Chapter 35: Saving Elizabeth

//Man in Purple Suit Theme Song: Utopia - Finale//

28th August Saturday:

Lucian's morning began with a visit to the church, offering his prayers alongside Henry. They later dined in a local restaurant, where Henry shared the news of Victoria's impending move-in.

"Victoria will be joining us next Saturday," he informed Lucian, presenting a list of tasks. Lucian nodded, somewhat ready to take on the responsibilities Henry couldn't manage alone.

"1. Clean the entire house."

"2. Give the basement a thorough cleaning."

"3. Rearrange the living room for two small beds."

"4. On Tuesday at 10:00, the beds will be delivered. Ensure they're placed in the living room."

What am I, a maid?

As dinner progressed, Lucian suddenly remembered the significant revelation he hadn't yet shared with Henry.

"She told me she loves me," he disclosed.

A warm smile crossed Henry's face, his happiness evident. "See? I knew it. Just make sure you don't mess it up," he advised with a twinkle in his eye.

"I won't."

...

At Lucy's, 19:00:

Lucian reached her house, and they settled in with their customary cups of coffee, diving deeper into their strategic discussions. Lucian's resolve was unwavering, his new revolver a symbol of his determination to confront Sigma. The thought of taking a life didn't weigh heavily on him anymore, protecting his loved ones was more important than anything.

They went out and settled into the carriage.

"Trolm Street 11," he directed the carriage driver.

The minutes stretched on, the rhythmic clatter of hooves on cobbled streets providing the only cadence in the quiet night. Initially, there were only slight tremors coursing through Lucian's limbs, subtle ripples of unease that caught her attention.

She looked at him, concern knitting her brows, and gently asked, "Are you alright?"

His reply was reserved, a cautious, "I don't know."

As time passed, the tremors seemed to intensify, gaining strength and persistence. Lucian's arms quivered, their movements growing more pronounced.

The tremors continued their inexorable advance, now more pronounced, as if some invisible energy coursed through Lucian, unyielding and uncontrolled. The quivering in his arms gave way to something altogether stranger—an eerie, ethereal whispering laughter that seemed to resonate in the night air, sending shivers down her spine.

"Stop the carriage!" Her command to the driver was firm, concern etched across her features. She reached for his trembling hands, a plea in her touch. "Relax, please."

His gaze, wide and unblinking, met hers, his laughter echoing in an unsettling cadence. The unease gnawed at her, prompting her to release his hands.

What is happening?

Then, his laughter swelled, an unsettling eruption that appeared to spiral out of control.

"HAHAHHA HAHAHA HAHHA HAHA."

"Snap out of it!" she implored, her voice rising above the cacophony.

Suddenly, the laughter ceased, replaced by an eerie silence that seemed to hang heavy in the carriage. His eyes locked onto hers, unblinking, and a shiver ran down her spine. He leaned in, never breaking their gaze, fingers swiftly wrapping around her neck, drawing her closer.

As this transpired, a cerulean mist seeped into the carriage, causing both of them to inhale its ethereal essence.

Panic surged through her, heart pounding, as she struggled against his grip. Their lips brushed in a brief, electrifying touch before he released her, and they both drifted into slumber.

The carriage door flung open, and a man in a purple suit grabbed Lucian, bolting into the shroud of the night, disappearing into the enveloping darkness with him.

She woke up and found herself alone, a chill running down her spine as she scanned the surroundings. Lucian's absence weighed heavily on her mind, leaving her with an unsettling sense of dread.

"Where could he have gone? What just happened? It's all a blur," she mused, trying to piece together the fragments of her memory.

"Lady, if I'd known you two were going to have a lover's quarrel, I wouldn't have let you in. Get out!"

She attempted to explain to the carriage driver that they weren't lovers and that she was just as bewildered by the situation, but he remained resolute. With a resigned nod, she alighted from the carriage.

As she hurried towards the Price's residence, the directions Lucian had provided earlier guided her way. She was determined to reach Elizabeth, her heart pounding with both urgency and apprehension

Reaching the vicinity of the Price's residence, she merged into the shadows, her heart pounding with trepidation. Doubt gnawed at her, questioning Lucian's sudden departure and the events that unfolded.

As she stood in vigil, the night seemed to stretch on, each moment etched with uncertainty. Then, bloodcurdling screams pierced the air, a guttural cry of pain and terror that tore through the silence.

Aaaaa, Aaaaa.

Without a second thought, she hastened towards the source, her dread heightening with each step. Fear for Elizabeth's safety gripped her.

She rounded the corner, her trembling finger conjuring a feeble light. The scene that met her eyes was a tableau of horror. A cloaked figure, brutally severed in two, its organs spilled grotesquely.

Suppressing a surge of revulsion, she fought to maintain composure. Every sense was on high alert, scanning the shadows for any sign of danger. There she stood, alone in the night, staring at the remnants of a once-threatening figure.

She bolted in fear, retracing her steps to a previous location, her breath ragged as she sought refuge. There, she took a moment to steady herself.

Isn't that the description of Sigma?

Why am I still here? That scream was loud enough to alert everyone in the vicinity.

Deciding against using a carriage, aware that this incident might draw the attention of Sunners, she swiftly made her way back to her street, nearing her home. As she approached, she caught sight of a shadowy figure slumbering on her staircase.

...

Lucy Hall approached the shadowed figure with a mix of fear and shock. With a gentle touch, she conjured a soft light to reveal Lucian, his clothes stained with blood, his sleeves tattered, jacket and shirt torn on one part.

"Lucian?" Her voice held a tremor of concern, her eyes wide with worry.

She moved swiftly, fearing the worst but hoping for the best.

Perhaps he had managed to seek refuge here after a violent encounter.

As she knelt beside him, she checked his vital signs, relief washing over her as she found his breathing steady and his heartbeat strong.

He must've healed already, she thought, a glimmer of amazement in her eyes.

When he stirred, his voice was tinged with confusion. "Where am I? What happened?"

"Goddess, thank you," she breathed, her worry dissipating into gratitude as his eyes met hers.

She encouraged him gently. "We need to go inside, gather our thoughts. You're safe now."

He settled onto the floor, drenched in blood, careful not to stain anything. She joined him.

"Can you tell me what happened? One moment, we were talking in the carriage, and in the next, I awoke to find you gone," she queried.

"I'm struggling to recall every detail. One moment, we were inside the carriage, and then, suddenly, I found myself on the street, locked in combat. It's all a blur," he admitted, the memories still elusive.

"Fascinating. My recollection is as fractured as yours. Could it be that we were attacked by someone who has those kinds of powers?" she mused.

"It's possible. WAIT, please tell me you went to help Elizabeth," he implored suddenly.

"Yes, don't fret. She's unharmed. Sigma is dead, though I don't know who or what brought him down," she relayed, the memory sending shivers down her spine.

"He's gone? Can you walk me through the entire ordeal?" he inquired, his surprise evident.

Lucy recounted the events, from waking in the carriage without him, to the cryptic remark from the driver, and finally, her experiences near the Price's residence.

"Cut in half?" he exclaimed.

"Yes. I had no opportunity to search for evidence. Even if I had, I doubt I could have endured a moment longer at that scene," she confessed.

"I'm relieved to hear she's safe. Nevertheless, we must uncover more about who or what took Sigma's life. Can you gather that information from the Sunners?"

"Yes."

They discussed the events in greater detail, offering their respective perspectives. Afterward, Lucy suggested washing and mending his blood-soaked clothes. She handed him a blanket to cover himself, as every garment he wore needed thorough cleaning.

He reclined on her bedroom bed wrapped up in a blanket, cigarette in hand, seeking solace in the smoke to calm his racing mind.

I must ask her about the events; she might hold the key to our memory loss.

Lucy hung his now damp clothes to air out, then entered her bedroom. "They should be sufficiently dry in an hour or so. I've also taken care of the repairs to your sleeves."

"You've been smoking inside my house again," she chided, her expression a mix of feigned irritation and endearment.

"Uh, sorry. I've had a lot on my mind," he said, scratching the back of his head.

Then he added, "I just remembered that she'll invite us to her realm in about an hour."

"Ah, yes. We can ask her about everything then."

"I think I'll spend the night here. Is that alright with you?" he inquired.

Lucy blushed and stammered, "Uhh, yes, it's alright. I'll be sleeping in the living room."