The myth of my powers is an old tale passed on from the generations of my family. The Norse Goddess Freya blessed my ancestor. Saving her life and asking for her loyalty in return. It seems like a wondrous tale full of magic and mystery. But now I wish my ancestor had been a braver soul. Choosing death rather then the curse I am now burdened with.

1940

Two years have passed since I was taken from my home and caused its destruction. I now live the mansion owned by Schmidt, much to his annoyance Hitler still refused to give him the proper funding for his Hydra research. So here it was we stayed till Schmidt could gain Hitler's favor as well as financial support. Two years…with a sigh I lower the book I had been trying to read for the last few hours onto my lap. It was a historical reference about the ancient Nordic gods a fascinating subject. But my mind would wander and my eyes focused on a single word printed to the page. I turned my gaze to the outside the sun shown through the trees on the estate. Large oaks with wide spread branches each covered in leaves all rustling in the late afternoon breeze. I noticed my reflection in the window glass and glared. The reflection mirrored me two dark eyebrows pulled together over two blue eyes, pale skin shinning in the suns rays. Dark curled red hair, when it wasn't up it would reach just past my shoulders. In the few years I had been under Schmidt's control I had grown my body filling out in places where I had been thin. I now wore the form fitting dresses that women in magazines wore. My lips were fuller now I could easily call myself pretty. But I was not a stunning beauty that would stop men in their tracks as they walked down the street.

"Klara?" I jumped a little the book falling from my lap as I turned to see Schmidt watching me. He moved so silently…it was unnerving.

"Y—Yes Herr Schmidt?" I stood moving to pick up the book but he reached it first grabbing the book by its spine holding it out to me. I reached out taking it eyes focused on the book managing out a soft, 'thank you'. He watched me with his dark eyes it took all the will power in me to not shiver as I felt his eyes taking me in. After two years one would think I would be used to him…but I don't think I ever will be. Two years and he acts like a friend to me, even though he murdered my village.

"I wish to take you with me on a little visit." I finally manage to look into his eyes and nod. His smile is sickly sweet as he reaches out brushing his fingers over my cheek.
"Do not worry; pack a few things and we shall be off." With another quick nod I clutch the book to my chest and brush past him.

"Wait." I stiffen as he takes my arm; his grip loosens then his hand travels up my arm to the loose curls of my hair where he wraps a single strand around his finger. I can feel him press close to me and for a moment I want to scream pull away. But it will only anger him.

"Bring something nice." His lips brush along the shell of my ear and I jolt away he releases my hair thankfully so nothing is pulled out but even as I leave I could still feel the sensation of his lips on my ear.

It was nice to leave the mansion and smell fresh air once again. I leaned my head back letting the wind play freely with my locks of hair, I didn't care how I looked to Schmidt I liked feeling the rushing wind around me the freedom I could get.

"Klara." I opened my eyes lifting my head back up to glance over to Schmidt as her drove.

"Yes?" I finally asked when he didn't speak, more focused on driving then if I was paying attention.

"We are going to meet a…colleague of mine, he wishes for you to stay with him for a few days." When he paused in describing the person of interest I knew this man was not his friend, or any thing close. Schmidt wanted information, and he was going to use me to get it. With some semblance of hope at the thought this colleague might help me I nodded. We entered a tree lined driveway ending with a large house similar to Schmidt's but not as grand. Schmidt parked and got out; I grabbed my bag opening the door I slipped out. I followed behind Schmidt as he strode ever confidently to the door and knocked. I stood behind him bag clasped in front of me. The door shifted open and a young looking women peered up at Schmidt she looked frightened by his presence. Then again who wouldn't be? She cleared her throat after a few tense moments of silence.

"I will go retrieve the Doctor." She opened the door further allowing us entrance into the house, before closing it. With a short bow she turned heels clacking against the marble floor. The sound of her heels died away as she walked farther into the house. Leaving Schmidt and I alone, he turned meeting my gaze we took my hand in his. Pulling me close his voice is low, almost guttural as he speaks.

"The good doctor will be kind to you during your stay…Do. Not. Disappoint me." With his threat said he releases me and with a quick pace opens the door and is gone. The only sound after his departure is the sound of the car starting up and driving away. I stand alone for a few more minutes tempted to run. Schmidt is gone I could get far. It's a foolish idea though I wouldn't get past the border much less find sanctuary in surrounding countries. Hitler has already invaded Poland. I would be caught in a matter of days. With those bleak thoughts in mind I heard the sound of approaching footsteps. I glance up seeing and elderly man approaching he is balding wire glasses perched on the tip of his nose. Brown eyes take me in but not in the controlling way Schmidt stares at me. Rather just a curious glance.

"Good afternoon." He smiled then stopping a few feet before me. I nod my head in greeting and he chuckles.

"I do not know if Herr Schmidt told you my name but I am Doctor Abraham Erskine." Once again my answer is a nod, he sighs.

"May I ask your name?" My grip tightens on the handle of my bag, he seemed…kind. Maybe he could help?

"Klara—" He leaned forward cupping a hand around his ear.

"I'm sorry I couldn't hear." I smiled a little holding back a laugh.

"My name is Klara." He leaned back a smile, a true smile graced his face and I knew this man would be kind to me. A welcome change from Schmidt.

"A beautiful name Klara." He offered me his arm with a smile and I took it.

"Now let us go to your rooms." I nodded reaching out hesitating but I placed my hand upon his arm and we walked to the stairs. Reaching the top we made a right turn and walked into a hallway the walls were bare besides the lights. Doctor Erskine noticed my wander gaze and smiled.

"I recently moved my studies here…as requested by the Führer." The way he spoke the title of Hitler seemed almost hostile. But I couldn't be sure and I didn't press the matter. We stopped at a plain door the wood was polished and shined and the doorknob made of brass. Doctor Erskine opened it and ushered me in. I stood for a moment stunned it was simple a large room with a king sized bed curtains handing from rods placed over the bed large bay windows to the west over looking the lands. A bathroom was attached to the room in it I could see a large bath tub, a sink, and toilet. The rooms color theme seemed to be a blue the curtains, sheets and the carpet all-varying shades.

"So what do you think?" I turned smiling for once it wasn't forced or hesitant.

"It's wonderful. Thank you Doctor." He smiled nodding, turning to leave he stopped turning back.

"Oh and dinner is at four." I nodded and with that he left me to get ready.

I walked down the steps slowly hand holding the banister as I descended. I had placed my hair up into a neat bun some of my hair left out to frame my face. A dark shade of red lipstick painted onto my lips and some mascara for my eye lashes. The all to compliment the dress I wore, a dark crimson colored dress, tight cut so that it hugged my body in every place, my hips and bust. I hated that I had to wear Schmidt's gift but it was one of the only good looking articles of clothing I had brought. Doctor Erskine stood at the bottom of the stairs and he smiled as I reached him offering his arm once again.

"You look lovely my dear." I smiled nodding taking his arm and allowing him to lead. We reached the dining room, formal one that should be in a film real with the large windows displaying the scenery perfectly in the background. Doctor Erskine led me to one chair I released his arm and he pulled the chair out and the forward once I had sat down.

"Ah, there we are." He stated finally as he sat to my right. Fine china sets had been laid out at both of our sides and now we waited for the meal to beginning. It was silent for a time, but not an uncomfortable silence. More like one where two people were fine with not speaking for a moment just letting the air settle.

"So, Klara I am sure you are wondering about why you are here. Yes?" I fidgeted with my hand in my lap as he addressed me but I looked up nodding.

"Well yes…Herr Schmidt did not elaborate on what I would be doing here."

"He does not see like the type." I shook my head.

"Ja, well I asked for you to stay her because, I have been working on something…a serum that could possibly win this war." My face went slack with shock; he couldn't be serious, could he?

"Then…why do you need me?" I asked breaking the silence between us. He laughed humorlessly before his gaze met mine.

"I wanted someone close to Schmidt here. To tell me if it is the right thing for me to do, to give him the serum."

"No." I tensed at my sudden outburst I had stood up pushing the chair back the legs groaning against the marble floor as it scooted back. Doctor Erskine looked shocked at my outburst as well but he reached out taking my shaking hand.

"Klara—"

"I will not lie to you Doctor. Schmidt is a monster, the only reason I am in that man's close company is because I have nowhere else to go. H—He killed my friends…my family." I hadn't realized it but my voice quivered as tears spilled from my eyes, I just knew I had to release everything.

"I am now his prisoner." My knees gave way and I collapsed back into my chair every part of my body shaking as I tried to calm my hiccupping breathes. Wiping at the tears on my cheeks with my free hand. Suddenly Doctor Erskine was beside me one hand holding mine the other reaching out and cupping my face so I could look to him.

"Why does he keep you Klara?" I bit my lip sniffling.

"I can't tell you—"

"Whatever it is Klara, I will understand." I sniff once again wiping the tears again and again.

"I—it's something I can't explain." He nods moving back a bit.

"A demonstration maybe?" He asks but there is a notice there, I don't have to show him my power. He knows Schmidt is keeping me prisoner for more then just my pretty face. I look up to see his housemaid entering with out drinks, and taking a shaky breath I hum out a made up tune. The maid stiffens for a moment doing nothing till I begin thinking about a dance my father once taught me. Like a puppet her movements are jerky and unsure, like my thoughts till I grow in confidence and her moves become more fluid and graceful. Once over I cut of the dance and the maid collapses to the floor Doctor Erskine moves to go see if she is all right. She shoots up shouting something in Latin before crossing herself to leave the room. I wince and hang my head again.

"I am a monster…" Doctor Erskine's hands cup my face lifting my head to look up at him.

"Klara you have a gift." I shake my head tears threatening to spill once more.

"Come we will eat. Speak more of this during your stay here but for now. I would like to have my dinner." I smiled weakly, nodding. The dinner was nice, we spoke of many things his old home is Augsburg and my village. We looked at the good parts of the past. For now ignoring the black shadow staining the future.

The next few days were perfect Doctor Erskine was kind and he spoke to me about many things. His education where he grew up what he had wanted to do with his research, how he had lost much during the Great War. But he never lost hope that someday his serum would help. In return I told him about my life, the mythical properties behind my powers how only I received the gift. How I had been able to hide it for so long. We talked of our families and what we planned for our future. His home was quiet and safe I spent most of my time in the large library while he worked. Or sometimes we would take long walks outside talking about the birds the sky the stars, anything we could think of. For the first time in a long time I was happy…but once again my world was to be broken.

On the third morning of my visit I was awoken by a sudden weight on my bed, I blinked open my eyes thinking it was Doctor Erskine. I rubbed my eyes yawning while I spoke,

"Did I sleep in again?"

"No it's actually rather early." I froze every part of me filling with fear. I pulled my hands away from my eyes to find Schmidt there. His eyes were cold, angry.

"I see someone has lost track of time." I winced, whimpering out a pathetic apology.

"Where is the good Doctor?" I shook my head gripping the covers, his hand lashed out grabbing my arm in a brute force I cried out in both surprise and pain. He dragged me to him so that I had to place my other hand on his shoulder to steady myself. Our faces so close the tips of our noses touched.

"I—I don't know—"

"I am right here Herr Schmidt." Schmidt turned to the Doctor releasing my arm. I scrambled back holding my arm rubbing the skin there to ease the ache.

"Have you changed your mind?" Doctor Erskine shook his head gazing firmly to Schmidt.

"No I will not give you the serum, you will destroy the world if I did." Schmidt growled softly and turned his attention to me once again. Grabbing my wrist and as he stood pulled me stumbling from the bed. Pulling his gun from its holster he pressed the barrel against my temple. I felt my knees shake threatening to give out.

"Do it or she dies." Doctor Erskine's eyes were wide and I could see fear in them now, all confidence gone as he looked between Schmidt and I. His eyes finally meeting mine silently asking if he really would kill me, I knew without a doubt Schmidt wouldn't hesitate to place a bullet in my skull. I closed my eyes awaiting the click of a trigger and bang of the gun, but it never came.

"Alright! I will give it to…but it's not ready—" I wanted to cry out in anger and relief, but I remained silent my lip quivering as we all stood there.

"I don't care now show me!" I flinched as Schmidt's grip grew tighter my wrist ached but I didn't resist as Schmidt pulled me along gun still firmly in his hand as we followed the Doctor to his lab. Schmidt released me finally as Doctor Erskine revealed the vials filled with blue liquid I took my aching wrist holding it close to me as Doctor Erskine rushed over to me, Schmidt forgotten for a moment.

"Klara are you alright." I shook my head rubbing my red wrist.

"Excellent." My attention returned to Schmidt as a glee filled smile broke out over his face he had removed one of the vials from its holder and placed the vial into a syringe. I pressed back against the wall, fear filling me and as I glanced to Doctor Erskine he seemed to be very afraid as well. Schmidt ignoring both of us for a moment lay down on the examination table finding a vein in his arm quickly injected himself. The blue liquid disappeared into his body and for a moment nothing happened and I almost relaxed thinking maybe the vials were fakes and nothing would happen. But Schmidt's face contorted into pain he gritted his teeth for a moment then his body seized his hand clenched and unclenched as his body thrashed the syringe falling to the floor and shattered. Finally he began to scream and it was horrid as if someone was tormenting him in every way possible Schmidt arched up eyes wide. I rushed forward grabbing him trying to stop him from falling and injuring himself even further.

"Herr Schmidt! Calm down!" I winced as his screams did not die down nor did his thrashing, Doctor Erskine had run over now as well and held down Schmidt's legs. Schmidt thrashed like this for sometime, though it felt like hours must have only been minutes as finally his struggles subsided and his body went limp. I pulled away glancing to Doctor Erskine struggling to control my panting. I turned to see if Schmidt was unconscious and I screamed. Doctor Erskine looked as well and cursed softly, I held a hand over my mouth as I started at Schmidt's face. The skin had melted away…or at least that was what seemed to have happened. Leaving a harsh defined brow over his closed eyes and a hole where his nose should have been. His skin was now a bright red…I looked away shaking my head.

"Oh God…" I whispered pulling back from the table.

"My god…" He whispered, then sighed hanging his head. " I told him the serum was not ready yet…" I stayed silent and approached Schmidt's body, leaning down I placed my ear on his chest, his lungs filled with breath and his heart was steadily beating, I sighed softly and lifted my head looking to the doctor.

"You must go…"

"Why?" I looked to Schmidt and then to the Professor.

"He will be angered once he awakes believing you tried to poison him…I will stay and make sure he is alright."

"No he will only take out his anger upon you!" I smiled and looked to him.

"Better me then you—"

"No come with me we shall call someone to come find him, and we will have left by then—"

"Schmidt will find us…he would find us before we had the chance to get across Germany's border." The Professor seemed like he wished to reply but he stopped and considered my warning.

"If I stay he will forget about you…long enough that you will mostly likely make it to England then you must go America and get help from them." He nodded and walked over to me embracing me tightly.

"I will help you as soon as I can." I nodded tears spilling over my eye lids and I tried to smile though it was beyond my control as the tears fell, He hugged me again hushing me and whispering promises that he would help bring an army to free me, that I could be happy again. I prayed he was right and that I could finally be free and happy…it was a dream I could cling to something to believe in. I pushed him away ten and sighed, looking to him.

"You need to leave I am not sure when he will wake…" He nodded and ran out of the room I heard a few things shift and drop and then I heard the large door open and close…he was gone and safe, and now I was alone with a man that now looked like his true self. I sighed standing and going out finding the kitchen I grabbed a bowl and two towel's I filled the bowl with cool water and slowly I walked back to Schmidt's body, I grabbed a chair placing the bowl on a near by table I dipped one towel in and began to pad Schmidt's face, his skin was hot to the touch and I feared he may have a fever. I dabbed his forehead for what seemed like hours and I found myself worrying that he would not wake…Night had begun to fall as the sun set in the west, I watched I had gone back a forth to the kitchen and Schmidt's side with fresh cool water and kept dabbing his skin, I stayed silent and hopped that he would at least not suffer if he did pass. I turned about to leave to get more water when his hand shot up grabbing my wrist, I screamed in surprise he grunted in pain. I froze as the water spilled on the floor.

"What…happened?" He asked his voice hollow and hoarse, from his screams.

"The serum…knocked you out."

"The Doctor?" He opened his eyes to look at me I spoke softly.

"He…He escaped after knocking me out." Schmidt seemed satisfied with my answer.

"Well we will have to find him then…but first I believe we must tell the Fuhrer of my latest success…." I nodded as he slowly got up and turned looking to me, smiling softly.

"My Siren…" I held back a whimper of fear, he had never called me that before…But as my gaze met his I saw dark intent there.

"You kept me safe, for that…" He pulled me to him lips pressing against my cheek. I froze my heart stopped beating and my lungs refused to take in more air. His skin was unnaturally smooth and it was burning hot against my own. His lips traveling along my skin pressing kisses to each inch till her reached my ear, and in a low voice he spoke.

"You should be rewarded."