The shadowy forms of Mirela’s memories appeared as hazy apparitions lurking just off of the path to either side. He held the young woman’s hand and walked briskly down the narrow pathway towards the shimmering light in the distance. He only needed to make it a few more paces and then they would be safely returned to the mortal realm.
She walked at his side, whispering incoherently. Her soul was in shock. The strain of having it ripped from her body and then led back against the will of the netherworld....it must have been overwhelming. One particularly dark and insidious memory kept reaching for them, but the dark female spirit was unable to penetrate the edge of path. Grimm remained focused. He must keep moving. This was not natural. His own guilt over the death of the brave young woman had led him here. He knew this was not his place to interfere. Pharasma had deemed it the time for Mirela’s death and he had crossed her. It was foolish to cross a Goddess.
As they neared the portal to the mortal realm, Grimm breathed a deep sigh of relief. He gently urged Mirella by the hand through the portal. The shimmering light washed over her. In a moment she was gone.
Grimm gathered himself and prepared to step through the portal, himself. The swirling and dancing lights mesmerized him. It was hypnotic. Then he heard her voice. It echoed within his helm.
“One soul today is mine. You shall suffice….”
Grim turned his gaze from side to side, determined to find the origin of the voice. He could see nothing but the path growing narrower and narrower. He must exit now….and yet the voice. It haunted him. He wanted to look upon the woman. He must know her face. The Goddess had spoken.
The path narrowed enough that the armored boot on his left heel was now plunged into the blackness. The tangible lament and sorrow of the netherworld curled up around him like tendrils. They enveloped his body. In a rush of adrenaline he snapped from the hypnotic trance. The black smoky tendrils were ice cold. He dropped his shield and reached for the portal. It was so small now. It was further from him than before. He was being pulled backwards into the blackness. He managed one last short prayer before he was pulled into the dark, empty expanse of the netherworld.
“You shall suffice.”
*********************************************
As Mirela screamed upon the stone slab, Grimm’s body crumpled forward. Geralt rushed forward to grab him. Green, thin smoke streamed from the openings in the Paladin’s armor. The suit was empty.
Grimm was gone.
