The Last Offering

Preparations

Asier

Maybe for the first time since I could talk we agreed on something with my father. Our glances turned towards Ultima and I hoped for some kind of emotion on her face. Disgust, happiness, fear or even misery. But on that doll like face therr were no emotions again. Father scoffed.

- I thought you are going to be happy to be back with your human fellas, sweety! - he said and Ultima just stared at him.

- How do you feel about this? - I've asked because I noticed in the little time I've spent with her, that this little snack doesn't talk unless you ask.

- I don't feel anything, your Highness. - she answered slightly bowing.

- I don't believe this. - father said and walked to her. He grabbed the human's shoulders and stared into her eyes. Using his powers he tried to take a peak into her mind and soul, but my always cheerful father took a step back and released her almost immediately.

- What's wrong? - I jumped up because I've never seen my father this disturbed. Not even when his father went crazy. He looked into my eyes and I saw such hatred and disgust in his blood red eyes that it made me feel insecure.

- She really doesn't feel anything. But not only regarding this issue, anything at all. Her soul... - he took a glance at her and sighed.

- Her soul is so black that I can't see anything. It's pure darkness.

- That can't be. Only criminals or people near dead have pitch black souls. - father sighed again and I saw pity in his eyes.

- You can check it yourself. She is like an empty shell. Literally, like a walking bottle of blood. - I walked to her because since my father loved to prank me, I needed to see it for myself. I grabbed her shoulders hesitantly. I looked into those summer flower like eyes and felt how the darkness swallowed me. Where I should've seen memories or hear thoughts, there was complete silence and darkness. The atmosphere was cold, and I started to feel uncomfortable. I've tried to search for whatever but ad my father said, there was absolutely nothing. I blinked and escaped from her mind. The little snack was still looking at me motionlessly and I released her shoulders.

- This is horrible. - I said it out loud and heard my father's agreeing humming.

- Let's talk just the two of us. - he said and I turned to it.

- Go out and wait at the door. Don't eavesdrop. - she bowed and walked out closing the door behind her.

- What do you think could cause this? - I asked. Despite being a human, she was really pretty and very young. Father sat on top of my desk and looked pensive

- Have you noticed any kind of wounds or something similar on her?

- Yes, yesterday I've sent her to clean up and when she walked put I saw her back. It was covered by really old wounds that were probably deep as fresh.

- She is so young... And actually beautiful for a human. Normally someone like her experiences happiness, love and stuff like that during their lives. Even if she was chosen as a sacrifice, she must've had a life before that!

- I'm actually surprised that you didn't pick on me because I saw her back. - I said and dad grinned.

- I'd love to, but this matter is serious for me to joke around. Son, I think we need to look more into it what the Adanford kingdom is doing behind our backs. I have a feeling that this girl had been seriously abused and tortured.

- Why should we do that? They are humans, we have nothing to do with them anymore, the agreement is over as well. - dad smiled and tilted his head.

- I hate that you took so much after me. I was this moron when I was at your age, if it weren't for your mother, only God knows what I would have become. Don't look doen on them because they are weaker physically than us. Their wickedness can rival with the worst monster's. And don't forget Asier, that your mother was a human hybrid. So you are partially like them.

- I haven't forgot. This is why I could end up like grandpa if I'm not careful enough. - Dad came to me and hugged me. When he released me, he said.

- Your mother loves you a lot and grandfather too. She was dying to meet you and did everything possible to survive. It's my fault that we lost her. - I pat his shoulder.

- It's not. I know mom loved me and I know she'd never blame you for what happened. - Dad smiled and pat my head.

- Luckily at times like this, I get the chance to see her through your eyes. - suddenly dad clapped his hands together and said in hsi usually careless voice.

- Let's stop getting emotional and find out what to do with this little thing! Shall we? - I've nodded.

- First of all, what is your plan with her? I know it's the second day, but you need to decide this before we take her back there. If she means nothing, then there is no chance to loss for us, but if there is the slightest care towards her in your heart, be honest about it.

- What difference would that make? - I asked and dad smiled warmly.

- Because, if there is, we won't let anything to happen to her, even if that means we won't get our answers. - I have sat down and thought about what my father said. Would it be an issue if she dies? I mean... This is just a sacrifice. This human is almost dead inside. There's nothing to loose by letting her die... Yet this thought hurt my chest a bit. I suddenly remembered of that split second of happiness in her eyes when she saw the blanket and sofa where she slept last night. It was like the light of a firefly. Tiny and almost invisible, but it was there. Also, she looked adorable when she was asleep and I wanted to figure out why is she so different. And that scent... It's dangerous. Very dangerous for me, yet makes me thirsty for a taste. I've groaned in frustration.

- I want to keep her. - I managed to spit it out and dad grinned mockingly.

- Don't even get it started! - I said and he lifted his hands uo in the air as a sigh of no resistance.

- I didn't say a single word! - he said chuckling and I rolled my eyes. Ugh.... Whatever!

- Come in! - I've called her back to the room and she stood in front of us.

- So what should we start with? - dad asked.

- The trip takes two days, so we need to get ready today.

- Barty hoped that we won't show up on such a short notice! Jokes on you Barty! - dad said.

- Focus! Please! - he shook his head and smiled.

- Okay okay! Party wrecker! - he mumbled.

- You'll have more than enough time to mess with their heads! What should we fo about her?! We can't take this little snack in this state if we want to shock them!

- That's right! First of all, what about calling her by her name? - I looked at the human and didn't like the idea. That name was something they gave her.

- What was your original name? The one your parents gave you? - I asked and she looked into my eyes. I felt my heart skipping a brat because her glance was a lot softer this time. Her voice also sounded sweeter.

- My given name was Uma, your highness.

- Uma. That will do. - I said and dad agreed.

- With that, we will show to Barty, that she belongs to our kingdom and there is no connection between her and Adanford.- I looked at Uma. Her features didn't move at all but for a moment her gaze softened again. Like someone who managed to take a little breath after struggling for air.

- Okay, now that we have this settled, she is going to need a dress and shoes! A nice hairdo and some pampering! - I looked at my father and couldn't help to imagine him doing Uma's makeup.

- Not by me you moron. - he said and I laughed out loud.

- Did you read my mind or what?

- As if... I don't need to read your mind, it's all written over your face! I'll call for a maid to help her.

- Call for Osiris. She fed her twice already and she is a human hybrid as well.

- Good idea! Be right back, Uma, don't move! - he twirled out of the room and I looked after the i***t whom I could thank my existence.

- Dear Lord, this is going to be a long trip.