"Ha, lovely story and manipulation of the truth. You dare lie to Crystalsa and claim you waited till he broke off with you to mate with his brother?" Lilith spat trying to take control of the situation.
"Bryson and I had feelings for each other from the very start, it's true. However we avoided ever being alone together for that reason. It wasn't until I was cast from the house that Bryson and I gave up the fight." Fantasy replied her eyes met Crystalsa's. "I would never break your heart like that, Mother. You knew that, Lilith, that's why you had me killed." The older woman saw the sincerity in her eyes and nodded. Old shaky hands raised to wipe the tears, but Fantasy did it for her.
"You have no proof." Lilith spat back and Fantasy turned to her.
"Into your hands, I commit my Fate." Fantasy replied and the Lady Raven walked forward to stand before Lilith.
"You plotted against my daughter, you murdered her son, a son who has lived a very different life and was reborn into this world again, to the family he never should have left. You sentenced him to a life of war, bloodshed and evil all because of your greed. If you need poof…" The Raven took a feather and gashed across Lilith's arm, and a golden light deflected the quil. Then silence fell. The Raven let go of her arm and took a step back disgusted. Silence settled across the room.
Fantasy walked forward, now that it was over and faced her. The Lady Raven stepped back, giving her room to face Lilith. "Lilly… you were my dearest friend, and the start of the betrayals. I wish I could forgive you, but my heart is not that generous."
"I don't need forgiveness for following a higher calling, especially not from something as low as you." Lilith replied and Crystalsa stared at her.
"The Goddess of Fate has been called and judged by the Old Ones and been found masquerading as fate when in truth, she is the Goddess of Deception, the temptress. Any who worship her, shall be cast from my lands and banned among my people. The challengers, in her service, committed murder shall never have peace in Moria." The Shadow King stood at his sister's side as he spoke. The Raven nodded her head in agreement, setting her hand on Fantasy's shoulder.
"Your will be done, My Lord of Shadows but, I beg of you, what of my grandchildren?" Crystalsa asked, her mind on her two granddaughters. She feared what could befall of them outside these walls.
"Children may not suffer the sins of the Mother, Crystalsa. I told you this once before." He reminded her and she nodded slowly.
"Agreed. Fantasy… I am so sorry." Crystalsa addressed her with tears and Fantasy replied with a smile.
"You have nothing to apologize for. I Love you, and I loved being part of this family." Fantasy reassured her as Crystalsa stood and hugged her close. Fantasy felt the warmth of that hug, and nearly broke into tears herself but she didn't. There wasn't time to waste with tears.
"I would give anything to have you back with us." Crystalsa whispered and Fantasy sighed.
"Mother, you know that just isn't possible. I will return to the Raven's Roost soon…" Fantasy whispered into her ear. Crystalsa nodded and let go, wiping her eyes slowly.
Reever waved his hand for Lilith to be taken away to be dealt with later, her banishment already decided. Rose was still in shock as Fantasy turned to her, feeling those eyes on her.
Rose launched herself from her seat and hugged Fantasy. "Thank you, thank you, thank you. I never got to say thank you for everything you did. I tried to do right by Kyera but I always regretted not thanking you myself. If you hadn't helped me I never would have had Lavender."
"Your own will saved your daughter, I only kept others from taking her from you. You were an amazing mother Rose. Thank you for looking after my Granddaughter." Fantasy agreed, her voice soft as she smiled.
Bryson waited just long enough for the two girls to separate before pulling her into a bear hug, her tiny tiger body suddenly lifted two feet off the ground and nestled against his chest. Her arms wrapped around his neck as he buried his face in hers. She closed her eyes not caring what anyone in the room thought. It would be a long time before they were together again in the world after.
"I will wait for you." She whispered into his ear. Bryson nodded.
"Please do. I can't leave Kyera, not yet. She needs a family." Bryson whispered as much as he wished he could follow her into death.
"Take care of our family. I will see you again." She kissed his forehead, but Bryson was not content with that. He claimed her lips again with the tenderness of a man much stronger than his lover, but searing hot as the need for her had always been.
"Yes. I will see you again." He agreed and set her down. The Raven cleared her throat gently.
"Kyera will be here soon, Fantasy." The Raven pointed out gently and she smiled softly.
"I know." There was a sadness to Fantasy's face.
"She would love to meet you…" Bryson pointed out hopefully, wanting to steal just a little more time.
"And she will… in the afterlife. Goodbye, My love." Fantasy raised her arms and lifted onto her toes before her body folded in on itself, sterling silver hair becoming feathers, and soon a white raven sat on Lady Raven's shoulder.
"Fantasy can not cross paths with people who did not know her when she was living… especially not a young demigoddess who can change the ways of fate." The Shadow King explained as the God and Goddess prepared to depart. "The truth has been revealed. It is up to you what you do with it, now go. Our Princess returns."