I clutch to Alex burying my face into his chest crying too afraid to look upon Phillip's lifeless body.
"He was a good man. Probably one of the best I've ever known. Selfless, brave...a hero," Alex somberly speaks.
"He deserved so much more..." I cry.
"He gave his life to save you and me. Everyone in all of Embers and Auroria will know his sacrifice. He gave his heart to save us all. I promise, Katia...everyone will know his story."
We get up and begin digging a grave for Phillip. Before we cover it, I walk over and pick up the Arka stone that is still glowing as bright as Phillip once did.
"It belongs with Phillip...H-he should be with his heart..." I tearfully speak as I set the stone onto Phillip's chest.
After we cover the grave, the sun begins to rise - and it as if the sun is shining only for our fallen hero.
I look at Alex, and gently touch his cheek, "I thought I had lost you."
"You will never lose me, Katia. I promise...you will never lose me. I-I love you," Alex whispers as he picks me up off the ground and kisses me.
After we say goodbye to Phillip, we make our way back to Auroria.
A few weeks pass and we have arrived. As we walk through the gates, a crowd of people greet us. Alex tells the people of our victory against the great witch Zelene and dedicates our success to every man who lost their life on our mission, but most of all to Phillip, who gave his heart to save us all. He will not only be a hero in Embers and Auroria, but an undying hero in every land. We owe Phillip everything, and we will never forget what he sacrificed for us.
Alex stayed in Auroria for a few days, but had to return to Embers due to his ailing Father.
"Please tell you parents, I look forward to meeting them next week." I smile to Alex who is packing up a horse for his journey home.
"I will." He smiles as he walks towards me and pulls me into his arms looking at me like he wants me to kiss him.
"Do you want to kiss me?" I slyly smile.
"No..." Alex laughs as he stares deeper into my eyes.
"Alex, oh Alex...keep trying to fight it," I pull in closer and softly grab his chin, "You think you want to stop...but trust me...you're going to give in...because you know deep down, you want to. You need to."
Alex smirks and pulls me in closer as our lips softly collide.
The search for the Arka stone was both a curse and a blessing.
I lost the truest friend who made the greatest sacrifice any person could ever make - he offered up his heart so that mine could survive.
Phillip and Alex both gave me a piece of my soul that I never knew was missing, and for that they will both live in my heart forever.
THE END
