The Side Where No Stars Shine

Her Resolve

Lior's POV

Mother...

The word stung like poison.

My lip began to quiver.

I felt weaker than ever.

Lucy looked back at me with pity, as if she was going to cry.

I looked at her like I would to.

Suddenly, she crashed her arms around me.

"Everything's gonna be all right... she can't pull you away anymore. She doesn't control you."

I found myself returning the hug.

My mother spit.

"You've always been such a weakling, Lior..."

She looked around at her guild.

"See what happens to weaklings?! They get thrown out!"

I then see her turn her head to the Black Rose members.

"Do you see who was running your guild?! He has no power, no authority! You only saw him as he was because Lilith changed him! In reality, he might as well be another insect to squish..."

There was malice in her tone.

"L-Lucy..." I mumbled.

She looked at me.

I had tears in my eyes.

"I want this to end."

She smiled.

"It will. You can end it. You can end her reign of terror, and be done with her."

I shake my head, pulling her off to the side as fairies and thorns began to clash in a fierce battle.

"You don't get it."

"What's there not to get?"

I pause.

"There's no way I can defeat her. I know my mother is powerful. I know I'm too weak to take her on. I want you to do it, Lucy."

She looks at me, and I can tell she wants to argue with me.

"Lior, you're strong. You've got this..."

I glance over at my mother.

Her eyes were filled with hatred.

I look back to Lucy.

The tears grew, clinging onto the brim of my eyes.

"I don't feel strong... I've never felt so weak."

A tear streams down my face.

She nods, hugging me.

"Okay, I understand. I'll end this. I won't let her harm you anymore..."

She pulls away, looking me in my eyes.

"Go inside the guild. Stay safe, Lior. I promise your pain will be over soon. I promise... you'll be happy soon."

She runs off to fight, leaving me alone.

I had to stay out of their way.

I went into the guild without another word, spectating.

I was too weak to do anything...

I wouldn't make a difference, so I had to put all my trust into Lucy.

Lucy would get it done, I just knew it...

Lucy's POV

The moment I looked to my cousin, my heart broke.

His mother of all people had to show up.

She'd caused him so much pain and suffering.

I was hoping that he'd find the strength to stop her himself, but it'd seemed to have had the opposite effect.

Lior put his trust in me to end this.

I promised his pain would come to a stop.

I promised he would be happy.

I wasn't going to break my promises.

It was time to bring this whole conflict to an end.