ChosenOne: You're right. You caught me. It's all my fault. I blabbed to everyone about Keys. rolls eyes Yeah right! WE KNOW IT WAS YOU! Don't deny it you crazy nut! And, yes, falling out a tree is pretty funny.
Panda: gives you a cookie for being right Now, can Roxton save her? We will see!
E1stwin: Thanks! And I'm still waiting for your chapter…gives you a raised eyebrow And it may be awhile before I start another TLW fic, so that humor one you want may be a long ways away. However, in And the World Turns there are a few funny moments/one-liners. But I really wouldn't label it under humor. I don't know. I guess you'll just have to wait. Lol.
Taya: It's now Friday. Where's your chapter? Lol. Anyway, thank you so much for the sweet compliment. It's greatly appreciated.
Keys: It's a deal. Get her to write that next chapter or else! Anyway, yeah, I have a confession to make. clears throat nervously The truth is: X-files will always remain my biggest obsession. I'm not psychotic over it now, but you should've seen me when the show was still going. I was the biggest crazy fan. I was so obsessed it was sick.
Kat: Cliffhangers or – in this case – tree droppers are my precious trademark. Lol. I can't give it up! I'm hooked!
AK8: Thank you!
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Chapter Eleven
Bloodlines
She fought against the darkness, struggling to escape the icy, barren grasp of unconsciousness. Moaning as she returned from the wraps of slumber, she pried her eyes open and squinted against the harsh glare of sunlight seeping in through the window of the Zanga hut. She tilted her head to the side, gasping at the sharp pain that vibrated against her nerves.
"Easy, darling," a comforting thick and rich voice instructed as a warm hand caressed her cheek. "You've got a nasty bump and a few scraps, but you'll be just fine. Clarias patched you up good." He brought a cup to her lips. "Here, drink some water."
Marguerite complied, sipping at the lukewarm water.
"That's it, Marguerite." He drew back to place the cup on a table before leaning close enough to her she could feel the heat of his body and the graze of his breath. "You scared me to death, Marguerite. I woke up and saw you on the ground and you weren't moving, hardly breathing. What on earth were you doing that caused you to fall?"
"I saw him," she murmured, wincing as she struggled to hoist herself up. "Klor was there. He was taunting me and…and then he laughed…no, not laughed. He snickered into my ear and I lost my balance. I fell, but before I hit I saw him and these…these…phantoms were staring at me with these cold and empty eyes."
He eyed her oddly, taking in what she said with an air of doubt, but obvious concern. "Marguerite, I don't know. That sounds kind of…are you sure you saw what you did?"
"God, you still don't believe me! I. Saw. Him. He was there, John. And I think he's been following me for a while."
"But Marguerite…he's dead. Veronica killed him."
Marguerite sighed, grimacing as the pain in her head began to throb. "John, maybe he didn't die. Or maybe he is dead. I don't know. Maybe it's his ghost that's haunting me. Last night…those spirits that were with him weren't just in my head. They were real."
Roxton sighed. "With everything we've encountered on this bloody plateau I guess there's no denying this." He nodded, accepting her claims of the previous night. "What do you think he wants? Being dead, he can't need too many things."
Marguerite shrugged. "I don't know. It couldn't possibly be Lilly – not this time. Revenge. He's one damn twisted sorcerer and I bet he blames me for his death."
"But it was Veronica who killed him."
Marguerite groaned, getting irritated. "Maybe he's just infatuated with me." She closed her eyes, annoyed with the pounding in her head. She remained silent, allowing her thoughts to wander when suddenly she snapped up, gasping. "What if he's my father?"
"What? But he said you're father…"
"Was dead. I know. But, John, how could we believe anything Klor told us?" Marguerite shook her head, astonished. "It all makes sense now. It's how he knew I was the daughter of Abigail, but didn't know immediately that Veronica was. It's how he knew that only Lillian or I could free him from the City of Malia. It's why only Lillian or I could do it. Not only because we're the descendents of Abigail, but also his descendents. What if I am his daughter? It would explain why Abigail abandoned me."
Roxton shook his head fervently. "Abigail Layton would not have just abandoned you."
"Maybe she had no choice." Marguerite's face dawned with understanding. "That's it, John. Abigail got pregnant with me, banned Klor to Malia, and then fled to the outside world. There she gave me up, knowing that she couldn't raise me on the plateau because then Klor could get to me. So, she gives me away in order to protect me. And then meets Tom Layton. Falls madly in love. Returns to the plateau with him where they have Veronica."
Roxton sat back, drinking it all in. "It does make since. And even sounds plausible." He bent back over, stroking her face. "But if Klor is your father…what does he want?"
"I don't know." Marguerite peered off into the distance. "I just don't know."
End Chapter Eleven
Thanks for sticking it through with me! I have no idea how long this will end up being. Sorry if it's getting too lengthy. Bye for now!