Post Tenebras Lux

Maledicta et Vota

Exactly twenty-four hours had passed since she danced with Sebastian at the Yule Ball. Now, Aelin sat in the Undercroft with Sebastian by her side once again.

"Are you sure you're ready? I don't want you to feel like you have to rush this." Sebastian asked her.

She nodded. "I think I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

They sat in a comfortable silence as they waited for Ominis to arrive with Anne. Tonight was the night that Aelin would use the shadow arts to remove the last few remnants of the curse from Anne and free Sebastian from his unbreakable vow with Evangeline in the process.

To say she was nervous was an understatement. Aelin had only ever practiced the spell she would be using on cursed plants from the Herbology greenhouses. But her determination far outweighed her nervousness. She wanted to do this for Anne. And for Sebastian.

Would they finally be able to express their true feelings for each other and be together once this was all said and done?

She had a feeling that things wouldn't be that simple. Nothing ever simply fell into place for her.

In all of the anticipation and preparation for the Yule Ball, she had almost forgotten about the issue that was Marvolo Gaunt. He hadn't shown up to make a mess of things lately, which was concerning. She was sure that he was off plotting some way to kidnap her or make her life hell.

I'll have to deal with that later.

For now, I have to focus on helping Anne...and freeing Sebastian.

The familiar clunking sound of the Undercroft's entrance pulled her from her thoughts. She lifted her head to see Anne and Ominis enter.

"We're really doing this?" Ominis asked, his voice holding a bit of skepticism.

Aelin looked at Anne. I'll only go through with it if you're sure you want this, Anne. As much as I want to cure you and break Sebastian's bond...I don't want to do anything you're uncomfortable with."

Anne's face hardened in determination. ""I'm ready, Aelin. I trust you completely."

Aelin nodded and gestured for Anne to sit across from her on the floor of the Undercroft.

Ominis took a seat next to Anne and Sebastian plopped down next to Aelin.

"How will we know if this works? Is Anne supposed to feel something in particular?" Ominis asked.

"According to the shadow arts book, Anne should feel a pulling sensation for a few minutes. It shouldn't be particularly painful or anything. It also says she should also feel lighter after...whatever that means." Aelin explained.

"I think I understand. I guess I won't know for sure what to expect until we get started." Anne nodded in understanding.

Sebastian glanced at Aelin one last time, but didn't say another word.

"I guess there's no point in prolonging this then..." Aelin reached out to Anne and took both of her hands.

"Just tell me what you need me to do." Anne whispered.

"Keep holding my hands and don't let go, okay?"

Anne nodded.

Aelin closed her eyes and began to concentrate. She could feel the shadows in the room start to rise and swirl around her and Anne.

"Is it working?" Sebastian asked.

Ominis simply shushed him.

Aelin squeezed Anne's hands.