Never Letting Go || CS

Chapter 36: The Last Goodbye

Killian approached Emma's door once more as the sun was sinking lower in the sky. He expected to see Emma through one of the open windows like he had the last few times he'd been here. Instead, the place looked empty and lifeless. Killian thought this was strange since he knew her shift at the tavern didn't start for another few hours.

Killian reached the door, and on it was a piece of parchment nailed into the wood. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he tore it off and began reading.

My dearest Killian,

By the time you read this, I'll be long gone. Yesterday, Milah turned up at my door. She challenged me to a duel, and your life was at stake if I didn't accept. I still love you, with every fibre of my being. Which is why I couldn't take the risk. I accepted the duel.

I have also accepted the fact that my chances of survival are things.  Milah's swordsmanship is more advanced than mine, so she has the advantage. But it's okay, because at least I know you'll live.

I want you to know that no matter what you have done, my love for you has never wavered, not once. Over the past year, I really tried to hate you, because I thought maybe it would ease the pain of knowing you were gone, and I was the one who pushed you away. But as hard as I tried, there was no way I could ever hate you.

You have to know I didn't want to go. I hate you leave you like this, but I had no other choice. I hope you find comfort in knowing I did not die for nothing.

Now I need you to listen to me. You're going to be alone for a while now, and I know that you aren't too good at that, as I've found out. You're going to be really angry, and sad, and confused. But do not, for one minute, let this change you. I know what you are capable of when you're upset but I don't want you to go on a vengeance spree. For goodness sake, Killian, please don't fall back into that pit of despair and vengeance that I found you in.

I want you to promise me you won't blame yourself for this. This is NOT your fault, this was my choice. I am not expecting forgiveness for this, but just know I did this out of love for you. I know it's gonna hurt you, but please, try to be a little proud of me. Oh, and spare me a thought now and then?

So I guess this is goodbye.

Love, your Emma.

By the time Killian had finished reading the letter, his hands were shaking and his eyes were glazed with unshed tears. He crumpled the page up as he clenched his fists tightly in fury. Then a thought came to him. It might not be too late to save her.

Killian looked around, hoping he could see where Emma went.  It was a long shot, but it was all he had. Surely enough, as he looked seaward, he saw a hill, upon which were two silhouettes of who he could only assume were Emma and Milah. He ran as fast as he could towards the hill. This was his only chance at saving his love, so he ran blindly, and out of pure instinct to whom he could only guess was Emma.