The elven mage exited the room and entered the sitting room. Karl Gree was stretched out on the couch asleep. Zalaharic walked to the couch and moved Karl’s legs so he could sit down. The Knight of Alcea woke with a start as the elf sat on the couch. Karl sat and looked questioningly into the elf’s eyes.
“Will she live?” Karl asked hesitantly.
“There is nothing wrong with her,” Zalaharic stated, “but I cannot answer your question. She is still unconscious. Karl, she thinks that she saw you die, and she has no desire to live. I am at a loss to solve that problem. There is nothing more that I can do.”
Karl gripped his chin, his fingers covering his mouth. Eventually, he straightened and nodded to the elf.
“I am indebted to you, Zalaharic,” he said sincerely. “I did not think she could be healed, but you did that, and I will be eternally grateful to you for that effort. May I see her?”
Zalaharic nodded, and Karl rose to his feet. When Karl entered the bedroom, the other three mages left the room without a word, closing the door as they left. Karl stood next to the bed and took Althea’s hand in his. Tears trickled down his cheeks as he stared down at Althea. For a long time, the Knight of Alcea stood frozen in place, his mind remembering all the times that he had pushed Althea away from him. The tears began to flow freely. He reached out with his free hand and gently caressed Althea’s cheek.
“Come back to me,” Karl sobbed softly. “Don’t leave me alone like this.”
Karl leaned over and kissed Althea’s forehead, his tears dripping onto her face. Suddenly, he felt her hand twitch, and he bolted upright. He glanced down and saw Althea’s eyes open.
“Karl?” Althea said weakly with a sense of wonder in her voice. “Is that really you? Are we finally together in death?”
“No,” Karl cried joyously. “We are finally together in life.”
Karl let go of Althea’s hand and wrapped his arms around her. He brought his lips down and kissed her passionately, unaware of the door opening and the four mages staring in disbelief.
THE END
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Alutar: The Great Demon Page 66