A MAZE OF GREED

The mundane days passed slowly as Ruth stayed in that room of the old building. A physician frequently came to check improvement in her health. People came to meet her at least once a day and, as if planned, someone was always there to keep her company.

Ruth was not used to such attention and care before. Now that she had nothing to do all day and the night other than resting, she got a chance to ponder over many aspects of her life that she had forgotten or had gotten used to overtime.

How much her life had changed since she stepped her foot through the gates of 'the great manor'. The whole time that was equivalent to almost a year felt like a well written thrilling drama with a complicated storyline.

How many shocks she had to absorb! How many insults and humiliation were thrown her way! Yet she bore all of that.

However, now that she paid a little more attention to her development as an individual, she realised that she had come a long way. She was not that timid and naive Ruth anymore, who feared almost everything and was content with the way life ran.

She was afraid of speaking up her mind, always lived under the shadows, afraid of stepping into the sunlight. She used to keep her nose out of others business even though she felt the need to intervene.

That Ruth was afraid of people, their anger, their disappointment. She cared too much about the world that was nothing but a stranger that had no right of affecting her life. Yet she had willfully given all the reigns in its hands to control.

Ruth could not believe that she was the same person, now that she see a completely different woman in her reflection.

This Ruth was courageous, wiser, outgoing. She had not lost her core essence yet. She was still shy at times, polite and careful around people. Yet she was able to put up a fight if the situation called for it.

And the main difference between the old Ruth and the new Ruth was that this new Ruth was aware of who she was.

She was stronger, better and now had a vision about her life.

Now that she thinks of her previous goals of having a family with a nice man, made her laugh at her naiveness. She used to think that it was the greatest goal she could envision for herself.

But, the happenings in this past time made her realise that human life was meant for far greater purposes than that. A person's life could not be considered large, based upon the days of his existence but on what he achieved during his existence.

The happenings in this past month were leading Ruth on a path that might lead her to her supreme target, a vision that she had to follow and live for.

She could feel these changes not only around her but also within her. She was sick of living in denial. This was the reality and, she should accept it.

Yet, there was this tiny part in her that told her to be patient before jumping to extreme conclusions. That rational part of her refrained her from leading the foundations of this new Ruth.

A knock on the door broke her from her reverie. she saw the door opened by Ida. She came with lunch.

"Hello Ruth! How are you feeling now?" She smiled.

"I am fine!" Ruth replied with a forced smile.

"Come on, we need to change your bandages before you eat."

Ida put the plate on the table and opened its drawer to bring out the necessary things for changing Ruth's bandage.

Ruth sat on the bed and let Ida do her thing. Ida was talking about something but, Ruth's mind refused to pay attention. It flew back to the memories she had shared with the blue-eyed monster.

Now that Ruth's health was recovering fast, she had also recovered her all memories. Especially the ones she had shared with Edwin.

She now remembered everything- how he took care of her, how he used to hold her when she saw the nightmares, how he fed her, how he changed her bandages, how he was careful about her medicines, how he smiled at her and told her that he was there.

She now recalled every detail!

Ruth had not seen Edwin after he left that morning in anger. Nobody brought up his topic. Even Lester and Rees also had their tongues tied, when it came to Edwin.

Ruth felt bad and guilty. If only she had listened to him and not overreacted foolishly!

But then why she should feel guilty? He might have done all that to cover up for his cousin. Had not he tried covering up for his aunt Theodora?

Ruth was very confused and felt like she was dangling in the middle of the sea of dilemma.

Ida was done with tending Ruth's wound.

"Oh by the way, I have a good news for you Ruth!" She said excitedly.

"What is it?"

"You can come back in 'the great manor'. The physician said that you are now better than before and can resume your work. If... if only you want to." Ida added expectantly.

Ruth only nodded her head. Ida waited for the explanation of that nod, but instead, Ruth asked, "Can I have this lunch at my home?"

"Erm... yes. As you say."

Ida then helped Ruth get ready. Before leaving, Ruth stood in the middle of that room. She scanned its roof, its wall, its only window and the minimum furniture. She was sure that she would not come back here again.

This place had made her realise many things. It had provided her with the light she needed to follow the new routes. And this was the place where she had some of the beautiful moments with the blue-eyed monster, which she would always keep safe in a corner of her heart.

This was the place that had begun a birth of a new Ruth!

*

*

*

In the Garfield mansion, a meeting of the coven was conducted.

"Lord Ambrose, did you get a chance to speak with Ripon about the alliance?" One of the eight members asked.

Ambrose nodded his head as he sat on his chair in the middle of the semicircular table.

"That human is smarter than Addington. His answers were well-rehearsed and cryptic."

"Does that mean he is not on our side?" Another member asked.

"We are not sure yet." Aurora replied.

Darius scoffed at her response. "Mother, did not you notice how Ripon was behaving in front of Lord Augustus? It was clear that he has already decided which side to pick."

As the arguments went on, Hilton was the one who did not participate in it. All his mind was clouded with was one face- Edwin O'Dell.

The moment he saw him, he wanted to rip his body into shreds and suck every single drop of blood from his body. The loss Hilton had to suffer because of Edwin, could not be repaired.

The scar he had left on Hilton's life was unhealable. And no one, none of these people could understand it. They did not!

All they cared was about their selfish motives and hunger for power. But Hilton... he was burning in a rage of personal loss. For him, the target was only Edwin O'Dell. For him killing that werewolf leader was the only mission in his life.

And to achieve that, he could go to any extent. After all, he was the next in the hierarchy after the Garfields.

"We have the support of Shades, the Goblins. Now I think it is time we meet with the Centaurs." A member suggested.

"What do you think about this, Mr Hilton?" Aurora noticed how silent he was.

"As you say, My Lady! After all, our leader knows better than anyone of us." He said, looking straight at Ambrose.

Ambrose's smile faltered for a split second, but he covered it up immediately.

After the meeting was over, again without any solid conclusion, the members left the room one by one.

"Mr Hilton, may I have your minute please?" Ambrose asked.

Aurora paused to stay with her husband but, his next words made her leave the room with others.

"Darling why do not you go and arrange for a drink for me?!"

She was confused yet left after saying a yes.

Now that only Ambrose and Hilton remained behind, Ambrose faced Hilton.

"I have noticed that you are very restless since we came back from Ripon's sworn in ceremony." He said.

"What do you expect from me after facing that ruthless bastard?" Hilton spat in anger.

"Mr Hilton, it was really commendable how you kept your anger in control then. I really appreciate it. I promise we will get him by his neck. Just have some patience." Ambrose said after putting his hand on Hilton's arm in assurance.

Hilton gave a long stare to Ambrose before saying, "Have you advised yourself the same if it was you in my shoes?"

The natural smirk that always played on Ambrose's face was wiped out by Hilton's question.

Hilton removed Ambrose's hand from his and walked out of the room, leaving him behind alone.