Aurora - You are my light (Ateez x reader)

TWENTYNINE

The salty sea breeze blew into my face as I stood at the harbor at dawn. The fog shrouded the sea in a mysterious veil, and seagulls circled above. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I stroked my beloved horse. His warm coat and gentle eyes comforted me, but the thought of leaving him tightened my throat. "I'll miss you, my dear," I whispered to him and kissed his nostrils. I wanted to absorb his scent, burn his image into my mind, and tattoo the feel of his black coat under my fingers onto my skin. I wished I could hold onto this moment forever.

Elaria stood beside me, her hand resting lightly on my shoulder. "Aurora, you are stronger than you think," she said, her voice barely trembling. "This journey will bring you the answers you seek."

I turned to her and looked into the familiar face of my best friend. Her light gray eyes shimmered with tears, but she bravely held her composure. "Elaria, I wouldn't be here without you," I said with a shaky voice. "You saved my life and showed me what friendship means."

Elaria smiled weakly and pulled a small, intricately carved box from her pocket. "Here, this is for you," she said, pressing it into my hand. "But you can only open it when you truly have no other options."

I took the gift and held it tightly to my heart. "Thank you, Elaria. I will cherish it like my greatest treasure."

Hongjoong approached and gently placed a hand on my shoulder. "It's time," he said quietly. "The sea doesn't wait."

I nodded and tried to hold myself together. The eight pirates stood a respectful distance behind me, each with a serious expression. They lined up, formed like a supportive wall, giving me emotional strength.

"You'll make it, Aurora," Elaria said once more before pulling me into one last tight, heart-wrenching hug. "And remember, you're never truly alone."

"I am so grateful to you, Elaria. Not a day will go by without me thinking of you and wishing you were by my side." I slowly released the hug and looked tearfully into her equally wet eyes. She smiled at me as best she could. Then I turned one last time to my horse.

"Goodbye, Dreamcatcher," I whispered and gave my horse one final kiss. Elaria led him away, and I turned away, unable to bear the sight any longer. The constant crying gave me a headache, and the farewells made me feel sick.

With a heavy heart, I walked towards the pirates, who welcomed me with open, comforting arms. Yunho helped me aboard the Treasure, and I watched as Elaria stood next to Dreamcatcher, waving goodbye.

Hongjoong turned to his crew and began issuing commands. "Mingi, cast off the lines!" he shouted.

"Aye, Captain!" Mingi responded, hurrying to the bow to release the heavy ropes securing the ship to the dock.

"San, Jongho, secure the cannons and prepare for departure!" Hongjoong ordered.

"Aye, Captain!" the two gunners responded in unison, beginning to secure the cannons in their mounts.

"Yunho, check navigation and set the course!" the captain commanded.

Yunho nodded and rushed to the helm to check the navigation and set the course. "Course set, Captain!" he reported.

"Seonghwa, set the sails and prepare to depart!" Hongjoong commanded.

"Aye, Captain!" Seonghwa called out, beginning to set the sails. Wooyoung and Yeosang helped him unfurl the heavy sails and fix them with the ropes.

The Treasure began to slowly drift away from the dock as the last ropes were released. The sails billowed in the wind, and the ship glided gently onto the open sea. I stood at the railing and watched as the harbor of Velurien grew smaller. The green island, my horse, and my best friend slowly disappeared into the distance, and a mix of sorrow and pain filled my heavy heart. There was no turning back now. The step was taken, the decision made.