Eva began to cry, “You’ve taken all I have…” She paused for a moment, taking deep breaths, “Helen, please… I ask only that you heal my sweet Sioni. I know I’ve caused you so much grief, but you must realize that I acted only in self-preservation and ignorance.”

“I do not wish to harm your daughter. It was the only way to remove my own affliction.” Helen looked down at her hands, so youthful, pale and smooth as uncracked porcelain, “I can heal her, and I will.”

“Oh, thank you, Helen… thank you so-”

“But there is a price.” Tears ran down her cheeks as she looked into Eva’s eyes. “I desire nothing against your daughter, but I can never forget my hate for you. No amount of apologies, no good wish, can ever give me back what I had… A husband I loved, the hope of a child, the promise of happiness…” She stepped forward. “I cannot forgive you for taking them from me.”

“I… I don’t understand.” Eva replied.

“You will see Sioni, and I will heal her.” She looked away, “But then, you must die.”