Sebastián stood in front of the three freshly dug graves in the cleared area of the forest, as the rain relentlessly fell upon him, pounding heavily on his soaked cloak. His companions, whom he had to kill to save Aurora, the demon child queen, deserved a proper farewell. The pain in his heart mingled with sadness and guilt, forming an emotional storm within him, but he knew deep down that he had made the right decision to protect the young girl.
With his head bowed and tears welling up in his eyes, blending with the raindrops, Sebastián began to speak softly, knowing his words would be heard by those now at rest.
"My friends," he whispered, "I have no words sufficient to express the torment I feel for what I had to do." His voice trembled, and the sound of water cascading onto the leaves formed a mournful melody in the air. "You trusted me, we fought together, and shared moments of camaraderie that are etched in my soul." His breath hitched, intermingling with the whisper of the wind through the trees. "But fate cruelly thrust upon us an impossible situation, and I had to make a decision that would mark our lives forever."
"Markus," he uttered his name with sorrow, "brave and loyal warrior. Your sword resounded with determination in every battle. I deeply regret that our blades had to clash on that fateful day." A sob escaped his throat, a lost echo amidst the downpour that continued its relentless dance. "Rest in peace, my friend, and forgive me for the anguish I caused you."
"Liam," he whispered with a trembling voice, "you were always the bearer of hope on our dark path. Your laughter and tireless spirit infused us with courage when despair threatened to overwhelm us." A sigh laden with remorse escaped his lips, barely audible amidst the thunder echoing on the horizon. "Today, my laughter has faded, and I am left with the overwhelming weight of regret. I hope you find the peace you so deserve."
"And you, Roland," his words trembled with the burden of tragedy, "natural leader and master strategist. In that critical moment, our swords crossed, and we became adversaries." A thunderous roar reverberated in the sky, as if nature itself mourned that forced separation. "I am haunted by the question of whether things could have been different. But, as you well know, life does not always follow the course we yearn for."
Sebastián dropped a white rose he had picked in the forest onto each of the graves, symbolizing his respect and lost love. The rain, now more intense, mingled with his tears as he slowly walked away from that sacred place. He knew he could never forget what he had done, but he also knew that his sacrifice had saved Aurora.
Aurora, with her innocence and kindness, approached Sebastián and embraced him while crying inconsolably. "I'm sorry, truly sorry, I didn't want to cause pain to others," sobbed the young demon queen.
Sebastián gently stroked Aurora's head as the rain washed away the tears from the child's tender face. With a voice broken with emotion, Sebastián replied, "Don't worry, none of this is your fault. It was my decision, and I take responsibility. Although we barely know each other, your tears and trembling remind me of my lost daughter, who also died. Right now, I feel completely alone, without family or friends due to my isolation. Although I want to return to the village, I know that in my weakness, I would be consumed by death." Thunder rumbled in the distance, as if giving voice to his inner torment. "Still, I ask you this, Aurora... Would you allow me to accompany you for a while? I know we are not of the same species, and you are a demon queen, but that doesn't prevent me from wanting to care for you as if you were my own daughter. Could you grant me this wish? Of course, if it makes you uncomfortable, I can step away at any time. You just have to ask."
Tears continued to fall from Sebastián's face as he exposed his most selfish desires, fearing that the girl would withdraw due to his actions. However, deep within him, there remained a glimmer of hope that Aurora would accept his proposal. When the young girl finished hearing the thoughts Sebastián had kept within himself, she stood astonished for a moment. Shortly after, she buried her face in Sebastián's clothing, sobbing inconsolably. "I... I don't want you to go, please stay with me," she whispered through tears.
And so, they remained embraced under the rain, trying to convey warmth through that hug filled with intense emotions. The sound of their heartbeats joined the patter of rain, forming a fragile yet hopeful melody. A person who had never had a family had gained a father, and the one who lost their family had gained a daughter. In that moment, the forest and the rain seemed to come alive, providing shelter to this new bond that would, with time, heal the wounds of two broken souls.