21: Victory and Loss

Marigold

I was very aware of sounds surrounding me. I was aware of an unnatural coldness to the left of me, and an unnatural breeze sailing around. But I could barely move. It was like my whole body weighed ten tons. More than ten.

There were growling sounds, and the sound of rocks being ripped to shreds. I could feel trickles of blood hit me occasionally, a gory, uncomfortable thought.

Oh, God, is Embry fighting my enemy?

I tried to get up. It was hard, but somehow I managed, and their fight ended to look at me. I saw the pale, ugly face of the vampirin leader, the beautiful faces of Edward, Emmett, Jasper, and Alice, and the most magnificent face of my Embry, who was a human and gasping for breath. I saw blood trickle down his body from already-healed cuts.

"Ah, my dear Marigold," the leader hissed. Somehow, I could tell that was the most pleasant his voice would allow.

"Ute," I hissed back, using the ancient Mahkcep name. In English, his name meant Death.

"Ah, Youngflame, I see, has taught you my name."

"Yup."

Embry was wide eyed, as was everyone else, at my sudden life. Jasper looked well over alarmed. Collin, Brady, and Quil were standing in front of the imprints and Mai.

"Then, I guess, you know how I defeated dear Youngflame, inside?"

"Yes, I know your method. It is not new to me, not now. You may have lost that fight, but you destroyed my sweet sister. But you will not destroy me."

"We'll see about that," Ute hissed, disappearing and reappearing behind Embry. I didn't give him a reaction. He would want that.

"What-" Embry started before Ute made a slash on his throat, in the same area that he slashed Wolftongue's. I didn't even wince. Not even when a pale blue liquid seeped out of the wound.

"I love you, Embry," I smirked, just as Ute took a sip of his soul. Ute cringed away.

"Huh?" Embry looked around quickly, backing away and holding his neck.

I'd been expecting this. Back then, when Ute used Wolftongue against Youngflame, there were no thoughts of love. Only panic and pain.

What kept Death in the shadow was love. Everyone loved something. And then, at death, your love wisps away as you fall into blissful forgetfulness. And Death will claim you.

I walked alongside Embry, now, twisting my arm around his and holding his hand tight.

"I love you, Embry," I whispered. I felt the markings on my face and arm burn. The heat seemed to travel down my arm and up his.

"I love you, Marigold," Embry whispered back, catching on. He gasped. I looked up.

Gold was snaking up his arm, swirling and spiralling into the markings. Only a strand made it to his face, curling around his eye.

"You cannot use my love against me," I growled at Ute, whose eyes widened.

"Impossible," Ute gasped, backing away.

"Possible," I argued, pulling Embry with me for our final attacks.

Embry let go of my hand. I panicked for a second. What if the magic dies as soon as he let go?

To my surprise, the markings still stood etched into his skin. Embry phased, and his grey fur contrasted with the bright gold. Ute dodged his attacks, but not easily. I turned around.

"Quickly! Everyone! Take my hand!"

They complied. I felt the gold snake themselves around everybody's arms, and I Claimed their souls and love.

We turned to destroy Ute.

And I felt sorry for him.

AN: Yay! Love conquers all!