Page 69 of Cursed By Gold

Questions burn on Rose's tongue, I can feel it. But she only asks tersely, "Can you make it a bit further?"

Each breath feels like broken glass in my lungs, but I manage a jerky nod. Rose is right - the mission isn't over yet. I can't fall apart, not when lives depend on us finishing this.

With Rose's help, I stagger the rest of the way back to the guild tavern. But the image of that guard transforming into gold feels seared into my mind. Nothing will ever be the same again.

When we finally reach the tavern, Fairy Godmother lets out a ragged sob at the sight of bloodied, battered Tabitha cradled between us. She ushers us inside, shouting for the healers. I collapse into a chair as chaos erupts around me, the pain and chaos of the night finally crashing down like a tsunami.

Fairy Godmother kneels beside me, gripping my hand with surprising strength. "You did well, child. Tabitha will recover, thanks to you both."

I manage a weak nod. I have completed the mission. But the cost feels unquantifiable as Remme's cold eyes haunt me, his deadly power laid bare. What else have I glimpsed, unintentionally unveiling his most guarded truth? And where does that leave us now?

I sit numbly as chaos swirls around me in the guild tavern. My mind feels disconnected, like I'm watching it all unfold from underwater. The healers shout grimly to each other as they work to stabilize battered Tabitha. Other members dart aboutto gather bandages, tonics, anything that could help. Their faces blur together, full of fear and purpose.

A gentle hand grasps my shoulder and I startle, blinking up to find Fairy Godmother gazing down at me in concern.

"Come with me, child," she says quietly. "Let us talk in private."

I nod mutely and allow her to guide me between the crush of bodies to her study at the back of the tavern. The small, candlelit room feels like a sanctuary, sealing out the frantic energy beyond the door. My knees nearly buckle as the adrenaline abruptly drains away, leaving me hollow.

Fairy Godmother eases me into a cushioned chair and presses a cup of honeyed tea into my shaking hands. The warmth seeps into my chilled fingers as I clutch it like a lifeline. She settles across from me, watching me intently.

"Scarlet, look at me. What happened down there tonight?" Her voice is gentle but firm. "You look as if you stared too long into the abyss, and I need to understand why."

I open my mouth but the words lodge in my throat. Flickering images dance behind my eyes - the king's pitiless gaze, the guards' frantic screams, skin melting into lifeless gold... A choked noise escapes me and I squeeze my eyes shut, willing the visions away.

Fairy Godmother leans forward, gripping my hands tightly. "Breathe, child. Take your time. But I need you to tell me what you saw."

Haltingly, I force out the words between shuddering gasps. "The king...his touch transforms people to gold. I saw him...curse a guard right in front of me for disobeying orders. His whole body just...changed. Twisted metal where living flesh used to be."

I dare to meet Fairy Godmother's eyes then. "He's not human. His power, it's monstrous. And I..." My voice drops to a horrifiedwhisper. "I let him get close to me." Shame mixes sickly with fear in my gut.

But Fairy Godmother simply squeezes my hands, expression thoughtful. "So the rumors hold truth after all. I had my suspicions, but no proof." She shakes her head. "You bear no blame here, Scarlet. How could you have known? But thanks to your courage, his true nature now stands exposed."

I let out a long breath, her calm rationality easing some of the panic constricting my chest. Of course - if anyone can make sense of this nightmare, it is my wise Godmother.

"What do we do now?" I ask hoarsely. "If the king finds out I discovered his secret..." Fear prickles my spine at the thought.

Fairy Godmother leans back, steepling her fingers. "For now, we keep this knowledge strictly contained. Tell no one beyond this room until I can investigate further." Her eyes bore into mine intently. "Can I trust you with that, Scarlet?"

I straighten my shoulders, lifting my chin. "Of course. Not a word leaves this room." The firm purpose helps steady me. Whatever else, I am still a member of this guild. I will not fail our code of secrecy.

She nods approvingly. "Good. In the meantime, we should discuss how you came to escape at all after witnessing such a thing." Her shrewd gaze drifts down to the staff still clutched in my white-knuckled grip.

I follow her eyes in surprise, having almost forgotten about the carved object anchoring me to reality. "I...this staff appeared to me in the tunnels. I think Halisar guided me to it."

Fairy Godmother hums thoughtfully. "May I?"

I hesitantly pass the staff to her weathered hands. She runs a palm over the ancient runes, brow furrowing. "Yes, I can feel his power resonating within. Is this the staff that was mentioned in the papers from the trial?"

I drop my gaze, shame burning my cheeks. "Yes, but I don’t know how it got to the tunnels. I didn’t bring it with me and I can’t help but wonder… "

"Hush now, none of that." Fairy Godmother tilts my chin up gently. "You did well to make use of it, child. Halisar himself clearly meant for you to have it. You’ve been blessed by the god of thieves. None of the other guild members can claim that. Not even me." She lets out an almost conspiratory chuckle. “It’s almost as if Halisar has sanctioned us himself.”

I let out a shaky breath, managing a faint smile. She always knows exactly how to settle my anxious thoughts. We sit in comfortable silence for a few moments as I finish the cooling tea. My limbs feel leaden, but my mind is clearer.

Fairy Godmother watches me closely, her wise face lined with fresh worry. "I know tonight has been rough, Scarlet. The days ahead may be difficult as we navigate this revelation." Her eyes are sad but warm. "But never doubt that you have the strength within to overcome whatever comes. Our choices define us far more than any magic."

Emotion wells up in my throat at her steadfast faith and I cling to her words like a light in the dark.

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