Over Virelle, the moon hung low, a pale blade cutting through the swirling fog of the castle grounds. The smell of iron and cold stone hung in the air as Elira stood by herself in the west courtyard. The Blade of Memory, forged by the first Matriarch of the Virelle bloodline to cut the past from the soul, was the silver dagger she was holding, and her gaze was fixed on it.
She would use it tonight.
Footsteps behind her. Hesitant, heavy. She didn't look around.
She remarked, "You followed me."
Lucien spoke quietly. "You walked out without saying anything."
"I had to take a breath. to ponder.
He approached her side without making contact with her. He was grounding just by being there. "And did you make a choice?"
Elira gave a slow nod. "Cael."
Lucien waited.
In her hand, she rotated the blade. "I had a delightful thing with Cael. It was a child's initial belief in forever. He softened the harshness of the world when we were young.
Lucien averted his gaze but remained silent.
She went on, "But that love belonged to another version of me." "The girl who didn't shed blood for this kingdom." Who hadn't lost everything? who hadn't fought her way back from the dead.
Then, steadily and confidently, she looked into Lucien's eyes.
"The woman I've evolved into? She only loves you.
Lucien blinked. His face flashed with something raw. "Are you sure?"
Elira took a step forward and pressed the blade between their clasped hands. "My infinite was Cael. However, you are my choice.
He exhaled slowly. Then go back in time. Allow it to drain.
With a nod, she raised the dagger and cut a line across her palm. The ancient magic resisted and mourned as the blood dripped onto the stone, glowing faintly gold.
Then it passed away.
The cursed and remembered connection to Cael broke.
Cael gasped, clutched his chest, and collapsed to his knees in a remote chapel tucked away in the eastern woods.
Elira stood in front of the high council chamber at dawn, her resolve unwavering and her hand bandaged.
The Council of Five's leader, Lady Mevara, squinted. "You cut off Cael Dorneth's link?"
Indeed. The bloodline will no longer bind him. Not to me, either.
"And you're ready for the fallout?"
Elira gave a nod. He'll despise me. However, he will be free.
Silent but steadfast, Lucien stood by her side.
Mevara reclined. "Your petition is then approved by the Council. This nullifies the Curse of Binding.
There was a heavy silence.
A slow clap followed.
A man in red robes with a porcelain mask covering his face appeared out of the shadows.
"Very courageous," he remarked sarcastically. "To break with the past and embrace the future."
Elira tensed. "Who are you?"
The man bowed. "Call me the Archivist." I hold onto the forgotten.
Lucien took a step forward. "You weren't called."
However, you evoked memories that were better left buried, the Archivist remarked, raising a hand.
He flicked his wrist, darkening the room. All the lights went out. The ghost of the first Virelle Matriarch appeared as a shadow behind him.
Elira froze.
"You dare sever a bond written in sacred flame?" said the ghost.
Elira took a step forward. Indeed. Because I'm not the girl who pleaded for love anymore. I am the offspring of frost and fire. And I make decisions about my future.
After screaming, the shadow broke into ash.
The light came back.
She was examined by the Archivist. "Interesting. You might still be deserving.
Then he disappeared.
Later, Elira stood next to Lucien under the white-flowered tree in the tower garden.
She said, "We might have created a new rival."
Lucien put his hand in hers. "We had enemies all the time. However, we now know the truth.
She put her head on his shoulder. "And the truth is sufficient."