The Loss Of The Magic **HIATUS AS OF 3/22/22**

(Chapter 4) "It Wasn't Your Fault" | Part 2

Agustín POV

He didn't know long he had been there on the cold ground in the ruins of their home. All he knew at that moment was his wife, held in his tight embrace.

But it had to have been a long time given all that had happened- at least a couple of hours- because the sky had grown dark with the coming night, and a few curious stars made themselves known.

The air had also become colder with the coming rain and a chilly wind stirred the grieving couple from their daze. Julieta stirred gently, brushing Mirabel's cheek, hating the unnatural dullness and coolness of her current being.

That and the rest of the family had disappeared to allow the parents to properly mourn their lost daughter. Even Isabela and Luisa left at some point, probably to mourn elsewhere. How would they be able to face the rest of their family after all that had happened... especially Alma. Dios Mio.

Agustín sighed. He knew that would have to be something to discuss in the morning with the rest of the family. But just the thought of confronting Alma, of all people, with everything that she had done and said to the family... and with what Mirabel told her; how she spoke so valiantly for them all with the last words she had... wracked him with nerves.

Would Alma stubbornly reject Mirabel's words and her dying act as a whole? Or even worse, would she try to blame Mirabel for the situation they were in once more? The possibilities made Agustín's stomach twist with disgust.

But he would not let his daughter's final words die in vain. Not now. Not ever. No matter how difficult it would be for some to understand.

But he was roused from the sickening thoughts when he felt Julieta rising from his embrace.

She sniffled and sighed deeply, gently pulling Mirabel back into her lap. She kissed her forehead, bidding her a final farewell in her native tongue.

"Julieta...." Agustín began quietly, waiting for a sign that would allow him to continue. She was so fragile, he feared if he spoke at the wrong time, Julieta would break and be lost forever.

"Yes, love?" Julieta took Agustín's hand, intertwining their fingers together. She brought their joined hands to her lips, kissing them gently.

Agustín touched his forehead to hers and placed his other hand on Julieta's, rubbing her soft skin.

"We need to go back. Our family needs us." He whispered.

Not long after the destruction, a few good samaritans in the town offered the shaken family rooms from the inn, all quite close to one another. However, at that moment, the family just needed some time to be separate from one another to process everything.

Pepa and Felix took Antonio to their room, who was already very shaken up with the loss of his power. Luckily, Antonio was not yet aware of Mirabel's fate, saving the broken family some time from having to tell their youngest about the loss of his favorite prima, but they knew he would have to know eventually. Camilo and Dolores followed, both leaving for the quiet grove of trees behind their house.

When Agustin stood, he extended a hand for Julieta. She took his hand but shook her head when he began to walk away from the ruins. Instead, she turned back towards Mirabel, and gave Agustín an affirming look.

I'll come back soon.

Agustín sighed but nodded in understanding, walking back to the village. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see a sudden flash of golden light that lasted for only a second. When he turned, the light was gone but the distinguishable golden color took the form of a small butterfly.