47 Awakening I

As they begin to depart, gaining their distance, her radiant smile still reaches me. She waves through the glass window of the golden carriage she's on, and I wave back. The sun went to hiding, spreading the night sky as the blue moon has taken the spotlight. But the carriage brightened everything that it passes.

I waited for the carriage to reach the castle gates before heading back inside. As the night comes alive at this early hour, it dropped the temperature, and I feel goosebumps forming from the sudden chilly wind tickling my exposed skin. The ambiance is calming, but it's not enough to ease the rapid beating of my heart.

The door shuts behind me with a loud thud, preventing the cold air from seeping inside. I turn toward Ena, who stood by the door with her head bowed down. 

"Is everyone prepared?" I ask. 

She lifts her head, revealing her terror-filled eyes. It took me by surprise to see her almost shaking in fear, as she's one of the bravest elves I know around here, "s-say, is this going to work?"

My face softens, and I approach her, placing a hand on her shoulder, "I know you are all afraid, but I need you to put your trust in me. There's a tremendous chance for this to work, and you should not worry, for I will protect all of you."

Ena stares at me with glistening eyes, it takes a while, but the skeptical look she held disappeared. I admire how Ena can easily fight off the fear that threatened her mind and body. Not everyone has such the courage to switch their mindset that quickly, except for someone I once knew, Rosetta. She's the bravest woman I know that everyone relied on her for strength. 

A slight smile forms on the corner of her lips, and she nods, "I made sure that they would be ready for tonight since the day we obtained the weapon." 

"That's a relief. Let's now put the plan to action."

Ena bows her head before leaving to pass the message. I turn around, walking through the quiet halls. Everyone here is aware of what's about to happen tonight except Rose, which was why I needed her to be away from the castle. The festival happening tonight was a perfect chance. 

It's to keep her safe in case things don't go the way we expect it to be. However, that shouldn't happen. I'm confident of this to work. 

Upon reaching the main hall, I'm surprised by the sudden presence of Faye, who stood three steps on one of the staircases. As soon as she spots me, she greets me with a bow. 

"I'm glad to see that you have recovered," relief washes over my face to see her in a healthy state. She has been bedridden for a week now after what had happened. I'm glad to have kept a bottle of Thapabia's tears, which saved her life.

She moves down the steps, heading towards me with the same look Ena did just now, "you know that look is not comforting on my part," I joked.

"Have the thought occurred to you that your body might be, connected to her as she's been using it for years now. Cutting off her life source might harm you too," worry laced her voice, but she remains firm. That's the Faye I know; she's always been so conscious of others and is not afraid to speak her mind. 

I glanced above the staircase, reach beyond that point, and there's no turning back, "I'm willing to take the risk." 

"It's time to put all of Beorene's wrath to a stop even if it would mean losing my life. Then I'll put you next in line to take charge," I stare at her as a stormy cloud hovered beneath her eyes, showing her great distress. 

"But we already lost Rosetta; we can't lose you too. I cannot look after the kingdom better than you can."

I cut her off, shaking my head, "You'll do just fine, don't doubt yourself. We lost Rosetta, but we gained a fraction of her, and that's Rose. She's the only heir to the throne, and she can't take over with Beorene alive." 

The tip of our shoulders touches as I approached past her, halting when I reach the stairs, "promise me you'll get her to the throne and keep her safe no matter what," I state my last wish. Aware that this could only go both ways. In that case, I am well prepared.

She heaves out a sigh, "your orders I shall follow."

I nod with a satisfied smile, giving her one last look before proceeding up the stairs. My hand runs through the cold railings; I wonder why it is freezing tonight. Though I feel Faye's eyes burning on my back, and that's enough to give me warmth. 

Upon reaching the top, I keep my eyes on what's ahead of me. The door to the room gives off an eerie feeling. Anyone could feel it every time they pass by. But I keep walking forward, not looking back.

I inhale a breath of air, and the scythe instantly appears on my right grip. The glowing red scythe with deadly details and pointy sharp blade, its bottom tip drags on the tiled floor from its length. 

The door unlocks and instantly opens, revealing the cold, dark, and empty room. The window must be open as the curtains move ever so freely by the blowing wind. 

I proceeded inside, and the door closes by itself but harsh enough to let out a loud bang. I did not flinch, with my eyes focused on the glowing Dahlia plant that stood on top of a table. 

Why is she silent? She must have felt the threat as soon as I was by that door. 

I tightened my grip on my weapon, looking at the plant disappointedly, "you cowardly conceal yourself in there as you watch the chaos you caused for decades. The realm will never obtain peace as long as you're alive."

"I'm doing your sisters a favor by killing you, and peace we should attain at last," I mutter but receive no reply.

The room is dead quiet, showing no signs of life except for the flower and me. My frustration rises when I don't get any reaction; so Beorene would give her life up this easy?

Then I shall grant whatever she pleases.

With two hands, I grip on the weapon holding it near my head. My eyes focused on the target, "may all your evil deeds end," without any hesitation, I swing the scythe. The flower bud falls on its pot's soil, losing all its color and glow, turning into grey ash. 

My breathing is rapidly heavy- my eyes widen after realizing how simple that played out. I bring my hand to feel my face and body for any effects on me, but I found nothing, and I feel no pain. My wings flutter open and close, nothing.

"We're safe," I breathe out, and I manage to smile from the relief I felt, "she's gone."

However, the ground starts shaking immensely, and I stagger, trying to keep my balance. A brilliant light emitted in front of me is blinding that I use my arm to cover my eyes. 

What is happening?