The Farewell

Ambrose's voice thundered through the air, commanding as he bellowed, "Madonia! Abandon whatever you are thinking right this instant!" The intensity of his words was enough to make anyone take notice.

Aurora echoed his sentiment with a low, rumbling growl. It was as if she stood by Ambrose's side, agreeing with him.

Meanwhile, Marina and Aurelius, exchanged puzzled glances. They couldn't quite grasp the urgency behind Ambrose's outburst. Unsure of what to do, they looked around, searching for any clues to help them understand the situation.

Madonia's smile seemed both enchanting and ominous as she flicked her fingers once more, exerting her magical influence over Ambrose.

Despite his strong will, Ambrose found himself helpless, as if strings were pulling him closer to her against his own volition.

Struggling against the invisible force controlling him, Ambrose fought with all his might to resist Madonia's compulsion. He tried to resist the pull, attempting to regain control of his own body.

In desperation, he called upon the powers within him, attempting to summon his wings to break free and fly away. But to his dismay, Madonia's magic was potent, and his efforts were in vain.

Reluctantly, Ambrose found himself standing in front of Madonia, his heart pounding with apprehension and frustration. His hands, no longer under his own control, reached out and gripped the violet Aether sword that Madonia held.

Tears welled up in Ambrose's eyes as he fought back the overwhelming emotions coursing through him. He was being manipulated, forced to do something against his will, something that would shatter his heart in million of little pieces.

Yet, he was trapped, bound by the very faerie's magic he had sworn to protect. His mind was clear, but his body betrayed him, and he felt an overwhelming sense of vulnerability.

Madonia's smile held a hint of sadness as she gazed lovingly at Ambrose, her words carrying both wisdom and sorrow. "For an Aether faerie, departure from this world comes in two ways," she began, her voice tinged with a touch of melancholy. "The first is the passage of time, where we slowly fade away in the embrace of age. It takes over a thousand years, and it is a gentle farewell, akin to the setting sun bidding adieu to the day."

Her gaze grew intense, and her words turned somber. "The second way is far more unnatural. If one seeks to prematurely sever the bond between an Aether faerie and this realm, there exists only one method—the wield of this very Aether sword."

Ambrose's heart sank as he listened, his emotions waging a tumultuous storm within him. He could sense the weight of the Aether sword. He knew what Madonia was thinking about but the gravity of the revelation through her mouth still left him speechless, and he found himself grappling with the powers that held him tied against his will.

Aurelius widened his eyes with the revelation, his determination unwavering, as he continued to struggle against the Aether chains that bound him, his voice fierce and unwavering. "Have you lost all sense of reason? This is not the right way," he exclaimed. "You must not let your anger and grief consume you to the point of destroying yourself,"

Marina's eyes filled with desperation as she pleaded, her voice trembling with emotion. "Crystal, I beg you, please abandon this path," she implored. "You cannot let these twisted twines of fate cloud your judgment. There must be another way, a path that does not involve such a sacrifice."

Ambrose, still under the influence of Madonia's magic, felt the conflicting emotions within him grow stronger. He wanted to break free but the pull of Madonia's power was strong that he found himself putting that sword over her neck.

"My dear friend," Madonia began looking at Marina, her voice carrying a tinge of solace, "There is but one thing I must abandon—the wretched soul residing within me. A sacrifice, necessary to protect this world from the chaos and havoc my anger and grief have brought."

Her gaze shifted to Aurelius. "Finally, I have come to my senses," she continued answering him, her voice soft yet resolute. "It was my tumultuous emotions that led me astray, casting shadows upon the very kingdom my parents sought to safeguard."

Madonia's eyes then found Ambrose, a tender smile gracing her lips as if she saw the depth of his soul.

"My beloved," she spoke, her voice as gentle as a breeze through a blooming meadow and Ambrose closed his eyes, letting his tears fall, "If I were to remain alive, the specter of destruction would haunt this kingdom, and I fear it would follow all of you like a relentless shadow as it is my destiny and this kingdom's fate. Yet, it is your fate to bring an end to such devastation—to be the harbinger of peace."

Ambrose shook his head, his heart torn painfully. But Madonia's powers held him captive, his body still moving by forces beyond his control.

With the Aether sword in hand, he tried his best to stop himself once again but it was all futile. And then, with a single swift motion, the blade cut through the air, its ethereal gleam tracing an illuminant arc across Madonia's torso.

In that fleeting instant, time seemed to stand still. Yet, Madonia's smile persisted, radiant as ever.

Madonia's regal figure crumpled to the ground, and with her fall, the Aether chains that had bound Aurelius, Marina, and Aurora faded into ethereal mist. The weight of her magic lifted, granting them freedom once more.

The oppressive enchantment that had ensnared them all finally shattered like fragile glass and Ambrose too broke free from her Aether grip.

His tears streamed down his anguished face, as he rushed to Madonia's side. The Aether sword, which had vanished upon its fateful strike, left no trace of its existence.

He cradled her gently in his arms, the depth of his sorrow echoing in the royal courtroom. "Madonia, no!" he cried, his voice a mournful melody that pierced the stillness of the morning. His heartrending wails resounded, an echo of the love they had shared, now severed by the cruel hand of destiny.

Aurelius and Marina, their own tears mirroring Ambrose's grief, stood by him, offering silent support in this heart-wrenching farewell. They had faced countless trials together, and the last destination that no one knew until then was Madonia's sacrifice.

Amidst the sorrow, Aurora's heart felt hollow, her emotions a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Madonia was her bonded faerie and part of her felt lost, yearning for the presence of her beloved faerie. She felt like an empty vessel.

In those fleeting moments between realms, Madonia's spirit exuded a luminous grace, her hand trembling as it reached out to Ambrose. With a tender touch, she wiped away his tears, a soft smile gracing her lips like a delicate flower in bloom.

"Even in my eternity," she whispered, her voice a gentle caress that embraced his heart, "I shall love you, my beloved." Ambrose's heart swelled with emotion, his soul entwined with hers in a bond that transcended mortal existence.

"My last wish, my dearest," she implored, "Is for you to rule over the Fae Kingdom with wisdom and kindness, as the noblest of kings. Let your reign echo the benevolence of my father's rule, or perhaps even surpass it, for I believe greatness lies within your heart."

Ambrose listened intently, feeling the profound responsibility of her request settling upon his shoulders but he knew he was not ready, he was not ready for anything, neither for her departure nor for the responsibility that she cast on him.

Madonia's gaze then turned, the light in her eyes flickering with wistful affection, as she locked eyes with her bonded dragon. The majestic creature's serpent eyes, usually devoid of emotions, now glistened with unshed tears, a testament to the depth of their connection.

"Aurora, my loyal companion," Madonia spoke with sincerity, "I cannot fathom the emptiness I may have caused within your heart. I do not deserve to ask for your forgiveness, but in this final hour, I dare to make a humble request."

Aurora bowed her regal head in acceptance, she could never decline any word leaving Madonia's lips.

"Help Ambrose in his reign," Madonia implored, her voice carrying the weight of ancient wisdom. "Guide your kind to embrace kindness once more, for in your guidance lies the hope of a brighter future for both our kinds."

Aurora, with a deep breath that seemed to carry the echoes of ages past, nodded solemnly. In that gesture, she pledged her allegiance to the path of kindness, vowing to honor Madonia's memory through her actions and her wisdom.

Madonia's gaze turned towards Aurelius and Marina, her beloved friends. Her eyes, once the epitome of strength, now brimmed with tears, mirroring the sorrow they felt within.

With an apologetic glance, she sought to convey her regrets for any pain she might have caused, but she also understood the importance of letting go.

"I wish you all a lovely journey ahead," she whispered, her voice gentle yet filled with a resolute serenity. "As time weaves its tapestry, let the memories of me be gently embraced by oblivion. Leave behind the sorrows, for they do not define the essence of who we are."

Their hearts were heavy with the weight of parting, but they knew that Madonia's legacy would forever be etched within them.

And then, like a fleeting whisper in the wind, Madonia's figure began to fade, becoming transparent and ethereal. The air shimmered with a soft violet light, emanating from the core of her being, a manifestation of her Aether powers bidding farewell to the mortal realm.

As her essence transformed into an illuminating violet light, it danced gracefully in the air, like a constellation of stardust, a celestial farewell to the world she had known.

With the gentle touch of the wind, her radiant essence ascended, trailing like a comet across the night sky, towards a realm unknown, a destination only whispered in the ancient tales of the fae.

She really was the Aether faerie, the most unique faeries to exist as she did not turn into the flowers on her soul leaving her frame.