I watched Max come down the path. He look so handsome. I knew what I should do.
"You look breathtaking." He says.
"Thank you."
We eat in silence and when Adam brings cake and coffee Max says, "You wanted to talk about something?"
"Yes, I thought it over and I want to help. I found out that with my brothers help I can force my Uncle to turn himself in along with everyone backing him." I say.
"That's great then this war can be over soon. Then we can make a life together. I love you." Max took hold of my hand.
I take a deep breath and shake my head no, "That can't happen. In order to save this world then I have to give up the one I love. That is the tit for tat. I'm sorry but there can't and won't be an us."
"Don't say that. I won't let you go." he said.
I knew from my vision and talking to the Oracle that it had to happen this way. If I chose to love, then my Uncle might be defeated but many would suffer before the end. "My brother once said that he would give up anything to save the world even the man he loves. He is my brother so I have to be the one to sacrifice for the people of this world."
I got up handed Max the rings and walked away. My heart hurt but I know the what I have chosen is right but it did not mean I am not hurt.
◇◇◇♡♡♡◇◇◇[Max]
I am stunned... I looked at what she had handed me, my parents rings...She rejected me.
I stand up and watch her walk out of the room.
"What are you going to do now?" Adam said walking in from the kitchen.
"I don't know."
"She seen Mabel today why not talk to her." He suggested.
"Ok" I walk to the stables to ride to the Oracle's cottage.
As I arrived she comes out her door.
"My dear child what brings you to my humble home." She says.
"Cut the crap old woman tell me what I can do." I say pulling her into the house. As we take a seat she smiles.
"What do I look like, an Oracle?" She said.
"Mabel, Please help me. You sent me on the quest to find her and now I'm going to lose her."
"I sent you on a quest to find the person to help bring peace to our land. Just because she may or may not be your true love is to be seen. What about that harpy Saundra you are marrying?"
"You said 'Find the one that many can't sees, trust in love for they will be' be what?" I ran my hands over my face.
"I am in love with her. Is there no other way?" I ask.
"It's the only way to defeat the Duke. Would you let her go through it if she was your queen." She asked.
"What do you mean?" I had a bad feeling about this.
"I tell you this because you need to know. Using her power slowly kills her. Using it, have you seen her nose bleed?"
"Yes twice now." I say remembering when we met.
"The more power she has to use the more it drains. Most of the time she uses just a little, but the harder the mind, the more power is needed. Her brother will be able to amplify her power and hold her together but you must face the fact she will die."
She will die. To do what needs to be done she will die. I don't think I could bare the thought. "No other way?" I ask again.
"You don't need me to know that. My son just know love is out there for you. You can't give up."
The Oracle said my love is out there so does that mean Beth is not my true love. I just don't want to believe that. Everything in my body is telling me she's mine. I even felt it when I thought she was a boy.
"She gave me my parents ring." he held up the chain.
"I told her to make a choice. Wear the rings if she chose love, give both to her true love if she must walk away. She has chosen."
I left the cottage and road through the field. The moon was bright tonight and one could see for miles. Adam and I use to ride like this when we were younger.
I wonder if Adam knows by helping, she will die. He would be crushed to lose her. I decide not to tell him but will inform Robert so when it happens he can help him through it.
I finally head home and as I come to her door I pause. Should I check on her or distance my self. Before I can even think I open her door. She is dreaming again.
◇◇◇♡♡♡◇◇◇ [Beth]
Lighting flashes through the sky. I can hear the storm as I run through the woods. This time I stop and listen I hear a child crying I know it is coming from the castle ahead.
Another flash then laughter. I walk slowly knowing that I have to go this way.
'Little girl... come out, come out it's time to play' The voice that sends a wave of fear now just makes me stand straight and tall.
1 2 3 4 you have opened every door
5 6 7 8 hell is real and at the gate
9 10 11 12 you will die at the sound of the bell
I no longer try to cry out. My voice is strong. "If I must die then you shall go with me."
I run and see a child with an evil grin. She points a finger and me...'You will never be free. Everyone you love will die.'
"Not today evil little thing. I won't run ever again."
Then someone grabs me, I pull away knowing it is my Uncle. I look up and see my uncle laughing.
'Did you think I would let you go. You are mine to use. I am the only one that has that right. You have no where to hide little one. No where to hide.
"Who is hidding now dear Uncle. I stand before you this day to show you I am no longer the child with fear but a woman ready to destroy you.
Then my uncle snaps his fingers and in front of me is Adam and Max tied up and a man with a hood over his head comes forward with a long sword.
I remember this scene too but this time I run forward and grab the sword and turn. The figure and the men disappeared.
'You have learned how to fight my dear but it won't do any good. Your power does not work on me.'
"It does not need to Uncle. I will save this world from you one way or another."
Lighting flashes... Everything goes dark I feel arms wrapped around me and the feeling of being safe fill the void.
I open my eyes to find myself in Max's embrace. I barried my face in his chest and just let myself feel his love. I know I need to give it up but for just tonight I want him.
I then look up and get off his lap and without a word I lead him to the bed and kiss him. He strips his cloths off and climbs in bed. He kisses me from head to toe. I get lost in his passion for me.
Through out the night not many words were said we just enjoyed each others body. Then fell asleep in each other embrace.