by Regine Abel
As Eric and I walked toward the entrance of the dungeon, the servants lined the hallway, bowing to us as we passed. For the first time, all of them made eye contact with me. My throat tightened at the blatant joy and gratitude in their eyes. Guards opened the door to the dungeon. Eric and I climbed down, for what I hope would be the last time, with Tormund shadowing us. The fully charged medallion hanging from my neck glowed brightly. The last dull seal beckoned me. Stepping up to the Sealed Door, I placed the medallion in its socket. Traxia’s screams became one long banshee shriek, but it held no sway over me, other than its painful loudness.
“Welcome to your eternal hell, Witch,” I whispered then resolutely turned the medallion to the left.
As its gem drained of energy, it felt as if my soul was being torn out of my body. The pain was excruciating, but I embraced it. This sacrifice would ensure my happily ever after. The energy flowed through the carved vines on the door up to the final seal on the wall, just beyond the doorframe. Once the seal was activated, the entire wall pulsated with a blinding light. My scream of pain mixed with Traxia’s desperate shouts. The glow receded and the seam of the doorframe was gone. The only indication there had ever been a door here was the medallion socket and glowing tendrils stemming from it to the pulsating seals. It looked like a magical rising sun on the horizon.
Traxia’s voice was suddenly silenced, as was the agony of the transfer. I collapsed, but Eric’s strong arms caught me. He crushed my lips with a passionate kiss and held me in a bruising embrace. We held each other, laughing and crying.
“It’s over, my darling. You’ve done it! We’re free at last. My beloved wife…”
“I told you I would be the last one…”
He chuckled softly, his forehead resting against mine. “Yes, you did.”
Eric carried me to our room under the teary cheers and applause of the guards and servants. I didn’t see them though: my eyes were only for my beloved husband. He laid me down on our bed and removed the necklace from my neck.
I stared at him wide-eyed. “What…?”
“You don’t need this anymore, my darling. I’ll put this away where no greedy hands can ever access it again. As for you, my love,” he said, kissing the tip of my nose, “I will put a different piece of jewelry on you tomorrow, when your father gives you away at the altar.”
“My father? Wait… what?”
“Tomorrow, we marry. The entire realm will bear witness as I take my true wife. Thank you, Astrid, for remaining strong. I love you so much. The thought of losing you…”
“You will never lose me, Eric. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever. I love you now and always.”
The End.
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THE VEREDIAN CHRONICLES SERIES:
Escaping Fate
DARK TALES
Bluebeard’s Curse
Anton’s Grace
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