“That was the real truth. What really happened. Khan invaded my land, killed my people. Killed my parents! He… he took the life of my one true love. He… he…” Venusa’s voice was breaking. She took in a sharp breath before continuing, “if I hadn’t protected my son, he would have died. His little sister didn’t even get to see the world before she died. I was left alone in a cold lonely place for decades! At a point, I thought my son was dead but fate led me back to him. Why should I cower in front of Khan again? He should pay for what he did.”
Venusa turned to Khan and said, “you should pay with your life.”
“You witch, go back to where you’re coming from!” The head soldier yelled. The soldiers charged at Venusa with the aim to kill. With one wave of Venusa’s hand, they all fell down unconscious. Khan widened his eyes in disbelief.
“V.. Venus…” Venusa got hold of his neck and began to choke him. “Because of my vow as a priestess, I have to preserve nature. Which means I can’t use my powers kill any form of nature. Why do you think I couldn’t kill you back then?”
“P.. please…”
Venusa tightened her grip around his neck. “But nothing says you can’t kill yourself,” Venusa looked into Khan’s eyes and whispered in an enchanting voice. “Kill yourself, I command you.”
She expected him to obey her command but he didn’t. She blinked in confusion.
“I can’t believe this. So a devil can love?” Venusa scoffed.
She has the ability to command any animal, insect or person to do her biddings, except if their hearts belong to another. As Venusa choked Khan, she noticed his apologetic stare at something. She turned to check what he was staring at and she saw a little girl who was crying. She needed no oracle to tell her the girl was his daughter. The resemblance was uncanny.
The little girl’s tears softened Venusa’s heart. Venusa let Khan go and he fell to the ground, gasping for breath.
The little girl came forward and went to her father. “Daddy..” she called, holding her father’s hand. “Is it true?” She asked tearily. Khan could deny it to everyone but his daughter.
“Angel…”
“Is it?”
He nodded. “I’m sorry, Angel.”
Gasped erupted in the crowd.
“So it’s true!”
“Your majesty, how could you?”
“That’s cruel!”
“I came here for a quiet ceremony but met quite a scene instead.” Darco said as he stood from his seat. Akira stood in his way protectively. “Don’t even think about it, Darco.” Akira growled and Darco raised his hand.
Venusa turned to him. On seeing him, her anger doubled. “You!” She fired.
“You know me?”
“Why wouldn’t I? You were the cause of Alexa’s misery growing up.” Venusa said as she went to him. “I would love to finish you off but it’s her job.” Venusa said and Darco tilted his head in confusion. Alexa took hold of her body and gave Darco and resounding slap.
“I see you’re back.” Darco said excitedly.
“She might not be able to hurt nature but guess what? I can!” Alexa’s eyes changed to red and she whispered, “burn,” at her command, Darco’s body went up in flames. Darco screeched in pain as he got burnt alive.
“I guess you vampires have a weakness after all.” Akira said and Ace chuckled.
“Are you okay?” Akira asked Alexa and she nodded. “I’m fine.”
She turned to Khan who was on his knees, sobbing. “What should I do to him, Venusa?”
“I don’t know,” Venusa’s voice came out low. “All my life, I’ve prepared myself for this day, the day I make him pay for what he did but with just a look in his daughter’s eyes, I lost all the will to do it. I can’t do the same thing he did to me to his daughter. He might be a devil but he’s her father.”
“He still has to be punished.”
“The biggest punishment he could get is losing everything he has.”
Akira bent and pulled Khan’s head up with his hair. “I won’t kill you because she says so. You have her to thank for your life.”
She stood back up and faced the crowd. “Your queen relates this message. Khan is to be banished from new Orleans. He will be watched at all times and if he tries to take any evil step, he’ll be killed immediately. He can leave his daughter, she will be taken care of and he can choose to take her with him.”
“Can I come out one last time?” Venusa asked and Alexa nodded. Venusa took over.
“I should have ruled this land with my husband and son. But that time has passed now.” She said. She took Riaz’s hand and said, “it’s time for my son to take his rightful place on the throne.”
“No, mother. I don’t even know what being a king means and…”
Venusa smiled. “You said you wanted to be a priest. You said you wanted to be like me. You can, my son. I’ve seen it in you since I gave birth to you. You’re made for great things. You were born to rule. Do not doubt yourself one bit. You are the heir. The throne is yours.”
“All hail King Riaz!” Ace yelled as he got on his knee and bowed.
“All hail King Riaz!” Akira followed.
“All hail king Riaz!” The people got on their knees and paid respect to their new king. Riaz smiled tearfully.
“It’s.. it’s fine. You all should rise.”
They all rose at his command.
“This is all overwhelming.” Riaz mumbled and Venusa chuckled. She held his face and kissed his forehead. “You’re going to do great, I know it.”
Riaz sniffled and embraced his mother. “You’re leaving, right?”
“I have to. My job here is done. I need to rest.”
“I… I can’t tell you not to go, right?”
“Riaz..”
Riaz sobbed on Venusa’s shoulder. “I won’t see you again?”
“You will. In your dreams, sometimes.”
Venusa withdrew from the embrace and cleaned Riaz’s tears. “I’ll always be with you.” She said and Riaz nodded.
“I love you, mum.”
“I love your more, my love.”
Venusa turned to Ace and smiled at him. “I leave him in your care.”
Ace bowed. “Be rest assured I will take care of him, your majesty.”
“Thank you all! For your help.”
“Well…” Dandelion giggled. “It was nothing.”
“My time is running out,” Venusa said to Riaz and he nodded.
“You should get going.”
Venusa hugged Riaz and patted his back. “I’m going to miss you.” She said tearily. In Riaz’s arms, Venusa’s soul left Alexa’s body and Alexa collapsed to the ground.
“Alexa!” Akira yelled as he rushed to carry her. Ace quickly went to Riaz and embraced him.
“It’s okay. It’s okay.” He whispered comforting words as he tried to calm Riaz down.
“I’m fine.” Alexa assured Akira as she was helped up.
“Are you okay?” Ace asked and Riaz nodded. Ace cleaned Riaz’s tears with his palm and held his hand.
“You did it.” Ace said and Riaz nodded.
“We did it.” Riaz said before pulling Ace in for a kiss. The crowd hooted teasingly as they watched their king kiss his beloved.
“Is this the end?” Alexa asked Akira and he shook his head.
“We are just beginning our journey.” He said and claimed Alexa’s lips happily.
Red Orleans has a new King.
Alexa’s long time enemy is gone.
A happy ending? No one knows if it’ll last but at least, they all have each other.