The Taint: Octavia (3 page)

Octavia stepped up onto the parapet, and over the edge.

She plunged down, her long brown hair whipping out behind her, her gown and nightdress billowing up.

A strong shaft of light struck her swiftly moving body, illuminating her flight. The light lingered, following her descent. Octavia drew breath at the ray’s sweet warmth; so sweet it seemed the God graced her once more.

The darkness of the earth hurried towards her, bringing an end to the uncertainty of life. But the ray of light was gentle, warm and soothing.

The light flared brilliantly, enveloping her fragile form completely; a human comet in a rapidly darkening sky. And then, where a woman had tumbled to her death, a small, radiant-white bird beat the air with virgin wings.

The bird called out once. A haunting note, final yet joyous, as it flew towards the setting sun.

*****

About the Author

Georgina Anne Taylor is an Australian writer of Gothic Fantasy and Fairy Tales. She is also a visual artist, exhibiting under her maiden name Georgina Smith.

If you have enjoyed this story, look out for the next instalment in
The Taint
series:
Meng
, to be released in early 2012.