I DIDN'T EXPECT THIS FATE.....OR RATHER THE CURSE

Part 16 (a bit short)

Nathaniel's perspective:

his eyes fluttered open once more, witnessing her grievous injuries and the fading remnants of her power leaving his body. A surge of determination coursed through him as he instinctively lunged into battle against the black-haired assailant. Their swords clashed fiercely, but before he could strike, another adversary with fiery red hair intervened, igniting a conflict that escalated into a full-blown war. Summoning his own forces, Nathaniel found himself locked in a desperate struggle to protect his beloved from the encroaching danger.

Amidst the chaos, his heart sank as he witnessed Lionel's menacing threat to harm her. Despite his efforts to intervene, Lionel's cruel grip tightened, leaving Nathaniel feeling helpless and distraught. Forced to relinquish his weapon in a moment of despair, he was suddenly joined by a group of allies, including a blonde-haired woman with captivating blue eyes whose mastery over magic, particularly in plant manipulation, proved instrumental in thwarting their adversaries' advances.

With the assistance of these newfound allies, Nathaniel managed to wrest Laura away from her captor's grasp, though not without enduring further attacks from their relentless assailants. As the chaos ensued, the mysterious woman entrusted Laura's safety to Nathaniel, a responsibility he vowed to uphold with unwavering determination.

Clutching Laura tightly in his arms, Nathaniel felt a mixture of relief and anguish as he attempted to communicate with her. Despite her weakened state, her declaration of love pierced through the turmoil, filling him with a surge of emotion. In that fleeting moment, he sensed a transfer of power, likely her own, strengthening his resolve as she embraced him, her consciousness fading into unconsciousness.

Liam POV:

From my vantage point, I observed Laura clasping the emperor's hands, her lips moving in whispered conversation with him. But in an instant, her grasp loosened, her hand slipping away, and then I heard Nathaniel's anguished cry rend the air.

NATHANIEL POV:

In a desperate plea, I called out her name, the anguish evident in my voice. "Laura, please... stay with me, please," tears streaming down my cheeks unchecked. "Laura, you can't leave me alone... I love you, please," I implored, my words falling upon deaf ears as she remained unresponsive. "Laura, please... please," I continued to plead, tears flowing freely as I beseeched her to return to me. The silence of the surroundings seemed to amplify the desperation in my voice. "Love, please... please come back to me... please don't leave me," I begged, my heartache palpable as an unfamiliar power surged within me, unlocking memories long buried. As I held her in my arms, a storm of emotions consumed me, and everything faded into oblivion.

But witnessing her smile filled my heart with boundless joy. I yearned to witness that radiant smile of hers over and over again. Despite the circumstances of our union, Laura Natalee showered me with profound love. She acquiesced to everything I requested of her without protest, capturing my heart in the process. Her unwavering support, her unwavering presence by my side, brought me immense happiness. This sensation... the warmth that enveloped my heart, filled me with exultation. She was the guiding light in my darkness, illuminating my path and lifting me up like a rising tide. Amidst the relentless heat and the piercing sunlight, her presence was akin to the moonlight that I had longed for. Like a shadow in the darkest hour, I am drawn to her. I have no need for another life; every moment spent with her is a gift to cherish. She has etched herself into the depths of my heart so profoundly that I cannot bear to part with her.

"I love you, Laura," I whispered, my heart heavy with sorrow. Lost in these thoughts, I stumbled back into my castle, collapsing with her in my arms. On bended knees, I pleaded with the heavens for forgiveness, though deep down, I knew it was futile. Despite my butler's attempts to console me, I remained on my knees, clinging to her lifeless form, begging for absolution.

When I regained control, a sword was clenched tightly in my grasp, and the sight of blood and fallen bodies surrounded me. The black-haired man lay lifeless, along with many others. Dropping the sword, I cradled Laura close, my apologies pouring forth amidst sobs. With her lifeless form in my arms, I made the somber journey back to the kingdom, each step a painful reminder of the irreparable loss I had suffered. Mentally shattered, I clung to her, my tears staining her dress as my bloodied arms carried her home. I couldn't bear to part with her, my grief consuming me entirely.

She had been the beacon of light in my life, bringing joy and warmth into my world. From the moment I met her in my youth, under the guise of Liam, her infectious cheerfulness had captivated me. But the tragedies she endured, losing her mother and enduring the cruelty of the late emperor, had left scars that ran deep. And now, with her untimely departure, I was left to grapple with the agonizing void she left behind.

All I could do was weep uncontrollably throughout the day. Thankfully, my assistant understood my plight and handled my responsibilities in my stead. The urge to end my own life and join her in death consumed me. Her body grew colder and colder in my embrace, intensifying my grief. I felt utterly helpless, unsure of what to do next. All I could do was wait, hoping against hope that she would awaken once more. I had shattered her spirit to the point where she saw no other recourse but to end her own life. She did this... all for me... Even after all the pain I inflicted upon her... I clasped her hands, hands that had brought me solace in every mood. And there, I felt it— the ring I had given her still adorned her finger. Sobbing inconsolably, I remained awake through the night, consumed by thoughts of her. She was my sole beacon of light in a world shrouded in darkness, filled with turmoil and conflict.

Soon, word reached me that someone had entered the castle. It was the woman who had saved Laura from Lionel before. She found me, sobbing and cradling Laura in my arms, and immediately instructed me to lay her in her flower bed, to which I complied. It felt like a farewell, and I wasn't prepared for it yet. I clung to her hand, unwilling to let go. Without her opening her eyes, there would be no light left within me. Without her gentle touch caressing my face again, existence would lose all meaning. Under her love and care, I felt like an infant, lost and helpless. All I could do was sit and weep endlessly. I whispered to myself that every smile in the world was born from her, the genesis of countless joys.

The woman introduced herself as Elara and began to explain what had transpired during my moments of blankness. She revealed that I had known her name already and somehow activated her magical powers. Not only hers, but even Laura's powers had been harnessed through me. Utilizing this power, it appeared that I had managed to evade many significant attacks and diminish Lionel's strength whenever possible. I had employed my dear's bow and arrow to dispatch the black-haired individual and wielded my sword against the red-haired foe. It was a revelation that left me reeling. Yet, in that moment, my thoughts were consumed entirely by Laura—her smile, her comforting presence, her loving aura—everything about her filled my mind.

As Elara continued speaking, her words delivered another shock. "She can only awaken again if she chooses to do so, or else she may slumber for eternity."