Maid Marian vs. Velasca

16. The Choice

The room was still, save for the shallow rise and fall of Robin's chest as I knelt beside him, cradling his fragile form in my arms. His skin was pale, his body weakened almost beyond recognition. I could feel the life slipping from him with each breath, and my heart ached with the weight of everything we'd been through.

His eyes fluttered open, the dullness in them giving way to a flicker of recognition. "Marian..." he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I... I'm sorry."

I brushed the hair from his face, my fingers trembling. "There's nothing to be sorry for, Robin," I said softly, trying to keep my voice steady, even as tears threatened to spill from my eyes.

Robin swallowed, his breath hitching as he struggled to speak. "I never told you... about the crusade... because I couldn't bear for you to think... that I would run away. That I would leave you for someone else."

His words cut through me, the guilt and fear in his voice palpable. I leaned down, pressing my forehead to his. "I know, Robin. I understand now. You were trying to protect me... and I forgive you. I always will."

A faint smile tugged at his lips, though it was weak. "I love you, Marian. More than anything."

Tears welled in my eyes as I held him close, his final words heavy with the weight of farewell. "I love you too," I whispered, my voice breaking.

But before the moment could sink in, Judy's voice rang out from across the room, panic lacing her words. "Marian! Krystal... she's fading too!"

I looked over to where Krystal lay, her body slumped against the cold stone floor, her skin as pale as Robin's. Her breath was shallow, her eyes half-closed. She was barely holding on.

Desperation surged through me, and my gaze fell on the vial, still glowing faintly with the liquid Velasca had worn around her neck. The essence of her power. My hands shook as I picked it up, turning it over in my fingers. Could this vial save them? Could it save Robin?

Krystal's eyes flickered open, and she smiled weakly. "I... I was always meant for a tragic fate, Marian," she whispered, her voice soft but resolute. "You know that. Give the vial to Robin. He... he deserves to live."

My heart twisted painfully at her words, but I couldn't bring myself to let Krystal die, not after everything we'd been through together. With a heavy heart, I moved toward Robin, preparing to bring the vial to his lips.

But Robin's hand shot up weakly, stopping me. "No..." he murmured, his voice strained. "Marian... the energy in that vial... it can only be absorbed by women. If I drink it... it'll mean my death."

The shock of his words hit me like a blow, and my hands trembled as I pulled the vial away, tears streaming down my face. "Robin..."

He smiled faintly, his hand dropping back to his side. "It's not my time, Marian. It never was. This... this is for her."

I turned back to Krystal, my heart torn between two impossible choices. Slowly, I knelt beside her, pressing the vial into her hands. She hesitated, her eyes filled with a deep sorrow, but she knew what had to be done. With a reluctant breath, she brought the vial to her lips and drank.

The effect was immediate. A shock of energy rippled through Krystal's body, her wounds healing in an instant, the glow of vitality returning to her skin. Her eyes snapped open, vibrant and alive, and she rose to her feet, standing tall and strong once more.

The rest of us watched in awe, but my heart was still heavy with sorrow. Robin lay weak and fading, his life slipping away before my eyes. Krystal turned toward me, her expression grave yet calm.

"My body... it manages the flow of energy in both directions," she said quietly, her voice steady now. "I can return life... but to save Robin, I must... I must connect with him."

Her meaning was clear, and the realization hit me like a cold wave. To bring Robin back, Krystal would have to make love to him, to share that life force in the most intimate way.

I felt a hollow ache in my chest as I looked at Robin, his fragile form barely holding on. This was the only way to save him. But the thought of Krystal, my friend, my confidante, being with him like that... it tore at my soul.

Krystal knelt before me, her gaze sincere, her hand reaching out to mine. "Marian... I'm only doing this to save him. To bring him back for you. I'm not... I'm not taking him away."

Tears welled in my eyes as I nodded, my heart heavy with the weight of the decision. I knew she spoke the truth, but it didn't make it any easier.

I stood, my legs trembling beneath me, and turned to the others. "Everyone... leave the chamber. Give them privacy."

Judy and Footman hesitated, glancing between me and Robin, but eventually, they nodded and followed my lead. Alaric, too, looked conflicted, but he stepped aside, his shackles finally undone. One by one, they all left the room.

As I reached the door, I turned back to Krystal one last time. Her eyes met mine, filled with compassion and understanding. She knew how hard this was for me, but she was doing it out of love—for both Robin and me.

With tears streaming down my face, I nodded to her, my voice breaking as I whispered, "Bring him back."

Krystal nodded solemnly and turned toward Robin, her glowing form casting a soft light over his frail body. I closed the door behind me, the weight of the world pressing down on my shoulders as I left them alone together.

The sound of the door closing echoed in my mind as I stepped away, my heart aching with every step. But I knew... this was the only way.