Magnus

It had not taken long to clean and dress the carcass, though Magnus could not deny that the quiet following the animal's passing was an uneasy one, filled with a degree of sadness he had not felt in slaughtering one of his stock for some time. Of course once the head was removed and the body unidentifiable, the task was easier. It always was so. There was a transition, a metamorphosis in which every creature he raised for consumption went from a living being, to meat. Once an animal passed fully from life, the flesh that remained truly did become a separate thing. That was as it should be.

    No matter how many times he took life to obtain sustenance for himself and others, Magnus respected the fact that his food had to die in that process and the realization always brought a certain subtle sadness. But it was a cycle of living and dying that had existed since the being of time. All survived off of the death of other living things, from the sheep that ate the tiny shoots of green grass reaching for the sun, to the wild predators that hunted for prey, to farmers like himself.

Still, in spite of his desire to deny it, Magnus realized that Rachel had indeed been different from the others he'd raised in the past. In their ability to communicate, it was always more difficult to avoid becoming somewhat attached to his human stock, but with an animal so young and innocent, the separation had been that much harder. He would miss her. And yet, Magnus was content. He had taken the creature from suffering when she needed his help and, in the end, she had indeed been happy.

When he was finished with his task, Magnus carefully wrapped the animal's head in a clean cloth to present to Alice. It had been her only real request. A token which she might bury to allow the others to grieve Rachel's passing. He had seen the gesture as entirely reasonable, though the level of sentimentality it seemed to show worried him. She'd never asked for such a thing before. He thought back to his fears that Alice would never truly forgive him for taking the young one's life and felt a wave of uneasiness fill him. He shook it off as best he could. There was nothing to do for that now. What was done was done.

The profit he would make on the animal was significant and the friendship it had helped him establish with his new benefactor was an important one. The increased income Fin could provide would allow him to raise more animals in the future, giving that many more a chance to escape the brutal trade so many of his competitors engaged in. In her death, Rachel would help others to have a better existence. Still, with the carcass hung in the cooling room, Magnus was glad to leave the bloody work behind.

The other animals he would leave for his assistants to deal with over the next two days before Fin would come to retrieve his purchases. Magnus had had enough death for a time, he'd decided. Though he would not have broken his promise to Alice that he handle the child's end himself, he knew that he did not have the heart to slaughter any more young creatures at present.

He'd told Alice he would meet her after the task was done to deliver what he could of Rachel's remains and it was not difficult to find her. She'd agreed to meet him at midday by the lake. He could see she was already there when he arrived, her small form visible even in the distance.

Magnus took a deep breath as he went to her, his heart beating unsteadily. He never thought he might feel this level of trepidation in facing Alice, but the idea that Rachel might have finally been the one to draw a wedge between them was unbearable.    

What would it mean if she truly had grown to hate him for the creature's death? he wondered. Would they live the rest of their days refusing to communicate with one another? He had no intention of revoking the vows of protection he'd granted so long ago. Even if she never spoke to him again Magnus knew he would keep her in the same luxury as she was accustomed to now. He could not fault her for her humanity after all. But he could not help but hear Torvald's comments echoing in his head. His brother had suggested that putting the older woman down might one day be in her best interest.

Could he do it? Alice herself had told him she was losing her desire for life. The comment had been made in anger and only meant to goad him at the time but still...If Alice was indeed heartbroken and asked for death, would he be able to hear her request and grant it?

"Alice."

She turned at the sound of his voice, her eye immediately flitting to the bundle in his arms and then away again, determinedly focusing on his face and not on the contents of the cloth.

"It's done then?" she asked. "You went through with it."

Magnus frowned slightly, surprised at the question.

"Did you really doubt that I would?" he asked.

Alice shook her head slowly. "I suppose not," she answered. Silence fell between them.

"May I have her remains?" she asked, finally speaking again.

"Of course," he answered, gently handing her the bundle in his arms. Magnus watched as Alice looked at the covered head, an inscrutable expression on her face. Cradling it in her arms her thumb stroked the fabric of the shroud ever so slightly, feeling the covered form beneath.

     For a moment Magnus wondered if Alice would uncover the wrapping and he prepared himself to look on the dead human face, though he had no desire to do so. Perhaps she would need to prove to herself Rachel was truly gone. He had of course performed the act and needed no proof, but if that was what she needed he would bear it....

After a moment, however, the wistful look in Alice's eyes faded back to the stoic resolve that was so familiar, hiding whatever emotions she felt so deep he imagined nothing could penetrate Alice's true thoughts.

    "Thank you," she said. "And forgive me for asking this of you. I know it is sentimental, but as I told you before, I believe it might help the others. I hope it made no difficulties for you with the buyer"

    Magnus shook his head. "It was not an issue," he assured her. "And you have nothing to apologize for. There is nothing wrong with a desire to grieve. I know you cared for the girl."

"I care for all of them," she answered dismissively. "Rachel was no different. She just required more of my attention. "

He knew it was a lie. A lie to protect him. Perhaps to protect herself as well. In admitting that Rachel had meant more to her than the others she could only serve to intensify her pain.

"Did she struggle?" Alice asked. "Fight against you?"

Magnus shook his head, glad he could assuage her fears with a clear conscience. "She passed easily, submitting with no force," he assured her, "In the end, I believe the help she provided with the sheep did truly seem to sooth her fears, just as I'd hoped. Truly I have seen few transition so quickly. Her life was extinguished almost immediately and I can promise you she felt no pain."

Alice nodded. "I'm glad for it," she said. "She was a sweet child. She deserved an easy end."

    Magnus put his hand in his pocket as he looked to the ground for a moment, feeling his own sorrow wash over him momentarily as he touched the object he found there.

"She asked that Kathryn be given this," he said, taking the necklace out and fingering the small black stone. He held it out to Alice who took it carefully in her palm, cupping it gently, as if holding a delicate baby bird fallen from the nest. A small smile came to her lips.

"I hope this will comfort Kathryn to some degree," Alice said, giving one more wistful glance at the stone before slipping the necklace into the pocket of her skirts. "She really was attached."

"The girl asked that I relay her thanks to you as well," Magnus said. The smile faded from the human's face as she shook her head.

"Rachel owed me no gratitude. I am only glad she didn't leave this world cursing my name."

"Of course not," Magnus reassured her. "She appreciated everything you did for her. She wished only that you and Kathryn would not forget her."

"Oh, I am certain I will never forget her," Alice answered. "I remember them all, but Rachel...well Rachel was certainly a bit different from the others."

    "The liver is in the kitchen," he said awkwardly after a moment of uncomfortable silence passed between them. "Of the offal the buyer only requested the heart and I didn't want any of the animal to go to waste, but if the concept upsets you."

    "Of course not," Alice answered quickly. "I too would not wish squander any of her sacrifice. But perhaps it would be best if I prepare your meal alone. I am already uncertain Kathryn will ever speak to me again as it is."

    "Then you didn't tell her either?"

    "No, though I wonder if she has suspected. The woman is quite observant after all. Still, I thought it best if I spared her the burden of such knowledge. She cared so much for the girl. I wanted her to enjoy the final moments they had together. To have forced Kathryn to do so while keeping such a secret from one she was so close to seemed a cruel introduction to the future I have planned for her.

    Kathryn's future. It was a subject Alice had brought up before, but he still did not like thinking on it.

    "You have given true consideration to my request I hope?" Alice pressed, as he knew she would now that the topic had been broached.

    "About Kathryn?"

    She nodded. "The girl is worthy, Magnus. You know I have thought so since the moment we saw her."

    Of course Magnus knew she had always favored Kathryn. He remembered the way Alice's nails had dug into his flesh when he hesitated in spending the money to bring the girl into his estate. She had been certain that the Kathryn was worth her weight in gold and thus far Alice had been proven right. Though he had not seen it that day at the auction, once on his estate, it was not long before her value began to shine.

    Kathryn was clever, hardworking, and kind. As soon as she warmed to her new home it became abundantly clear that, like Alice, the young woman was a natural born leader and exceedingly popular with the others of his flock.

    "You know I have not cooked one meal for you in at least a week, Magnus," Alice commented.

    He stared at her in surprise, but his friend only gave a mirthless laugh in response. "I told you Kathryn was competent. Perhaps now you truly will believe me? I gave her full responsibility of caring for your needs entirely and you have not even noticed."

    He smiled and shook his head. "I never doubted you, Alice. I never have." Magnus watched as the woman attempted a smile herself, but it didn't quite reach her lips.

    "I will admit I am indeed surprised and impressed," Magnus said. "I truly did not believe I would ever find another who could even begin to match your culinary skills certainly."

    "She can do far more than that I assure you. Surely you have seen it by now? She is one capable of being my successor. The chances of finding another are quite slim."

    In her words, Magnus could feel his mind resisting reality. He found himself filled with the urge to slaughter the girl Alice seemed so certain could act in her stead, if only to encourage his friend to hold on to life a little longer with the knowledge she could never be replaced.

    "I do not want you to have a successor, Alice," he answered honestly, trying to keep the desperation from his tone. "I don't want to lose you."

    "But I am human, Magnus," she answered calmly, "I will not live forever. It is a reality you must face. Before I lose my faculties and am unable to serve you I want to ensure that you are cared for. That all of your flock is cared for. Kathryn can perform that office. You should have seen her when your brother had run of these holdings. Without her aide, I might not have survived. All of your stock would have been at risk."

    He could hear the desperation creeping into her affect as she spoke, trying to defend her argument without emotion. Alice took a deep breath, clearly trying to control herself.

    "At least promise me you will give the matter true consideration before you say no. I will only continue to age. Kathryn can help me. I need her help and..." She stopped again as if hesitant to continue. "As much as I care for you, Magnus, after all these years, I need a friend of my own species that might be safe from death at your hands. Please do not deny me that."

    The catch in her voice was heartbreaking and a wave of guilt rushed over him at her words. He was being entirely selfish. He did not wish for Alice to die and so he was rejecting her potential replacement. But It was childish to do so. He knew that everything Alice said was the truth. And as much as he valued her companionship, it was not surprising she would crave friendship from one of her own kind. She had been so strong through the loss of every human that had come under her care. It seemed Kathryn had been the one to finally break down the walls of indifference she had created to survive.

    "There is nothing I could deny you, Alice," he answered honestly. "Forgive me, my friend, for even hesitating a moment. If it is Kathryn's life that you wish, it shall be yours. I swear to you I will keep her as long as you will it."

    "Thank you, Magnus," she answered. "I promise that if you extend to that woman even half of the care you have given to me, she will serve you faithfully for the rest of her days and prove her worth fully. Keeping Kathryn indefinitely is in your best interest. Even if you cannot see it now. Trust me as you did that day you were parted with your gold to bring her here."

    A hint of her wry smile twitched to life on the edge of her lip and Magnus felt a small breath of relief escape his lungs. She was strong. She had always been so. Whatever she had suffered in the past months dealing with his brother's cruelty, with Rachel's end, Alice would overcome it.

    "You always have had the ability to control me entirely, Alice," Magnus answered with a small chuckle. And it has only been to my benefit to listen to your words and advice since the day we first met. I do trust you. Implicitly."

    Alice didn't reply to his comment. "I can only hope the woman will still desire life when I tell her the "good news" she said. "Perhaps it will make up for the blow of Rachel's death. She really was quite attached."

    "Why, Alice?" Magnus asked, suddenly desperate to know. The question left his mouth though he knew he should have held his tongue. "Why did you not speak for the child?" Here she was making an impassioned plea for Kathryn's life, but surely she had been similarly attached to the girl. He was certain of it.

    She stared at him in genuine surprise. "Would you have listened?"

    Magnus hesitated. He knew the answer was no. "Perhaps if you had true begged me, he admitted. "I am not certain I could have withstood that."

    "I would not have reduced myself to begging, Magnus," Alice answered, "You have often asserted you desire to satisfy whatever request I might ask. But in return for that kindness, I promised myself long ago to never ask you for anything I knew you truly could not grant. This plea was one you would have to deny and I couldn't put you through that. It wouldn't have been fair to either of us."

Magnus stared at her with fascination, so surprised at her words he could find none to answer.

"Of course I cared for the child," she continued, "But it was not feasible to keep Rachel through adulthood. I have known that from the moment you brought her here. You run a business. I understand that as well as any. It was only a matter of time before you chose to harvest her flesh, and I knew too that the sorrow I might have felt at the girl's loss would only have grown worse the longer she remained. I could see that you were becoming attached as well, and neither of us can afford the sort of sentimentality.

"Besides, I knew she would not suffer. The longer she remained in slavery, the more of her freedom and spirit would have faded. I never wanted to see that, nor be the cause of her descent into mindless servitude. Better that she was granted quick release from this life and spared any more potential suffering. Who knows, perhaps she is happier now..." As Alice's voice trailed off, Magnus reached for her, wrapping the human's small body in a tight embrace.

"I love you, Alice," he said earnestly. "You do know that don't you? I love everything you are, and no one will ever change that. I will spare Kathryn because I care for you. I truly will do whatever you ask of me."

Alice smiled as she looked up at him. "I know my friend," she said. "And I will serve you as long as I am able. That is the promise I made to you long ago and it is one I intend to keep."

She lay her head against his chest and Magnus stroked her hair affectionately. He remembered that night so long ago when they lay together under the stars. When he had first pledged to protect her from all ills. So much had changed since then. His feelings towards Alice never had and never would.

The End

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So there you have it. After Humanity...hehe. Thoughts on the final chapter? Too much of a button? I wanted a wrap-up chapter but I would love to hear your opinion on it. One of my first readers actually suggested ending at the previous chapter. I really wanted Magnus to get the chance to speak again and give Alice that change as well. Perhaps I should label this chapter "epilogue"? Anyhoo...

To all of my readers who have been following, reading, commenting, voting...THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I have been truly humbled by After Humanity's positive reception here on Wattpad and am so appreciative of my amazing readers. Know how much your support means to me. Now that After Humanity is complete on Wattpad I will be working on edits and possibly submitting it for query! *wish me luck* ;-)

For people who have asked about sequels...YES, I do intend to write more from this world. I currently have two projects in the works. One will be a book from Alice and Kathryn's POV and the other ( if I can figure it out) will be a prequel showing how the sibla first began their true rise to power. Hope those ideas are intriguing:-) If you want updates on any future work and have not done so already, click the follow button on my profile. I will def be keeping readers informed :-)

Once again, thank you all for reading! <3<3<3

- Stacey