Meredith's eyes fluttered open, her cheek resting against Gabriel's bare chest, the steady rise and fall of his breathing a quiet anchor in the dim light of the underground cave.For a moment, she let herself linger there, her fingers brushing absently against his chest as warmth radiated from his presence.But something was different.A faint unease crept over her, the familiar hum of energy she'd felt beneath her skin now absent. Her breath hitched as her hand moved to her chest, her fingertips brushing over smooth skin where her mark had once burned so brightly.Her body stiffened to a sitting position, realization striking like a thunderclap."What happened?" she asked, her voice trembling with disbelief, the sharp edge of confusion cutting through her words.Gabriel sat quietly, his posture slouched with exhaustion. His once-glowing wings had dulled significantly, and faint cracks in their luster hinted at their inevitable fading. He met her gaze with a calm, if pained, expression."I... I don't know," he admitted softly, his voice heavy with the weight of uncertainty. "But your mark—it's gone. I didn't anticipate this."Meredith pushed herself to her feet, pacing the dimly lit cavern."Gone? That's it? Just gone?" Her voice rose, anger and confusion boiling to the surface. "Do you realize what this means? I was the royal dragon. My entire purpose—my connection to Pyria—it's tied to that mark. Without it, Pyria—""You're free," Gabriel interrupted, his voice steady but tinged with something unreadable."Free?" Meredith spun to face him, her eyes blazing with frustration. "Free to do what? Free to abandon my kingdom? To walk away from everything and everyone I swore to protect?"Gabriel stood then, moving toward her with deliberate slowness. "You're free to choose, Meredith. Elyon no longer holds you."He hesitated, the next words catching in his throat. "But you're not the only one who's changed."Meredith's brows furrowed as she stared at him, her anger momentarily giving way to confusion. "What do you mean?"Gabriel exhaled deeply, his wings shifting slightly before folding tightly against his back."I'm no longer an angel. The moment I chose to bind myself to you, I began to fall. Soon, I'll be mortal, just like you."The words hit Meredith like a physical blow, her breath hitching as guilt clawed its way to the surface."You fell... because of me?" she whispered, her voice cracking.Gabriel shook his head firmly."The choice was mine," he said, his tone quiet but resolute.Meredith took a shaky step back, her hands trembling as she pressed them to her temples."No," she murmured. "No, this isn't right. You shouldn't have had to—""Meredith," Gabriel interrupted, his voice soft but unwavering. "This was my choice. My decision. Not yours."Tears welled in her eyes, spilling over as she turned away from him. "And now you've given everything for me. Fresia, too. You both sacrificed so much, and I didn't even see it. I didn't see her pain, what she gave up... And now you—"Gabriel stepped closer, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder."I'm still here," Gabriel said, his voice gentle but edged with tension, each word carrying the weight of a growing storm. "And so are you. We can't change what's been lost, but we have to decide what comes next—before Elyon unleashes his wrath on Pyria."Meredith turned to him slowly, her face streaked with tears, her hands trembling as she clenched them at her sides.Gabriel's golden eyes softened. He gently pulled her into his arms, wrapping her in a protective embrace. His wings curved slightly around her, shielding her from the chill of the cavern air."Come what may, we'll face it together." His words steady but edged with quiet resolve.For a moment, they stood in silence, their shared grief and the weight of their choices settling heavily between them. Meredith closed her eyes, her cheek pressed against the solid warmth of his chest as his heartbeat echoed softly in her ears."The choice is mine," Gabriel's voice broke the quiet, low and resolute. The words left no room for doubt.---Gabriel gathered what strength he had to lift them into the sky. Each beat felt labored, but he pressed on, holding Meredith tightly as they ascended into the air."I have to tell them," she murmured, her voice barely audible above the wind. "Victoria, my parents—they need to know what happened."Gabriel's voice was low and steady as he said, "They must hear it from you." He then changed course, heading towards Pyria's capital.Meredith remained silent for most of the journey, her head resting against his shoulder, her thoughts a storm of guilt, anger, and grief. Fresia's face lingered in her mind, her sacrifice a wound that felt too raw to name. Yet, amid the chaos within her, Gabriel's steady presence offered an anchor she hadn't realized she needed.As the capital's spires came into view, her heart clenched. The familiar silhouette of her home felt almost foreign now, burdened by the weight of everything that had transpired.Victoria was the first to greet them as they landed in the castle courtyard. Her sharp eyes widened in surprise, then relief, as she rushed forward to embrace Meredith."You're alive!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion. Her arms wrapped tightly around her sister, holding her as though afraid she might disappear again.Meredith, too overwhelmed to speak, simply clung to Victoria, her grip uncharacteristically tight.Their parents arrived moments later, but their reception was far colder. The King's gaze swept over Meredith and Gabriel, his eyes narrowing at Gabriel's muted wings, the faint ashen hue betraying his fall.The Queen's tone was clipped and demanding as she stepped forward. "What happened out there? The kingdom entrusted you with—""The angel Malachel came to see us," Victoria interrupted, her voice sharp as she pulled back from Meredith, her hands still resting on her sister's shoulders.Meredith blinked, her eyes widening slightly. "What?"Victoria's jaw tightened. "Last night. He said your mark was awakening, that you were to fulfill Elyon's decree as the royal dragon. He demanded to know where you were."Meredith stepped forward, her voice firm but tinged with emotion. "The mark is gone," she said, meeting their eyes steadily. "I don't know how or why, but it's no longer there. I'm not the royal dragon anymore."The Queen's lips pressed into a thin line, her expression taut with unease. "You were meant to protect Pyria. If the mark is gone—""It is gone," Meredith said abruptly, her voice steady but strained.She straightened, stepping back from Victoria to face her parents fully. "And I'm still here. Whatever Elyon's decree was, it doesn't matter anymore."The King's brow furrowed, his voice measured but heavy. "Without the royal dragon, Pyria's protection is—""Enough," Victoria snapped, her tone cutting. She turned to their parents, her sharp gaze unwavering. "What's gone is Elyon's claim on her, and I say good riddance."Meredith's chest tightened at Victoria's words, her throat catching as she tried to steady herself. Her gaze flicked toward Gabriel briefly before returning to her parents."And there's something else," she added, her tone cautious but firm. "Gabriel and I... we're married."The words hung in the air for a moment, the weight of their implication pressing heavily."And I think," she continued carefully, "it might have something to do with why the mark is gone."The Queen's sharp intake of breath broke the silence, her hand moving instinctively to her chest as she stared at Meredith in disbelief."Married?" she repeated, her voice taut with a mix of shock and disapproval.The King's expression darkened, his brow furrowing deeply."When?" he asked sharply, his tone carrying both confusion and anger."After Fresia..." Meredith's voice faltered, and her hands clenched at her sides. "I didn't want to wait anymore. Everything is changing, and I... we wanted to hold onto something real. Something we could share, just the two of us."Gabriel stepped forward, his voice soft but firm. "We love each other. It wasn't a decision made lightly, but one we knew we had to make, while we still had time."The Queen's voice trembled, a mix of fear and disbelief threading through her words. "Do you even realize what you've done? Elyon will not forgive this. He'll turn his wrath on Pyria next.""I understand enough," Meredith replied, her voice firm despite the storm in her chest. "And I'll face whatever comes. I won't run from it."Victoria's gaze softened as she stepped closer to Meredith, placing a hand on her sister's shoulder. "She's here, alive, and stronger than ever. Whatever happens next, we'll face it together."The Queen glanced at her husband, her expression torn, but the King said nothing, his gaze heavy on Gabriel before he turned back toward Meredith. The weight of their unspoken questions hung heavily in the air as the silence stretched on.Later, as the evening settled, Meredith and Gabriel walked along one of the castle's upper balconies. The railings overlooked the sprawling gardens below, the roses catching the moonlight in soft hues."Fresia loved roses," Meredith said softly, trailing her fingers along the stone rail as they walked.Gabriel followed a few steps behind, his golden gaze unwavering as he watched her."She always said they were the most noble flower," Meredith continued, her voice tinged with sorrow.As if trying to shake herself free from the heaviness pressing on her chest, Meredith stepped up onto the bottom rung of the railing, balancing herself precariously as she leaned forward."Meredith," Gabriel said sharply, his wings twitching slightly, a reflex of tension."I'm just looking," she replied breezily, swaying ever so slightly as she held her balance. Her tone was light, but it betrayed the storm brewing beneath the surface—the unspoken grief that threatened to crack through her composure.Her fingers outstretched as though trying to touch something just beyond her reach."She'd scold me for this," Meredith murmured, her voice quieter now, tinged with a sorrow she didn't fully acknowledge. "She always said I didn't know when to stop."Gabriel stepped closer, his golden eyes narrowing. "Meredith, get down."Her lips twitched into a faint smile, but her gaze stayed fixed on the flowers below. "She'd probably call me reckless. She always—"Her foot slipped before the last word had fully left her lips. The playful tilt of her body turned into a sudden plunge as her balance gave way, and she tumbled over the edge. A cry escaped her lips before strong arms caught her mid-air.Gabriel's wings spread wide, glowing faintly in the moonlight as they beat powerfully to stop their descent. He cradled her against his chest, his grip firm but gentle.For a fleeting moment, something stirred in Meredith's mind—a familiar memory, hazy but vivid enough to make her breath hitch.On that fateful day, six-year-old Meredith's innocent antics turned perilous. She had been chasing a butterfly along the castle's upper balconies, her laughter echoing through the stone corridors. Oblivious to the danger, she leaned too far over the railing and slipped, her small body tumbling toward the cobblestones below.White wings unfurled in a flash of radiant light, and in an instant, an angel caught her mid-air, cradling her tightly against his chest. Her wide, tear-filled eyes met his, and she clutched at him as if he were the only safe thing in the world.The memory faded like mist under the moon, merging into the present as Meredith blinked, her gaze locking onto Gabriel's face.For the first time, the pieces fell into place. It had been him. He'd been there, watching over her, saving her.But now, as he caught her once again, his balance wavered. They tumbled together, landing unceremoniously on the soft grass, the weight of the past colliding with the reality of the moment."You," she murmured, her voice soft with the weight of realization. Still lying in his arms, Meredith let out a soft, breathy laugh, her hand pressing lightly against his chest."I remember now... You've been saving me since I was a child."Gabriel's lips curved faintly, though the smile didn't quite reach his eyes.Her laughter faded as her fingers brushed against the fabric of his tunic, the steady rise and fall of his chest beneath her hand. The warmth she had always associated with him seemed fainter now, his presence less assured.Meredith blinked, her cheek still pressed against him as unease began to creep into her thoughts. "Are you—""I'm fine," Gabriel interrupted, though his voice was strained. His wings, now visibly duller, twitched weakly behind him, a stark reminder of the cost he was beginning to bear.For a moment, neither moved, the weight of everything unsaid hanging between them. Meredith's hand lingered against his chest, her fingers curling slightly."Thank you," she said softly.Gabriel exhaled deeply, his gaze distant, but Meredith wasn't having it. She tilted her head, letting a sly grin curl her lips.Meredith shifted, pressing a hand lightly against his shoulder. "Don't think you're done with your husbandly duties," she said, her tone teasing but firm. "I'm still expecting to be carried somewhere comfortable. You know, like... our bed."Gabriel's lips twitched, though his face stayed composed. "Demanding, aren't you?""Did you think marrying me was going to be easy?" she shot back, arching an eyebrow. "Come on, Gabriel. I'm sore, tired, and you're the only one strong enough to fix this," she purred, her hand slipping to the back of his neck. "Also, help me out of this heavy outfit. I am your wife, after all."Gabriel sighed, though his arms tightened around her as he lifted her into the air. "Careful what you wish for," he murmured, his voice low and tinged with warning.Meredith smirked, her lips brushing against his ear. "I always know what I'm wishing for."---The dim glow of a single candle cast flickering shadows across the stone walls of their bedroom. Gabriel lay beside Meredith, his arms wrapped loosely around her as they rested atop the silken covers. The faint scent of lavender lingered in the air, a gentle reminder of quieter nights.Gabriel leaned into her, his lips brushing hers in a tender kiss. Meredith clung to him, her hands slipping to the edges of his tunic, but he paused, pulling back slightly.His golden eyes searched hers, noticing the tension in her brow, the way her breaths came unevenly. She wasn't lost in the moment—her mind was elsewhere."You should rest," Gabriel said gently, his voice breaking the stillness as he cupped her face.Meredith shifted slightly, her head nestled against Gabriel's chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Her fingers traced absent patterns along his shoulder, her mind far from still."Elyon will come," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "And we can't stop him. Pyria... we're just delaying the inevitable."Her voice caught in her throat, and she turned away, "Every step feels like it's slipping through my fingers," she said, "How do you fight when you already know you've lost?"Gabriel's arms tightened slightly, his hand brushing over her hair in a soothing gesture."You're Meredith," he added, his lips brushing the top of her head. "You're the woman who stood her ground in the face of dragons, who led her people when everyone else doubted her. You've always known the odds," he said softly. "And you've always fought anyway. That's what makes you different."She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "Different doesn't mean enough. Fresia gave everything. Gabriel, she's gone, and I don't know if it even mattered. What if nothing I do will ever matter?"He shifted slightly, his golden eyes meeting hers as he cupped her cheek. "It matters because you're still here," he said firmly, "Every decision you make, every step forward—it matters because it gives Pyria a chance, even if the odds are against us."Her lip trembled, her voice cracking as she whispered, "And what happens when I can't hold it all together anymore?"Gabriel leaned in, brushing his lips softly against her temple. "Then you lean on me," he said, his tone filled with quiet conviction. "We'll face it all together. Whatever comes, whatever it takes—you'll have me. Always."Meredith's eyes glistened as his words sank in, her chest tightening with emotion. She searched his face, finding only unwavering resolve. "You gave up everything for me," she whispered. "Your wings, your divinity... everything."Gabriel's lips curved into a faint, tender smile as his thumb brushed lightly along her jawline. "And I'd do it again. Every time."For a moment, the silence stretched between them, heavy with emotion but unbroken. Slowly, Meredith lifted her face, her gaze locking with his. Her fingers slid up to cup his cheek, trembling as she leaned in.Their lips met in a kiss that was slow, deliberate, and filled with all the words they couldn't speak. Gabriel's hand slipped to the small of her back, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss.When they finally parted, their foreheads rested together, breaths mingling in the quiet intimacy of the moment.Meredith's lips quirked into a faint, teasing smile."Well, husband," she murmured, her voice soft but edged with a spark of mischief. "I believe this is where you carry out your duties."Gabriel chuckled, his golden eyes softening as he shifted, pulling her closer until her body rested flush against his."Whatever you need, my wife," he replied, his tone warm and laced with quiet amusement.In the dim candlelight, their world narrowed to just the two of them, a fleeting reprieve from the storm waiting beyond their walls.