sorry but it wasn't a choice

I treated him for the next two days, and he kept following me everywhere like a lost puppy. It was honestly kind of adorable—if you didn't count the part where it was also completely mortifying. All the aunties around were giving us side eyes that could cut through steel. Omg, this boy is making me so embarrassed!

Every time I'd look up, I'd catch them whispering and glancing at us, their eyebrows practically doing acrobatics. "Oh, look at them! Young love!" they'd say, their voices dripping with that all-too-familiar mixture of gossip and intrigue. I could practically feel my cheeks burning.

"And Aelin, how about we go on a date?" Orpheus would ask, all wide-eyed and earnest, as if we were just casually discussing the weather.

"Ugh, no!" I would reply, rolling my eyes. "I'm busy—like, really busy. Can't you see I'm saving your life here?"

"But what if I promise to let you choose the restaurant?" he'd tease, a playful grin plastered on his face.

"Oh sure, because that makes it better," I said, shaking my head. "Last time I let you pick, we ended up at that weird food stall that served fried insects!"

He shrugged, the grin only getting wider. "Hey, you said you wanted to try something new!"

"Right, and I also said I wanted to keep my lunch down!" I shot back, trying to suppress a smile despite the embarrassment creeping back in.

God knows how much his behavior has changed from before. My shy, reserved Orphie had transformed into this flirty little playboy, and I was starting to wonder if I needed to find a leash for him. Is this the same guy who used to blush at the mere mention of romance?

"You know, I can be very charming," he said, puffing out his chest with mock seriousness.

"Yeah, charming like a toddler in a candy store," I retorted, laughing at the ridiculous image.

"Well, you can't blame me for trying," he said with a wink, and I had to admit, despite my embarrassment, it was hard to stay annoyed with him for long.

Every time I turned around, there he was—right behind me, grinning like he had just won the lottery. At this rate, I'd be more famous for my embarrassing life than for any actual healing skills!

It was now the sixth day since that incident, and Orphie had kept following me around, asking the same question over and over. I knew what was going to happen today, and I decided to accept his request as a last hurrah to make him smile.

"Alright, fine! One date!" I said, throwing my hands up in mock surrender. "But this is the last time!"

Orpheus's face lit up like a child on Christmas morning, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Really? You mean it?"

"Yes, but don't get too carried away with your puppy eyes, okay? And no funny business! Just a nice, normal outing."

"Of course!" he exclaimed, practically bouncing on his toes. "I'll be on my best behavior!"

Without wasting a moment, he dashed off to find Asterin. "Asterin! Asterin!" he called, nearly tripping over his own feet in his eagerness. "I need your help! Aelin is going on a date with me!"

Asterin's eyebrows shot up, a smirk creeping across her face. "Seriously? After all those rejections? I didn't think you'd take 'no' for an answer that easily."

"It's different this time! She finally said yes!" Orpheus exclaimed, barely able to contain his joy.

"Alright, Mr. Casanova, what do you need help with?" Asterin asked, clearly amused.

"Everything!" he declared. "I need Aelin to look amazing! Can you help her pick out a perfect outfit? Maybe some accessories? And I need flowers! Lots of flowers! And, um… some snacks, too!"

"Whoa, whoa, slow down!" Asterin laughed, raising her hands in mock surrender. "You want me to turn Aelin into a princess while you plan your little picnic?"

"Yes! Exactly!" Orpheus said, practically vibrating with excitement. "I want everything to be perfect."

"Fine, I'll help you," Asterin said, rolling her eyes but unable to hide her grin. "But you better keep your romantic poetry to a minimum. We don't want Aelin running away before she even gets a chance to enjoy herself."

As I entered the room where Asterin had set up a mini fashion show, I was met with a stunning white dress that was a beautiful blend of Egyptian and European styles. The frock had intricate gold embroidery that shimmered in the light, with flowing sleeves that gave it an elegant flair. It was cinched at the waist, accentuating my figure, and the skirt cascaded down in soft waves that looked like they could float with the breeze.

"Wow, Aelin, this dress is perfect!" Asterin exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she helped me slip it on.

"Are you sure?" I said, turning to look in the mirror. The combination of cultures gave it a unique touch, and I couldn't deny that I felt beautiful.

"Absolutely! Now, let's do your hair." Asterin expertly tied my hair into a neat bun, with a few loose strands framing my face. "There! You look like a goddess! Orphie won't know what hit him."

I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement as I glanced at my reflection. I took a deep breath, reminding myself that this was just one date. Nothing too serious. Just a chance to make Orpheus smile.

With my heart racing, I stepped out, ready to face the day.

The entire garden of the royal palace was draped in a soft, enchanting glow under the night sky. White flowers bloomed around them, their petals illuminated by the moonlight and the delicate lanterns strung from the trees. It was like stepping into a dream, and the stillness of the night made it feel like the world had vanished, leaving only the two of them.

Orpheus stood near the fountain, dressed in an elegant white suit that made him look like royalty—well, more like royalty than usual. The way he had arranged everything, from the flowers to the soft music in the background, surprised me. I didn't think he had this side to him. He looked so composed, yet his eyes betrayed his excitement when he saw me.

I walked toward him, my white dress trailing behind me. It was a mixture of Egyptian and European styles, flowing gracefully with every step I took. My hair was tied up in a neat bun, with a few loose strands framing my face. I felt slightly out of place in such fancy attire, but somehow, Orpheus made it all seem natural.

"Hi," I said, trying to sound as casual as possible, but my voice came out a little softer than I intended.

He smiled, that same gentle smile that had been making my heart skip a beat for days now. "You look... incredible." His voice was low, reverent almost.

"Thanks," I mumbled, feeling a slight blush creep up my cheeks. "You don't look too bad yourself."

He chuckled and offered me his hand. "Shall we?"

I took his hand, the warmth of his touch calming the nerves I didn't realize I had. "So… you did all this?" I gestured to the beautifully decorated garden, the lights casting a soft glow around us.

He nodded, looking a bit bashful. "I wanted tonight to be special."

"Well, you've definitely succeeded," I said, taking in the beautiful scene again. "I didn't know you had this in you."

He laughed lightly. "I have a few tricks up my sleeve. But this… this is for you. I just wanted to see you smile."

I couldn't help but smile at his sincerity. "Mission accomplished."

As we walked further into the garden, the sounds of the night surrounded us—crickets chirping softly, the breeze rustling the leaves. It was peaceful, serene, and for a moment, it felt like nothing else existed beyond this moment. Just me, Orpheus, and the quiet beauty of the night.

We spent great time together; the food was good, and Orpheus had clearly gone all out. His white prince-like suit complemented the beautifully decorated garden, and everything was perfectly serene. But as the night went on, I started to feel a little off. There was something about tonight, something I couldn't shake. By the time we finished the dinner, Orpheus was still in high spirits, but I couldn't hide my expression anymore.

"Aelin, what's wrong? You've been quiet," he asked, his tone soft, concerned.

I hesitated at first, biting my lip, trying to find the right words. After a few moments, I looked up at him, my face slightly sad, and said, "Promise me something."

He blinked, his smile fading as he leaned in, clearly sensing the seriousness. "What is it? You know I'd do anything for you."

"Let's go on a walk," I said, reaching out and holding his hand gently. The warmth of his hand against mine made me feel slightly more at ease, but the heaviness in my chest remained.

"Gladly," he replied, standing up with a soft smile. He squeezed my hand lightly as we left the dining area and walked out into the night, under the glowing moon and stars.

The garden was quiet, the only sound being the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze. We strolled through the rows of white flowers, our hands still entwined, but my mind was racing with a thousand thoughts. Orpheus, still his playful self, was glancing at me every so often, probably wondering what was going on in my head.

I stayed quiet for a moment longer, just enjoying the night air, before I finally spoke up. "Orphie… I need you to promise me something."

"So, the thing is… there are two things I need from you," I said softly, my voice wavering slightly as we walked. I took a deep breath and continued, "First, I want you to read the letter I left for you on the table when I'm… away. And second, I need you to promise me something."

Orpheus frowned, sensing the seriousness in my tone. "What is it?" he asked, his usual playful demeanor fading as he looked at me with concern.

I stopped walking and turned to face him, my grip on his hand tightening a little. "Promise me that if… if one of us is to die, the other will live happily and won't be sad. You have to promise me that, Orphie."

His expression changed completely, his eyes widening as he processed what I was asking. "Aelin… what are you saying?" His voice was laced with worry, but I just shook my head, trying to keep my own emotions in check.

"I need to hear you promise me," I whispered, tears threatening to spill over.

"Why are you talking about death?" he asked, his voice tight with concern, his grip on my hand growing stronger.

I tried to smile, but it felt hollow. "Why not?" I said quietly, looking down at the flowers at our feet. "Our soul connection is pretty much severed now. Anyone could die without the other, and I just… I just want you to be happy, even if I'm not here."

Orpheus's face twisted with emotion. "Don't say that, Aelin. I can't… I won't even think about losing you." His voice was rough, almost desperate, as if he couldn't even fathom the idea.

I reached up and placed my hand on his cheek. "That's why I'm asking. I need to know that if something happens, you'll be okay. You deserve to live your life without being weighed down by sadness or guilt. You deserve to be happy, Orphie. Promise me."

He closed his eyes for a moment, leaning into my touch, before opening them again and looking straight into mine. "I can't promise I won't be sad, Aelin… but I'll try. For you, I'll try."

It wasn't the answer I wanted, but it was enough.

"Let's have a dance in elf style," I said, trying to lift the mood, forcing a grin to lighten the tension. Orpheus blinked at me, his sadness still evident, but a small, amused smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

"You're really something, aren't you?" he said, shaking his head, but he stepped closer, his eyes twinkling with just a bit of mischief.

I grabbed his hand, pulling him into the center of the garden. "Come on, don't pretend like you don't know the steps," I teased, positioning myself in the classic elf dance stance. Orpheus rolled his eyes but matched my stance perfectly.

We began moving in sync, following the graceful, flowing movements of the elven dance, our feet sweeping over the ground as if we were floating. The stars above seemed to join in, twinkling like they were keeping rhythm with us.

I twirled, feeling the soft breeze against my skin, and for a moment, the heaviness between us disappeared. It was just me and Orphie, dancing like it was our last night together, but still, somehow, it felt carefree.

He spun me around, laughing a little as he fumbled the last move, and I burst out laughing too. "You're terrible at this, Orphie!" I teased, smirking at him.

"Blame it on my human half!" he shot back with a playful grin. "But, at least I'm trying, right?"

I couldn't help but laugh again. "Yeah, I guess that counts."

"Orpheus.1 was better at it," I said, teasingly, throwing him a sly grin.

He immediately shot me a glare, his expression twisting into mock annoyance. "Don't talk about them," he said, sounding kind of jealous as he pulled me a little closer during the next step.

I raised an eyebrow, enjoying how easily I could get under his skin. "Aww, is someone jealous of his past selves?" I taunted, giggling.

He huffed dramatically. "Of course not! But they don't matter now, do they? It's just me here, the one you should focus on," he said, puffing out his chest, trying to act all cool but clearly feeling the sting of my little jab.

I rolled my eyes, still grinning. "Oh please, they were all you anyway. Same elf, different attitude."

"Exactly!" he said, as if he'd won some argument. "And this version of me is obviously the best." He gave me a playful wink, trying to regain his pride.

I laughed, shaking my head at his antics. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say."

"Hey, you made my day special, so as a reward, you can ask for a wish," I said, smiling up at him.

He thought for a second, then his smile turned mischievous. "Hmm, so will you marry me?" he asked, still grinning.

"Don't be so fast forward! Ask for something I can actually give!" I said, rolling my eyes, though I couldn't help but laugh.

He paused for a moment, pretending to think again, then his face turned a little shy. "So what about..." he hesitated.

"What?" I asked, still swaying with him as we danced.

"A kiss... maybe?" he said, looking both playful and embarrassed at the same time, his cheeks turning just the slightest bit pink.

I stared at him for a moment, caught off guard. "You really know how to make things awkward, don't you?" I said, shaking my head, trying to keep the moment light despite feeling my own heart racing a little.

He looked at me, surprised, but that grin of his softened, his excitement barely contained. "Really? Just once?" he asked, though his voice was quieter this time.

"Yeah, just once," I whispered, my heart heavy despite the smile I tried to keep on my face. I wanted this moment to be special for him, even if it was one of the last we'd share.

He stepped closer, his eyes searching mine as if sensing something was off, but he didn't say anything. "Okay, just once," he said, almost like a promise.

He leaned in, and I closed my eyes, feeling the warmth of his lips against mine. It was gentle, almost fragile, as if he was afraid to break the moment. My chest ached, knowing that while this kiss was sweet and full of affection, it was also filled with the sadness of what I knew was coming.

I pulled away first, a lump in my throat, fighting back the tears. "Alright, that's it," I said softly, trying to keep my voice steady. "No more wishes, okay?"

He smiled, but it wasn't as bright as before. "Yeah... okay."

I turned away, my heart breaking, knowing this was goodbye—knowing he had no idea this would be the last time we shared something like this. But I couldn't tell him. I didn't want to see the hurt in his eyes. So I forced myself to smile, even though inside, I was already starting to mourn the loss.

"Hey, Orphie... I'm sorry," I whispered, my voice trembling as the weight of it all finally crashed down on me.

His eyes widened in confusion. "What are you talking about?" he asked, stepping closer, panic starting to creep into his voice.

But before he could reach me, I felt it—the sensation of my body starting to unravel. My fingers began to fade into glowing particles, softly breaking apart, just like the soul connection we once shared.

"Wait! No, no, no! What's happening?!" Orpheus shouted, trying to grab me, but his hands passed through, catching nothing but air.

"I'm sorry," I said again, tears blurring my vision. "I wish I could've stayed... longer. I really do." My voice cracked, and the lump in my throat felt unbearable.

His face twisted in desperation, tears forming in his eyes. "No, don't—don't leave me. Please don't go!" His voice was broken, the strength he always carried now replaced with fear and helplessness.

I tried to smile through my own tears, but my body was almost entirely gone now. "You promised me... remember?" I whispered, barely holding on. "Promise me you'll live... and be happy."

Orpheus fell to his knees as the last pieces of me dissolved into the night. "Aelin!" he screamed, reaching out one last time, but it was too late.

And then... I was gone.