Never Ever

31

The battle was raging, and the good fae were having a hard time fighting their oponnents. Dark magic, forbidden magic, was strong, extremely so. They needed more magic if they were to succeed, more people

A few noble families started to join the grind, including the Nightingales

Auden: Ever!

Ever: Auden! We need help!

They were all behind her in a heartbeat, their magic filling the air

Ever sung with all her might, her song magic caught them off guard for a bit, abd their own magic faltered, but they soon recovered, thankfully so, if they had lingered more, they would have lost the fight

Beningham sneered: Nightingale..

Beryn: Beningham..

Beningham: Finally, I will get rid of you, you've been a thorn in my side for far too long

Beryn: I have done nothing to offend or hurt you

Beningham: You've always stood in my way, just like now. Your daughter seems to have gotten her annoying interfering ways from you

Beryn: I'm proud of her, for standing against the likes of you

Beningham: Troublesome pest. Should've paid more attention to that siren part of you, shouldn't we, Nobbs?

A fae standing next to him bristled: I'm sorry..

Nobbs was an admirable scholar in his younger days, too bad he opted to join the dark side

Beningham: You should've made sure, she shouldn't have been born, or had any magic, even if she was, none of their children should have.. And here we are, she has strong magic, and her siblings have even more..

He struck Nobbs across the face: I should have gotten rid of you long ago. If you want something done right, especially a curse, you should do it yourself

Nobbs: No! Please!

Beningham ignored his pleas and struck him with a curse. He writhed on the floor, clutching his throat before lying still as a corpse

The fae were horrified, friends and foes alike. That act had cost him, his allies had more fear than loyalty towards him, and while for some of them, not wanting humans to join the community was the reason for them joining him, they were getting the gist of what kind of ruler he'd be, ruthless and cold hearted..

They were losing motivation to fight, soon, the good side was gaining the upper hand, and his family and himself were left fighting the others

To his credit, he didn't surrender, but he lost, and Beryn Nightingale delivered the last blow to him, while Ever finally struck Nerissa with the strongest song she had, without the help of her necklace

The Beninghams and their allies collapsed to the ground

They were all hurriedly bound, and the crowds cheered

Beningham: I can't believe this!

Beryn: You will never win, acting on selfishness and for your own personal gain, treating others with disrespect

He shook his head at him

Beningham was seething, muttering colorful words..

He was taken to the dungeons, together with his allies

With Nobbs, the caster of the curse gone, Ever was freed. She felt magic overflowing from her. She felt most powerful, radiant and free, and it even showed in her appearance. Her eyes sparkled, and her wings were spread, they were still transparent, but now they glittered forever, like they were woven from diamonds

Everyone looked at her in awe

Beryn: Ever.. I'm sorry for not saying this before, but I'm so proud of you

Ever: Is it because I can use magic now, that I'm no longer a disgrace

Beryn shook his head: You were never a disgrace, my daughter. I'm very sorry for the way I acted.. I felt like I failed you, never been able to help you. I was disappointed in my lot of life, but never in you. I'm truly sorry I never spoke to you about it and made you feel this way..

Ellae nodded: It was the same with all of us my dear. I'm really sorry my Ever

She cupped her daughter's cheek, a tear slid into her palm

Meryl and Helena both added their regrets

Meryl: I didn't know how to approach you

Helena nodded

Ever gave them a wobbly smile: But how can Auden be so strong, when the curse was on the eldest child, that would mean!

Beryn nodded at Auden, giving him permission to speak

Auden sighed: I'm not really your brother. I'm adopted..