Fate's Design |18+ (Ménage) ✔

⊰54⊱

"Your plan for a trap seems solid, however, if my daughter's life ends up what must be paid as a price-"

"-my life will be forfeit before I ever allow hers to be taken," Dot cuts Rose off as the three of us linger in the meeting room long after it had ended. While everyone else from the council had voted unanimously, some more so for selfish reasons if any, though we now can take the next steps to corner Aeon.

Rose clears her throat and nods, "Take care of my twins," her voice alters with fear.

Dot nods back and replies, "How far we have come."

Rose turns to me and reiterates, "Edith does not have to stay."

"She's already insisted," I shake my head at the willpower of that little princess. Even though the highest aggro targets will be with us, Princess Edith won't leave Castle Valentine. She wants to stand guard and protect, her fortitude admirable.

"I believe in her strength," Dot smiles softly and Rose returns with a small one of her own. It's unseen, the blade that hangs over Rose's head. She's accepted what must be done, though could second guess and recall her decision at any given moment.

We make our way through the halls, down the steps and out the front of the castle. It's a hard sight, the way our world is descending into chaos and how broken the ground is beneath our feet. I wonder how scared the world will remain long after our feats are reached.

"We need to move out," Tresor instructs as he stands near the battlefield with Nimue, the same field that we'd conquered earlier. Wynn and Kai stand with both Acacia and Titan. They are surrounded by their mates, their beloveds...their fears, the tears they all share...they have no idea what is coming, or how this story ends.

It's the hardest thing, to leave another you are bound to, not knowing what will transpire based on that decision...of placing trust in another to replace the job you are meant to do...

...to protect with undying and unconditional love.

Even after they separate, Alpha Loki helping to make the break as clean as possible, Acacia still calls out as Nimue takes a few steps away, "You're not coming with us?!"

"Rest assured," Nimue halts her movements as Acacia and her look to one another, "I'm always with you, as I always have been."

As Dot walks toward all our party waiting, I feel a light touch on my back, and I turn around. Princess Edith looks up at me with a brave face, though I can read her in an instant. I lift my arms slightly and she immediately rushes forward, wrapping her arms around my neck as she stifled a quiet sob into my shoulder. I hug her tightly, feeling her heart rate escalate.

"I love you," I whisper, feeling her tighten her arms as she releases a shaky breath.

"You didn't fight when I wanted to stay here," her voice is uneven.

I chuckle, "Of course, not," I gently tell her as I reassure, "you are more than ready to stand on your own." As we pull arm's length apart I smile at her and wipe away the few stray tears, "This is what your heart is calling you to, and...I've done my part."

"You have, Alpha Merle," Princess Edith returns with a smile of her own, "you are a true Alpha...and I'll never forget any of this."

Sadly...

...she will.

When she eventually fades from this present to be reborn...she will forget it all.

With that in mind, I kiss her forehead gently and tell her, "I promise you...you will always be remembered and I'll never forget how much a rambunctious pup has grown up and changed my life for the better."