Chapter 13:- The Day

Alastair's POV:

As my eyes fluttered open, I was greeted by the most breathtaking sight-my beloved Eira, her delicate form nestled against my chest. The overwhelming urge to hold onto her fiercely surged within me, yet I knew deep down she wouldn't sway from her resolve. How could I bear to extinguish the light of my life with my own hands?

Gently, I pressed a tender kiss to Eira's forehead, and her eyes, pools of myriad emotions, slowly opened. Our lips met in a passionate kiss, a silent exchange of love and longing. Breaking away reluctantly, I stood up, the weight of impending separation heavy on my heart.

"I have to go," I whispered, my voice tinged with sorrow.

"Hmm," Eira murmured, her eyes reflecting a mix of acceptance and sadness.

I embraced her once more, reluctant to let go, then dressed and made my way to the crucial meeting that would shape our fate.

The day progressed in a blur of discussions and preparations for the morrow's ritual-a day that would irrevocably alter our lives.

Third Person POV:

The day of the sacrifice arrived, and Eira was adorned in a gown as pure as snow, her head adorned with a delicate feather tiara. Alastair, too, was readied by the priests for the solemn ritual that would determine the destiny of their world.

They were led to the city centre, where the air thrummed with anticipation and solemnity, every heartbeat echoing the gravity of what was to come.

Alastair's heart clenched as he beheld Eira, a vision of ethereal beauty but with eyes that betrayed no emotion, resigned to her fate. Their gazes locked, a silent conversation passing between them, laden with unspoken words of love and regret.

Eira, though bracing for her inevitable end at the hands of the man she cherished, couldn't help but feel a bittersweet pang of happiness that her final moments would be cradled within his embrace. Yet, concern gnawed at her heart, fearing what would become of Alastair after she was gone.

The moment arrived, and the priest handed the holy sword to Alastair, who approached Eira with a heavy heart. Standing before her, he whispered words of love, a poignant declaration amidst the sombre atmosphere.

"I love you, Eira," he murmured, his voice choked with emotion.

Eira, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, whispered back, "I love you, Alastair," her voice carrying the weight of a thousand unfulfilled dreams.