Life Beyond the Doors

Chapter 79 : Crown

Later Marlin's heart sank as she watched Ethan approach the lifeless body of his brother, Aiden. The room fell silent, the weight of grief and loss hanging heavily in the air. Aiden's body lay motionless, his eyes vacant and staring, forever frozen in the realm of the departed.

Ethan stood over his brother, a mixture of sorrow and anger etched across his face. With trembling hands, he reached out and gently closed Aiden's eyes, the final act of farewell and closure. The stiff expression on his face betrayed the depth of his emotions, the pain of losing someone so close to his heart.

Marlin moved closer, her hand resting gently on Ethan's shoulder, offering what little comfort she could in such a tragic moment. It was a sight she never wanted to witness, the pain etched on Ethan's face etching its mark onto her soul.

As Ethan completed his somber task, his expression softened momentarily, his love for his brother mingling with the heaviness of grief. He took a deep breath, as if trying to find strength amidst the overwhelming sadness that engulfed them all.

"He's gone," Ethan whispered, his voice tinged with a profound sense of loss. "Finally its all over..."

The sound of the door bursting open jolted Marlin out of her reverie. She turned to see Prince Mathias and Everi enter the room, their expressions a mix of shock and relief. For a moment, their eyes lingered on the lifeless body of Aiden, before quickly moving to Ethan and Marlin.

"Thank the gods you're both safe," Mathias exclaimed, his voice shaken with emotion. Everi echoed his sentiment, her eyes filled with tears of relief.

Ethan nodded, his eyes rekindling with a flicker of hope at the sight of his friends. He knew how close he had come to death, and the fact that he and Marlin had escaped unscathed was nothing short of a miracle.

"We owe you both our lives," Ethan said, his voice trembling with emotion to Everi. "If it weren't for your quick saying, we might not be here right now."

Mathias composed himself, his mind clear with the immediate task at hand. He called for the royal guards to come forward and take care of Aiden's lifeless body. The guards entered the room, their expressions solemn as they approached the deceased.

"Take him away," Mathias commanded, his voice steady. "Ensure the body is properly handled, with the respect due to all who have died."

The royal guards nodded in understanding, their professionalism evident in their movements. They carefully lifted Aiden's body, wrapping it in a clean white sheet before carrying him out of the room. Mathias watched them go, a mixture of relief and sadness washing over him.

Once the guards had left, Mathias knew he had to inform the king about the news. He motioned for one of the guards who remained behind to accompany him.

"Go and inform King Richard about what has transpired," Mathias instructed, his voice firm but tinged with weariness.

"Inform him of Aiden's demise and that Ethan and Marlin are safe."

The guard saluted Mathias and quickly made his way toward the king's chambers. Mathias stood there for a moment, lost in thought, contemplating the weight of the news he would have to deliver. He knew it would not be an easy task, but it was essential for the king to be informed of the recent events.

As Mathias waited for the guard's return, his mind filled with a mix of emotions - relief for the safety of his friends, grief for the loss they had endured, and determination to support the king and his kingdom in the face of these challenging times.