esther stood in death's room peering down at the young woman who could not stand the chance to face the end of labor, only a few strong women can, Esther one of them. What destruction had I cause? Was it truly my wrongdoing for wanting my children to live forever? To be strong and healthy? She asked herself "Yes," the quiet voice whisper. Yes for she brought monsters, murderers merciless to anyone that crossed their path. If only she had known of the consequences of immortality, blood lust, she may had reconsider to try perfecting it, but only time would tell...
Esther knew the rage she would face as the door was kick down. Shards of wood flung across the room by the force too strong for it to hold. She calmly glance up meeting the black veined eyes, once laughing joyful blue.