C8 Chapter 2: Barter Deal

“I want to make you an offer,” Elizabeth announces in a calm voice as she stands before us and her wings have disappeared again. I cross my arms with suspicion and from the corner of my eye I can see that the others are doing the same.

“Another offer?” I ask skeptically and raise my eyebrows. We all know how well that worked last time.

I’m tired of losing people I love. I want this to stop! Poor Ling … I just can’t get her happy face and laughter out of my head.

“Yes, indeed, Abigail. Since you did not abide by the terms of the last offer, I am forced to make a change.” That’s when Corvus lands next to her. Immediately my heart beats louder and my breath stops. Just don’t show any weakness now! He avoids my eyes and looks at the ground.

Wilbur steps forward: “Speak out! What kind of an offer is that?”

“You and your Inquisitors are still interfering! That will change. Besides, how dumb do you think I am?” She takes a look at Corvus; I have a bad feeling. “I know, my dear Cornelius, that you do not really love me.” Elizabeth speaks in a calm voice, but something is wrong.

“So what do you want?” I demand again. I don’t want this to get out of hand like it did in the gym when she … No! I can’t even think back to that horrible scene. Besides, thanks to my little time travel, it never happened that way.

“I give you all a chance: peace for everyone!”

“On what condition?” I ask immediately and cross my arms again. I can’t imagine her being serious this time. We’ve had this promised peace thing before. And look how well that worked.

“On condition that Corvus remains at my side forever. Without tricks or plans.” A grin spreads on her face. “And in order for you to benefit too, Corvus, I will offer you yet another incentive.” She grins diabolically.

Corvus stares at her with an intense look, but he doesn’t answer her.

“I’m gonna resuscitate Rose.”

I hold my breath as Elizabeth pronounces it and look for clues on Corvus’ face. She can’t be serious! I wonder if Corvus will fall for it. Is that even possible?

“Elizabeth … please no more of your games,” he replies dryly.

Shortly afterwards she moves her hand and a figure with fiery red hair appears before our eyes: Rose.

“No games,” she promises. Corvus’ eyes widen and I realize I’m still holding my breath. Rose is beautiful, with a soft smile on her face. But her figure is shadowy. Like she’s a ghost.

No … Corvus can’t make that deal. We all dream of peace, but not at such a price. He shouldn’t be bound to this … monster for all eternity.

“Is that possible?” Jacob asks quietly to me and Emily.

I just shrug my shoulders, but Emily replies: “I don’t know. I’ve never seen anything like it, but I think if anyone has the power, it’s Elizabeth.” Her voice is a whisper so that only we hear it.

“Still she can’t be trusted,” Jeremiah throws in and crosses his arms.

He did not even bother to lower his voice, and Elizabeth immediately responds: “You have my word. This way we all get what we want,” she explains.

“Your word is worth nothing,” I blame her. She can’t seriously believe it would be any different. After everything we’ve been through.

“That's all I can do. You either go for it or you don’t. It’s your choice.” With a snap of her fingers she makes Rose disappear in a cloud of smoke. A tortured look spreads across Corvus’ face. It must be hard for him, despite all the time that has passed.

“I will never trade my brother, Abigail,” Emily whispers to me.

“Never,” I agree. “I may have an idea.”

Corvus is just an emergency solution for Elizabeth; if I remember correctly, she actually wants his father: Wilbur Stoughton.

“I suggest something else,” I hear myself speak. Can I really do that? How will he react? How will Corvus and Emily react? I know I don’t have the right. But someone has to do something! “Wilbur for Corvus. He’s the one you always wanted, isn’t he?”

I didn’t think it was possible, but Elizabeth’s face is losing all color. Her eyes wander to Wilbur, but he already shakes his head.

“I’d rather fight a war than be the husband of this monster,” he hisses and grits his teeth. Yeah, figures.

“Father!”, Emily calls, but that’s all she says. She must be in the same conflict I’ve been in. But she must also be aware that there is no other way and that this is the lesser evil.

“Mr. Stoughton, this may be your chance to redeem yourself,” Jeremiah explains, “do it for your children.”

“My children, huh?” He looks snide and shakes his head again.

“It’s all right, Emily … Abigail … I’ll do it.” The hoarse voice comes from Corvus.

“Corvus, no. I won’t let you do this.” I’m walking toward him and pulling him away from Elizabeth. His body is completely emaciated and looks very weak.

“You know what that means, don’t you?” Elizabeth says ominously. “Wilbur, I’ll give you a chance. Let me show you what a big mistake you made back then.”

Emily approaches her father and talks to him so quietly that I can’t understand it. What does she tell him?

“I don’t have all day. Well, theoretically I do, but I’m getting impatient,” Elizabeth says and grins as if she’d made an incredibly good joke. “Decide now! Wilbur, Corvus, or war, what’ll it be?”

Slowly Wilbur approaches her. I have no idea what he’s up to, but his gaze is determined. Can it really be true …?

“Elizabeth. Let my son go. I’ll go with you.” I can’t believe what I’m hearing out of his mouth. And Elizabeth seems to feel similar. I’ve never seen that look on her face before; despair, fear, hope, joy – it could be anything. Or all at once.

One last time the witch hunter turns to us and says: “This is my last gift to you. I’m doing this for you … my children.” In his gaze lies grief and remorse – something I’ve never seen before in his life. “Don’t waste my gift.”

The words echo in my head and I can’t really believe them. But his face seems determined. Could he really be serious? Yeah, I know it. He is serious! He actually stands up for his children. He gives up everything so his children can live in peace.

“Father … Thank you. I won’t forget this.” Emily’s voice is strong and she looks at her father with serious eyes. What did she tell him to change his mind? Did he actually realize that his views were wrong? After centuries of hatred for witches? Or does he really love his children that much? Is his love greater than hate?

“Then it’s decided,” Elizabeth sings and reaches for Wilbur’s hand. “Enjoy your peace.” From one second to the next, she disappears with Wilbur. Time goes back to normal and I don’t know what to feel. Corvus reaches for my hand, but a smile would be too much to ask. From both of us.