Beyond The Sacrifice

Chapter sixteen

Clara's POV

I blink slowly, my eyes adjusting to the dim light. The first thing I feel is warmth, Marcel's chest pressed tightly against me. His strong arms are wrapped around me, holding on like he's afraid to let go. I don't understand—wasn't I...?

He pulls away slightly, and my heart skips a beat when I see his face. Tears are streaming down his cheeks, and his eyes are red, filled with emotions I can't quite place. I've never seen him like this—so broken, yet relieved.

I glance around, confused. Darian and Loric are crouched beside me, watching with concern. They're both here... but why? I could've sworn I... died.

"What... happened?" My voice is shaky as I search their faces for answers. "I thought I... I was gone."

Marcel shakes his head, his hand gently brushing a stray hair away from my face. "You need rest," he says softly, his voice thick with emotion. He doesn't explain, doesn't tell me what really happened, but I can see the relief in his eyes.

I open my mouth to ask again, but before I can, Marcel is already lifting me into his arms, cradling me close like I'm something precious. I feel weak, my body still aching, but the safety of his embrace calms me.

He carries me home, and I let my head rest against his chest, my mind too foggy to ask anything more. I trust him—whatever happened, he saved me. I close my eyes and let the sound of his heartbeat soothe me as we leave the battlefield behind.

- - -

Back at the cave, I sit on the edge of the bed, my head spinning with everything that happened. Marcel sits across from me, his gaze never leaving mine. There's a silence between us, thick with unspoken words.

Finally, I can't take it anymore. "Marcel... what happened?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. "I remember... I remember the pain, and then nothing."

He hesitates, his jaw tightening as he looks down at his hands. "There's something you need to know," he says slowly. "Mountain deities... we get one wish in our lifetime. I saved mine. And I used it to bring you back."

I stare at him, my heart pounding. "You used your only wish... on me?"

He nods, his eyes still full of emotion. "I couldn't let you go."

My throat tightens, and I look away, trying to wrap my mind around what he's saying. "What about the wolves?" I ask, needing to shift the conversation. "What happened to them?"

"They've been taken care of," he says, his voice steady but distant. "Darian and Loric made sure of it."

I exhale in relief, but the weight of everything still presses on me. He used his one wish... just for me. I reach for his hand, squeezing it gently. "Thank you," I whisper, my voice cracking.

He pulls me into his arms again, his chin resting on my head. "I'd do it all over again," he says softly.

And somehow, I know he means it.

Marcel's POV

The cave is quiet, except for the soft sound of Clara's breathing as she sleeps beside me. Her chest rises and falls gently, her face peaceful, as if nothing happened. I still can't believe she's here, alive.

I sit by the edge of the bed, watching her, unable to tear my eyes away. The memory of her lifeless in my arms still haunts me. That moment—when I thought I'd lost her forever—it's burned into my mind. The way she gasped, the blood on her clothes, the light fading from her eyes... I close my eyes and exhale slowly, trying to push it away.

But now, she's back. Breathing. Safe.

I used my only wish on her, and I would do it a thousand times over if I had to.

Her hand is resting on the blanket, so small compared to mine. I brush my fingers over hers gently, careful not to wake her. She shifts slightly, her brow furrowing for a moment before she relaxes again. My heart aches just looking at her. She went through so much today, and yet, she's still here—still fighting, still strong.

I lean back against the wall, my eyes never leaving her. I can't sleep, not after everything that happened. My body is exhausted, the cuts from the fight still stinging, but none of that matters. Not now.

I reach out, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "You don't know how close I came to losing you," I whisper, though she can't hear me.

The rain taps softly against the roof of the cave, and I sigh, resting my head back. She stirs for a second, murmuring something in her sleep. I smile, watching her. It's strange—how something so simple as her being alive feels like the greatest gift I've ever received.

To be continued...