Flight of Frost and Aurora

Chapter 61

As soon as Mother Rosamund and Mother Carmilla were able to move again, they rushed to embrace each other, then embraced Alastor and Vagatha. Mother Rosamund tenderly kissed Charlotte's forehead and cheek, while Mother Carmilla did the same for Anthony, bestowing their blessings on the love and union between them and the children they had raised. The sisters then hosted a grand feast to celebrate, featuring roasted meats, fresh breads, delectable sweets, and fine wine. The air was filled with the enchanting melodies of birds singing like instruments, while rabbits and squirrels danced joyfully. Only heaven could have orchestrated such a splendid event.

For many days after, the four of them lived happily in the realm of the sisters. Their life together was filled with joy: no harsh words, no abuse, just home-cooked meals, music, dance, and laughter every day. Alastor and Vagatha showed Charlotte and Anthony the enchanting life of sprites as they orchestrated the changing of the seasons. They conjured delicate snowflakes, transformed water into intricate ice sculptures, grew blooming flowers, and summoned the warm glow of the sun. Alastor serenaded Charlotte with love songs on the pan flute she had gifted him, dancing with her on ice. Vagatha and Anthony fed each other fresh fruits and berries from Mother Carmilla's garden, lying underneath the shady trees. The two men showered their sweethearts with flowers—arranging them in their rooms, adorning their tables, and weaving them into their lovely hair. The two ladies would rush into the arms of their beloveds with each flower gifted, sharing whispers of love, tender kisses, and peaceful nights spent side by side. Marriage? Yes. Children? Absolutely! A happily ever after? Yes! Yes! Yes!

Yet, one day, Charlotte and Anthony felt a pang of sadness in their hearts. Despite living in a paradise far better than their previous home, Charlotte missed her father, and Anthony missed his brother and sister. They wanted to go back to earth. Vagatha needed little persuasion; she understood the depth of Anthony's love for his sister and his enduring care for his brother, despite their differences. As long as they were together, she didn't mind where they lived.

But Alastor said no. He was angry with Lucifer, who had permitted his own daughter to endure years of abuse at the hands of his wife and stepdaughter. To make matters worse, the two vicious harpies had attempted to kill Charlotte then Lucifer was prepared to force Alastor into a marriage with his loathsome stepdaughter or face a hanging. For Alastor, this was the final straw. While he could overlook years of ignorance, the near-death of his beloved Charlotte and the prospect of an unholy union with that wretched Lute were unforgivable.

"He doesn't deserve to lay eyes on you ever again!" Alastor declared, his voice firm as Charlotte made her request.

"He's my father. I love him, and he loves me," Charlotte replied, her tone pleading. "He thinks I'm dead, Alastor. His heart must be shattered, consumed by grief."

"Perfect punishment for him, if you ask me."

"I don't want him punished."

"Well, I do! He made you suffer for years, made you cry for years. He deserves to spend the rest of his life feeling the same pain."

"He didn't abuse me. My stepfamily did."

"He brought them into your life. That makes him just as guilty."

"He made a mistake."

"A mistake that nearly cost you your life! What if it happens again? You know they'll try to kill you again once they find out you're alive! I can't allow that! I'm sorry! You can hate me all you want, but I'd rather be hated by you than watch you be destroyed by them!"

"Alastor please."

"Aren't you happy here with me?"

"I am happy with you," she said. "But my father is all that I have left of my mother. She and I, we wouldn't want him to spend the rest of his life miserable. He deserves to be happy too. We should share our happiness with him."