Bab 40: THE 10TH ACCOUNT: I LOVE HIM... NOT! 8

It was real. I was not dreaming! Jacob will surely marry Carla. They were making arrangements, Jacob and Rai Ablem! Jacob offered the Rai the crates filled with the valuables that we looted from the auction as betrothal gifts. In return, the Rai gave Jacob a crate of gold coins as Carla's dowry.

To save Carla from humiliation, the wedding was set in the evening at Labyrinth. For the time being Jacob and Carla were separated from each other to be inked. It was tradition to this land that betrothed couples are inked from head to foot to ward off infidelity. If for instance, the ink was touched prior to the wedding, the marriage would be voided and the adulterer must die right away.

The betrothal was real! The wedding is real! The bride was even in my room getting inked! I was not dreaming! This was not a nightmare! As I watched the wedding preparations, I found breathing very difficult. I walked to the kitchen and sat on the table. I was still too stunned. My crewmates avoided me, all except Neville who put a glass of water in front of me.

"Drink. I will make you a sandwich. You did not touch your breakfast nor your lunch," he said.

I nodded. I still could not find my strength to speak. I took a deep breath again. "Will Carla sail with us after they get married?" I already know the answer but I still have to ask.

Neville gave me a faint smile. "Everything will be alright, Darling. You'll see," he said and left.

"I doubt it," I whispered when I was by myself.

Now, even though it pains me, I need to make a decision. After the wedding, I will leave Labyrinth. I will go on my own adventure. Maybe I should continue my original plan to sail to the free land. Or maybe, I should join Captain Jeu if I meet him again. But, one thing is sure, I could not stay in Labyrinth any longer. Carla as Jacob's wife-- it would just be painful to watch… painful to bear.

I looked down at the sandwich that Neville prepared. I took a small bite. As always, it was very savory. However, I pushed it away. Why am I in so much pain? Why does my heart ache? What do I really want? Why am I asking these questions over and over again? I already know the answers! I've known for a long time but… but… I kept denying it. I kept ignoring them. I convinced myself that if I do not recognize these emotions… that if I do not yield... then it couldn't be it.

But, I wouldn't hurt this much… I wouldn't want him this much… if I don't love him. There, I finally conceded. I finally acknowledged the truth. I want Jacob. I love Jacob. I took a deep breath. My lips formed a small sad smile. But, it was too late now.

I stood up and dragged my way to the storage room in the lowest deck. I'll stay there until the wedding. Then after, I will depart.

*****

"TRAITOR! ADULTERER!" Jacob's thundering voice woke me up from my little nap in the storage room.

"What is going on?" I muttered and scurried my way up to the main deck.

Carla was in Puma's arms and Jacob was enraged. He was pointing his gun at Puma. "I trusted you, Puma! How dare you stab me behind my back!"

Carla was in tears. "Forgive me Jacob. I lied to you. It was really Puma that stole my heart."

"Captain, I am so sorry. But, just this once I will follow my heart," Puma explained, not letting Carla go.

"What is going on here?!" I finally found my voice in the midst of the chaos.

It was Rai Ablem who responded, "Carla's inks were touched. Puma was the one who smudged it."

Jacob turned to the Rai. "The Law, Rai! I could kill them, am I right?!" he asked angrily.

I was horrified by the way Jacob was acting. I have never seen him this furious before.

"Answer me Rai Ablem! I want to know!" Jacob screamed at the noble.

The Rai turned to Carla. There was no sadness in his eyes. Then, he looked at Jacob. "Yes. The law demands that the adulterer be punished at once," he answered.

Carla watched her father in disbelief. Her tears welled up her eyes, "I could not believe you, Father. You could still save me if you give back the treasures!" she appealed.

"You already cost me that piece of land, Carla. And I cannot ask for your dowry back any longer. I will NOT save you. Not after you shame me before the sultan," the Rai declared coldly.

I turned to the Rai harshly. "How dare you?! She is your daughter! You will watch her die?!" I could not help but scream.

"THIS IS THE LAW OF OUR LAND!" the Rai thundered.

"Very well. I will execute that law," Jacob said and aimed at Carla. He quickly pulled the trigger.

BANG! Everything happened too fast. I could not believe my eyes. I turned to Jacob. His eyes were cold. They were like that of a murderer. He turned into a savaged pirate!

"CARLA!!!!" I turned to Puma. Carla was in his arms. His hands were stained with her crimson blood. She was not moving. She was not breathing!

I looked back at Jacob. "You killed her," I said as tears flowed down my eyes. I knew I swore that I would not cry again. But someone I know just died in front of me.

Jacob looked back at me, "I am not done yet," he told me with the coldest voice I've ever heard.

Puma stood up and drew his gun but Jacob was faster and shot him. I screamed! Puma's body fell on a deck floor with a thud! I could not move. I closed my eyes and hoped that all of this was a bad dream but when I opened them again, Carla and Puma's bodies were still on the deck floor, lifeless!

"Throw their bodies in the sea and clean up this mess!" Jacob ordered.

I could feel my mind explode after I saw Thaddaeus and Lowen throw the bodies in the sea. I looked at Jacob while shaking my head, "What happened to you?! You just killed them in cold blood! Puma was your friend and you said you love Carla! You could have shown them grace!" I screamed.

Jacob glared at me before giving his order, "Sandlot!"

After he said that, I felt the wind swish and Sandlot was behind me. I did not know that he could move with a godlike speed like that. However, it was too late for me to realize that. Sandlot struck me behind the neck and then all was black.