Elizabeth waited for the car to wind its way up the driveway. She smiled as
she spotted little Daniel and Celeste patiently waiting for her out in
front of the house. She raised her hand to wave back at them when the blade
on her wrist began to hiss and heat up. The sight of Daniel and Celeste
quickly faded replaced with an image of Christian's conscious body chained
up in a dark, empty room.
The voice of the driver pulled Elizabeth out of her trance, "Are you all right, Miss?" She blinked away the haziness left by the vision and stared at the old man. "Take me back," she ordered. "What?" The driver exclaimed. "I said take me back, now!" She yelled at him, panic and fear lacing her voice.
Just as the driver was about to put the car into gear, the passenger door swung open. A child's voice rang out a "Boo," followed by tiny little hands, reaching up to grab the edge of Elizabeth's skirt. She bent down to pick up Daniel and hugged him to her. As she pulled back, Daniel began to playfully pat her face. Tears began to well in her eyes as she looked down at her Godson.
"So, are you going to come out of the car or will Daniel be forced to drag you out?" Celeste joked.
Elizabeth gave Daniel a kiss on the cheek and handed him over to his mother. Celeste reached down to grab her son. "Beth, what's wrong?' She worriedly asked. The amused expression on Celeste's face faded as she seen Elizabeth's panic stricken face.
Elizabeth swallowed the lump in her throat and said, "I don't have time to explain. I have to go." She reached out to squeeze Celeste's hand just before closing the door. "Go!" Elizabeth ordered and the car speedily ran down the driveway. Daniel pointed at the retreating car and looked at his mother questioningly. "Aunt Elizabeth will be back, Angel." Celeste forced a smile and kissed his cheek. She could sense something was wrong. It was the same feeling she had when she found out about Daniel's death. "Oh, God," she whispered.
"Celeste?"
"She whipped around to see Lazar standing there. "Lazar?" He smiled softly at her. Daniel, who had been squirming in her arms, happily reached out both arms. A not so subtle gesture that he wanted Lazar to carry him. The older man smiled as he reached for him, "Hello little one." The child squealed with delight as he pulled on Lazar's stingy blonde hair.
"Lazar, what is going on?" Celeste nervously demanded. Afraid of what he might tell her. He remained quiet but there was sadness in his eyes. Celeste began to shake her head, "No, no, no!" She yelled back. Tears already welling in her eyes. She turned around and ran back into the house. Rushed into the study, found the phone, and quickly dialed Christian's number but there was no answer. She hung up and tried again, nothing. "No!" she cried out as she slammed the receiver down. She braced her hands on top of the old desk; her head hanging low. "Please Lazar, please tell me," she begged.
"I am sorry, Celeste." Lazar sorrowfully replied.
Celeste's shoulders began to quiver and shake. Whimpering sounds filled the once silent room. Tears slid down from her face, landing in a pool on top of the desk. Sensing his mother's distress, Daniel fidgeted in Lazar's arms, wanting to be lowered to the floor. Daniel walked over to his mother and tugged on her skirt. Celeste looked down at her son and picked him up. Daniel leaned his body forward, rested his head on her shoulder, wrapped his arms around her neck, and clasped his tiny hands together.
Celeste hugged her son tightly, her hand cupping the back of his head. She turned around to face Lazar. "What about Beth?" Lazar lowered his head. Celeste's bottom lip began to quiver as more tears began to flow. Soon an angry scowl spread across her face, "At least tell me who is responsible, Lazar."
He sighed and raised his head, "You already know, Celeste. The same man that was responsible for your lover's death. Do not go seeking vengeance, my child. He will pay in due time. Justice will be served."
"Justice," she snickered at the word, "Whose justice, Lazar? What law will prosecute.him?" She spat out, not wanting to say his name.
"The Witchblade will see that he is punished, Celeste. This is out of your hands, my child. Do not go after him." Lazar moved closer to her and laid a hand on Daniel's back, "You have a son you must raise. You are all that he has left." Celeste's ire faded as she held her son in her arms, "He is all that I have, Lazar." Celeste closed her eyes, hugging Daniel closer.
~*~
"Wait here," Elizabeth ordered the driver. She hopped out of the car and rushed into the building. She ran up the stairs, to the apartment. Her heart sank when she noticed the front door ajar. She slowly made her way to the door but before going in, she looked down at the blade. It remained cold on her wrist, a clear sign that there was no danger.
Cautiously, she made her way inside. Evidence of a struggle was marked in its wake. The coffee table was toppled over and contents that were on it now scattered on the floor. Picture frames, glasses, and anything fragile all ruined. Elizabeth continued to survey the area. Pieces of glass crunched beneath her feet as she moved to the wall. Looking down she noticed drops of red liquid on the floor. Which she already knew to be blood but whose? She knelt down, stretching her arm out, collecting a drop of blood in her fingertips. The blade hissed, throwing Elizabeth into another vision.
She watched as the struggle silently played out in her vision. Two men came in, attacking Christian. However, they underestimated Christian's fighting skills and were no match for her skilled protector. He fought ferociously but in the end, he was not able to succeed. There was a third man Christian had not counted on being there. Elizabeth could not see the man's face only the gun he held in his hand.
The second blow to the face, rendered Christian unconscious. The third man, obviously the leader, ordered the other men to carry Christian out of the apartment. Then and only then, the image of the man's face was shown. Elizabeth gasped at the realization. She rushed back to the car and gave the driver the address. Without question, he put the car into gear and headed straight to Kenneth Irons' estate.
The ride did not take long and soon Elizabeth found herself standing in front of the mansion. 'He could be anywhere,' she thought. The balde glowed on her wrist and like some kind of homing device started leading Elizabeth around the estate. She was becoming restless as the blade guided her through door after door. Unaware that it was leading her into the dark bowels of the mansion. Elizabeth stopped in her tracks she knew she was getting closer as her stomach began to churn. A strong metallic odor of blood hung heavily in the air.Closing her eyes she swallowed the bile that was threatening to escape her mouth.
Her heart began to beat faster with every step she took, bringing her closer to the end of the hall. She did not know what to expect when she turned that last corner. Christian? Kenneth? Another door? Or perhaps death himself stood waiting for her. Her uncertainty did not hinder her movements. All she cared about was getting to Christian out of this horrible place and back safely in her arms.
Elizabeth cautiously turned the corner and sure enough at the end of the hall was another door. This time two large men were guarding it. Those same men she had seen in her vision, the very ones that attacked Christian. Both stood on either side of the door, their guns visible held in their hands.
They quickly raised and aimed their weapons upon spotting Elizabeth. The man on the right leaned over to mutter something to the other. Elizabeth could not hear what they were saying but the man on the left nodded his head. Steadying his aim on her while the other disappeared behind the door.
"Mr. Irons." The man's voice trailed off has he eyed Christian's body suspended in the middle of the room. Wrists encased in metal cuffs held up by chains. Blood poured down his body onto the already crimson stained concrete floor. Standing next to him was Irons, a whip held in his hands. The leather strands coated with blood. On the opposite side, a small table with more bloodied instruments that Irons had used to torture the young man. Christian's head hung low, and the slight rise and fall of the man's chest was the only indication that he was still alive. The man lowered his head, averting his eyes from the horrific image. He had always known how dangerous Kenneth Irons was but never had he thought just how malicious the man could be. "What is it, Victor?" Irons demanded, irritated with the interruption.
"She is here," he cleared his throat and spoke louder, "Ms. Bronte is here, Sir."
Kenneth smirked, fingering the damp whip, "Excellent, now go. You have your orders."
Victor nodded and exited the room. Kenneth tucked the end of the handle under Christian's chin, raising his head to meet his icy blue eyes. "Did you hear that, boy? The lovely Elizabeth has arrived."
"Lizzy," Christian called out her name in a whisper.
At that moment Elizabeth heard Christian's weak voice calling out to her. "Christian," she quietly cried out. The door opened and the same man stepped out. He spoke to his associate and turned his attention on Elizabeth. The man named Victor, still held his gun but did not bother to raise it against her. Instead, he started to speak, "It would be in your best interest Ms. Bronte if you would simply do as I ask and give me the bracelet. If you do not cooperate we have our orders to take it from you by any means necessary."
Elizabeth looked down at the Witchblade then back up at the man. She held out her arm and said, "If this is what you want come and get it." She taunted. The man contemplated for a moment. "I have no weapons if that is what you are afraid of. See," she slowly began to turn around, giving the men a clear view that she not was lying. "I am unarmed," she stated. Convinced, Victor cautiously walked over to her. He stood at arms length in front of her, in his right hand he held is gun.
"All right Ms. Bronte hand over the bracelet," he demanded. Elizabeth replied, sticking her arm out, leveling her fist with the man's face. "Take it," she said.
With his free hand, Victor reached up to grab the bracelet from her wrist but it would not budge. No matter how hard he tugged on it the bracelet remained in place. He eyed her confusingly, "What's the matter not strong enough?" Elizabeth mocked. He pursed her lips in agitation. Finally coming to a resolution he put his gun into the side holster attached to his belt. This time with both hands freed, he tried again. His brow furrowed when it would not move.
Elizabeth wickedly grinned as she willed the blade to form. The familiar sounds of metal clicking and snapping into place echoed in the hallway. The long jagged sword jutted out. Before Victor realized what was happening and react, the blade easily pierced through his face, the end of the blade protruding out the back of his head.
"Victor!" The other man yelled and began firing. With the blade still stuck in the man's head, Elizabeth ducked behind him, using his body for cover. With her left hand, she reached for the holstered gun and returned fire. Then suddenly wall was silent. Elizabeth recalled the blade, dropping the body onto the cold floor along with the empty gun from her hand. She hurriedly walked over to the door. She absently stepped over the dead body of the other guard. Blood oozing out from the three bullet wounds in the chest and the one in his forehead.
She reached for knob and turned, opening the door into a dark room. No doubt, the same room from her vision. And like in the vision, there was Christian, in the middle of the room, hanging from his wrist. Behind him was Kenneth, holding a dagger to Christian's throat. Tears began to well in her eyes, covering up the fear and anger that reflected there.
"Why are you doing this?!" Elizabeth exclaimed her voice laced with anger.
"Such a fiery temper, my dear. It was one of the main traits I loved about you."
She stepped forward only to stop as Kenneth pressed the edge of the dagger against Christian's throat. "I would advise you to stay where you are my dear or you will force me to do something drastic to your lover." Kenneth spat out those last words.
"Please, Kenneth, stop this now. Please, I'm begging you."
"Begging is unbecoming of you, Elizabeth." Kenneth smirked.
Elizabeth closed her eyes and tears began to spill from them. She took a deep breath, nearly retching from the smell of blood, before opening her eyes again. Finally swallowing down her pride she pleaded, "I will do anything you wish, Kenneth. But please just let Christian go." Seeing her beloved like this was tearing out her heart.
"Anything?" Kenneth repeated.
Elizabeth nodded her head, "Yes, anything. Just let him go, please."
"If I ask that you forsake Nottingham and return to me?"
Before she could say anything Christian protested, "No, Lizzy. Don't do this."
"Shut up, boy." Kenneth warned before delivering a blow to Christian's back.
The heavy chains rattled as Christian's body jerked from the blow. He clenched his jaw, refusing to let out a painful cry. Refusing to give Kenneth the satisfaction that he was in excruciating pain.
Elizabeth stepped forwards, her arm sticking out, "Yes! Yes, I will return to you if that is what you wish, Kenneth. But please just stop and let Christian go." She begged.
Kenneth tapped his finger against his pursed lips, thinking over Elizabeth's proposal. He turned his menacing stare at her, "I do not think so, Elizabeth. Why would I want a tainted whore such as yourself? Besides that is not what I really want, my dear." Elizabeth's eyes traveled down her arm, onto the blade. "I want what is rightfully mines. I want the Witchblade. Give me the blade and I will let your sweet Christian go." Kenneth bargained.
"Elizabeth, no!" Christian pleaded.
"I said shut up!" Kenneth yelled as he punched him on the side.
Elizabeth stared at the glowing stone, willing it to help her but It did nothing. She looked up at Christian's beaten body and made a decision. "You win, Kenneth," she said as she slipped the bracelet off her wrist and held it on her hand. The light from the stone faded, as it grew cold and lifeless. "You may have the it once you let him go," she negotiated.
"I told you boy, I've already won. Say good-bye to your lady love." Kenneth whispered into Christian's ear.
Kenneth turned his attention to watch Elizabeth's reaction as he moved the dagger in position to slit Christian's throat. "Of course, my dear. I will let your beloved go." He pulled Christian's head back, exposing his neck.
'I love you, Lizzy.' Christian mentally sends out a second before he felt the blade of the dagger slice through.
Time seemed to have slowed down as Elizabeth helplessly watched. "Nooo.." She screamed. Dropping the knife and grabbing the gun off the nearby table, Kenneth moved to the opposite of the wall. Tears streaming down her face, Elizabeth dropped the blade and rushed to Christian's lifeless body.
Kenneth flipped a switched and the chains began to rattle, lowering Christian's body. Elizabeth caught him in her arms before guiding his body, along with hers, down to the cold floor. Christian's upper body rested on her lap, her head lowered to his chest as she wept.
Kenneth walked over to where the blade landed and bent to retrieve it. He eyed the dormant bracelet, anxiously waiting to feel the rush of power coursing through his body. However, before he can claim that power as his, he needed to do away with someone else, the previous wielder of the Witchblade. He walked around to face Elizabeth who still cowered over Christian's dead body.
"You should have listened to me, Elizabeth, and stayed. Now it seems the blade has abandoned you at your most darkest hour." He mocked while holding onto the bracelet.
Elizabeth sobered up and raised her head to stare up at him. "You are foolish to think the blade will chose you. You will never win, Irons." She spat out.
"Interesting, that is exactly what Nottingham said and I will tell you the same. I have already won. Good-bye, Elizabeth. Kenneth raised is weapon, aimed and fired.
The voice of the driver pulled Elizabeth out of her trance, "Are you all right, Miss?" She blinked away the haziness left by the vision and stared at the old man. "Take me back," she ordered. "What?" The driver exclaimed. "I said take me back, now!" She yelled at him, panic and fear lacing her voice.
Just as the driver was about to put the car into gear, the passenger door swung open. A child's voice rang out a "Boo," followed by tiny little hands, reaching up to grab the edge of Elizabeth's skirt. She bent down to pick up Daniel and hugged him to her. As she pulled back, Daniel began to playfully pat her face. Tears began to well in her eyes as she looked down at her Godson.
"So, are you going to come out of the car or will Daniel be forced to drag you out?" Celeste joked.
Elizabeth gave Daniel a kiss on the cheek and handed him over to his mother. Celeste reached down to grab her son. "Beth, what's wrong?' She worriedly asked. The amused expression on Celeste's face faded as she seen Elizabeth's panic stricken face.
Elizabeth swallowed the lump in her throat and said, "I don't have time to explain. I have to go." She reached out to squeeze Celeste's hand just before closing the door. "Go!" Elizabeth ordered and the car speedily ran down the driveway. Daniel pointed at the retreating car and looked at his mother questioningly. "Aunt Elizabeth will be back, Angel." Celeste forced a smile and kissed his cheek. She could sense something was wrong. It was the same feeling she had when she found out about Daniel's death. "Oh, God," she whispered.
"Celeste?"
"She whipped around to see Lazar standing there. "Lazar?" He smiled softly at her. Daniel, who had been squirming in her arms, happily reached out both arms. A not so subtle gesture that he wanted Lazar to carry him. The older man smiled as he reached for him, "Hello little one." The child squealed with delight as he pulled on Lazar's stingy blonde hair.
"Lazar, what is going on?" Celeste nervously demanded. Afraid of what he might tell her. He remained quiet but there was sadness in his eyes. Celeste began to shake her head, "No, no, no!" She yelled back. Tears already welling in her eyes. She turned around and ran back into the house. Rushed into the study, found the phone, and quickly dialed Christian's number but there was no answer. She hung up and tried again, nothing. "No!" she cried out as she slammed the receiver down. She braced her hands on top of the old desk; her head hanging low. "Please Lazar, please tell me," she begged.
"I am sorry, Celeste." Lazar sorrowfully replied.
Celeste's shoulders began to quiver and shake. Whimpering sounds filled the once silent room. Tears slid down from her face, landing in a pool on top of the desk. Sensing his mother's distress, Daniel fidgeted in Lazar's arms, wanting to be lowered to the floor. Daniel walked over to his mother and tugged on her skirt. Celeste looked down at her son and picked him up. Daniel leaned his body forward, rested his head on her shoulder, wrapped his arms around her neck, and clasped his tiny hands together.
Celeste hugged her son tightly, her hand cupping the back of his head. She turned around to face Lazar. "What about Beth?" Lazar lowered his head. Celeste's bottom lip began to quiver as more tears began to flow. Soon an angry scowl spread across her face, "At least tell me who is responsible, Lazar."
He sighed and raised his head, "You already know, Celeste. The same man that was responsible for your lover's death. Do not go seeking vengeance, my child. He will pay in due time. Justice will be served."
"Justice," she snickered at the word, "Whose justice, Lazar? What law will prosecute.him?" She spat out, not wanting to say his name.
"The Witchblade will see that he is punished, Celeste. This is out of your hands, my child. Do not go after him." Lazar moved closer to her and laid a hand on Daniel's back, "You have a son you must raise. You are all that he has left." Celeste's ire faded as she held her son in her arms, "He is all that I have, Lazar." Celeste closed her eyes, hugging Daniel closer.
~*~
"Wait here," Elizabeth ordered the driver. She hopped out of the car and rushed into the building. She ran up the stairs, to the apartment. Her heart sank when she noticed the front door ajar. She slowly made her way to the door but before going in, she looked down at the blade. It remained cold on her wrist, a clear sign that there was no danger.
Cautiously, she made her way inside. Evidence of a struggle was marked in its wake. The coffee table was toppled over and contents that were on it now scattered on the floor. Picture frames, glasses, and anything fragile all ruined. Elizabeth continued to survey the area. Pieces of glass crunched beneath her feet as she moved to the wall. Looking down she noticed drops of red liquid on the floor. Which she already knew to be blood but whose? She knelt down, stretching her arm out, collecting a drop of blood in her fingertips. The blade hissed, throwing Elizabeth into another vision.
She watched as the struggle silently played out in her vision. Two men came in, attacking Christian. However, they underestimated Christian's fighting skills and were no match for her skilled protector. He fought ferociously but in the end, he was not able to succeed. There was a third man Christian had not counted on being there. Elizabeth could not see the man's face only the gun he held in his hand.
The second blow to the face, rendered Christian unconscious. The third man, obviously the leader, ordered the other men to carry Christian out of the apartment. Then and only then, the image of the man's face was shown. Elizabeth gasped at the realization. She rushed back to the car and gave the driver the address. Without question, he put the car into gear and headed straight to Kenneth Irons' estate.
The ride did not take long and soon Elizabeth found herself standing in front of the mansion. 'He could be anywhere,' she thought. The balde glowed on her wrist and like some kind of homing device started leading Elizabeth around the estate. She was becoming restless as the blade guided her through door after door. Unaware that it was leading her into the dark bowels of the mansion. Elizabeth stopped in her tracks she knew she was getting closer as her stomach began to churn. A strong metallic odor of blood hung heavily in the air.Closing her eyes she swallowed the bile that was threatening to escape her mouth.
Her heart began to beat faster with every step she took, bringing her closer to the end of the hall. She did not know what to expect when she turned that last corner. Christian? Kenneth? Another door? Or perhaps death himself stood waiting for her. Her uncertainty did not hinder her movements. All she cared about was getting to Christian out of this horrible place and back safely in her arms.
Elizabeth cautiously turned the corner and sure enough at the end of the hall was another door. This time two large men were guarding it. Those same men she had seen in her vision, the very ones that attacked Christian. Both stood on either side of the door, their guns visible held in their hands.
They quickly raised and aimed their weapons upon spotting Elizabeth. The man on the right leaned over to mutter something to the other. Elizabeth could not hear what they were saying but the man on the left nodded his head. Steadying his aim on her while the other disappeared behind the door.
"Mr. Irons." The man's voice trailed off has he eyed Christian's body suspended in the middle of the room. Wrists encased in metal cuffs held up by chains. Blood poured down his body onto the already crimson stained concrete floor. Standing next to him was Irons, a whip held in his hands. The leather strands coated with blood. On the opposite side, a small table with more bloodied instruments that Irons had used to torture the young man. Christian's head hung low, and the slight rise and fall of the man's chest was the only indication that he was still alive. The man lowered his head, averting his eyes from the horrific image. He had always known how dangerous Kenneth Irons was but never had he thought just how malicious the man could be. "What is it, Victor?" Irons demanded, irritated with the interruption.
"She is here," he cleared his throat and spoke louder, "Ms. Bronte is here, Sir."
Kenneth smirked, fingering the damp whip, "Excellent, now go. You have your orders."
Victor nodded and exited the room. Kenneth tucked the end of the handle under Christian's chin, raising his head to meet his icy blue eyes. "Did you hear that, boy? The lovely Elizabeth has arrived."
"Lizzy," Christian called out her name in a whisper.
At that moment Elizabeth heard Christian's weak voice calling out to her. "Christian," she quietly cried out. The door opened and the same man stepped out. He spoke to his associate and turned his attention on Elizabeth. The man named Victor, still held his gun but did not bother to raise it against her. Instead, he started to speak, "It would be in your best interest Ms. Bronte if you would simply do as I ask and give me the bracelet. If you do not cooperate we have our orders to take it from you by any means necessary."
Elizabeth looked down at the Witchblade then back up at the man. She held out her arm and said, "If this is what you want come and get it." She taunted. The man contemplated for a moment. "I have no weapons if that is what you are afraid of. See," she slowly began to turn around, giving the men a clear view that she not was lying. "I am unarmed," she stated. Convinced, Victor cautiously walked over to her. He stood at arms length in front of her, in his right hand he held is gun.
"All right Ms. Bronte hand over the bracelet," he demanded. Elizabeth replied, sticking her arm out, leveling her fist with the man's face. "Take it," she said.
With his free hand, Victor reached up to grab the bracelet from her wrist but it would not budge. No matter how hard he tugged on it the bracelet remained in place. He eyed her confusingly, "What's the matter not strong enough?" Elizabeth mocked. He pursed her lips in agitation. Finally coming to a resolution he put his gun into the side holster attached to his belt. This time with both hands freed, he tried again. His brow furrowed when it would not move.
Elizabeth wickedly grinned as she willed the blade to form. The familiar sounds of metal clicking and snapping into place echoed in the hallway. The long jagged sword jutted out. Before Victor realized what was happening and react, the blade easily pierced through his face, the end of the blade protruding out the back of his head.
"Victor!" The other man yelled and began firing. With the blade still stuck in the man's head, Elizabeth ducked behind him, using his body for cover. With her left hand, she reached for the holstered gun and returned fire. Then suddenly wall was silent. Elizabeth recalled the blade, dropping the body onto the cold floor along with the empty gun from her hand. She hurriedly walked over to the door. She absently stepped over the dead body of the other guard. Blood oozing out from the three bullet wounds in the chest and the one in his forehead.
She reached for knob and turned, opening the door into a dark room. No doubt, the same room from her vision. And like in the vision, there was Christian, in the middle of the room, hanging from his wrist. Behind him was Kenneth, holding a dagger to Christian's throat. Tears began to well in her eyes, covering up the fear and anger that reflected there.
"Why are you doing this?!" Elizabeth exclaimed her voice laced with anger.
"Such a fiery temper, my dear. It was one of the main traits I loved about you."
She stepped forward only to stop as Kenneth pressed the edge of the dagger against Christian's throat. "I would advise you to stay where you are my dear or you will force me to do something drastic to your lover." Kenneth spat out those last words.
"Please, Kenneth, stop this now. Please, I'm begging you."
"Begging is unbecoming of you, Elizabeth." Kenneth smirked.
Elizabeth closed her eyes and tears began to spill from them. She took a deep breath, nearly retching from the smell of blood, before opening her eyes again. Finally swallowing down her pride she pleaded, "I will do anything you wish, Kenneth. But please just let Christian go." Seeing her beloved like this was tearing out her heart.
"Anything?" Kenneth repeated.
Elizabeth nodded her head, "Yes, anything. Just let him go, please."
"If I ask that you forsake Nottingham and return to me?"
Before she could say anything Christian protested, "No, Lizzy. Don't do this."
"Shut up, boy." Kenneth warned before delivering a blow to Christian's back.
The heavy chains rattled as Christian's body jerked from the blow. He clenched his jaw, refusing to let out a painful cry. Refusing to give Kenneth the satisfaction that he was in excruciating pain.
Elizabeth stepped forwards, her arm sticking out, "Yes! Yes, I will return to you if that is what you wish, Kenneth. But please just stop and let Christian go." She begged.
Kenneth tapped his finger against his pursed lips, thinking over Elizabeth's proposal. He turned his menacing stare at her, "I do not think so, Elizabeth. Why would I want a tainted whore such as yourself? Besides that is not what I really want, my dear." Elizabeth's eyes traveled down her arm, onto the blade. "I want what is rightfully mines. I want the Witchblade. Give me the blade and I will let your sweet Christian go." Kenneth bargained.
"Elizabeth, no!" Christian pleaded.
"I said shut up!" Kenneth yelled as he punched him on the side.
Elizabeth stared at the glowing stone, willing it to help her but It did nothing. She looked up at Christian's beaten body and made a decision. "You win, Kenneth," she said as she slipped the bracelet off her wrist and held it on her hand. The light from the stone faded, as it grew cold and lifeless. "You may have the it once you let him go," she negotiated.
"I told you boy, I've already won. Say good-bye to your lady love." Kenneth whispered into Christian's ear.
Kenneth turned his attention to watch Elizabeth's reaction as he moved the dagger in position to slit Christian's throat. "Of course, my dear. I will let your beloved go." He pulled Christian's head back, exposing his neck.
'I love you, Lizzy.' Christian mentally sends out a second before he felt the blade of the dagger slice through.
Time seemed to have slowed down as Elizabeth helplessly watched. "Nooo.." She screamed. Dropping the knife and grabbing the gun off the nearby table, Kenneth moved to the opposite of the wall. Tears streaming down her face, Elizabeth dropped the blade and rushed to Christian's lifeless body.
Kenneth flipped a switched and the chains began to rattle, lowering Christian's body. Elizabeth caught him in her arms before guiding his body, along with hers, down to the cold floor. Christian's upper body rested on her lap, her head lowered to his chest as she wept.
Kenneth walked over to where the blade landed and bent to retrieve it. He eyed the dormant bracelet, anxiously waiting to feel the rush of power coursing through his body. However, before he can claim that power as his, he needed to do away with someone else, the previous wielder of the Witchblade. He walked around to face Elizabeth who still cowered over Christian's dead body.
"You should have listened to me, Elizabeth, and stayed. Now it seems the blade has abandoned you at your most darkest hour." He mocked while holding onto the bracelet.
Elizabeth sobered up and raised her head to stare up at him. "You are foolish to think the blade will chose you. You will never win, Irons." She spat out.
"Interesting, that is exactly what Nottingham said and I will tell you the same. I have already won. Good-bye, Elizabeth. Kenneth raised is weapon, aimed and fired.