I blinked away tears. Arthur’s confession was so raw and honest.
“Knowing that you are unable to be the father they deserve, and giving them up so they may live a better life, is the most selfless thing you could ever do,” Ethan said. “Of course we will take them. We will raise them as our own, for I know in my heart, they are already mine. And Emma’s, too.”
I still had to try one last time to save him. My brother couldn’t give himself up for my sake. I’d never get over what an incredible gift that was. “Please reconsider,” I begged.
“I don’t have to. I wish to remain here with my mate,” Arthur said. “It is where I belong.”
“But…” My voice became small. Vara threaded her fingers through Arthur’s hair, and I knew intimately that she wanted him to stay.
“I’m not leaving again without Vara,” Arthur insisted, and his voice grew emotional. “Don’t ask me to return to my life without her, Emma, because I just can’t do it. Let me stay here, to serve Vara and join her harem. I will better defend my children from the afterlife, as a servant of a goddess, than a mortal body broken with grief from the death of his incarnated mate. You two talk about what you want… but this is what I want, too. It’s better for everyone this way.”
I looked to Milonna for guidance. Surely she would stop this.
The choice is yours, champion, Milonna said. She would not interfere with what I decided.
I took a moment to ponder things. Part of me didn’t want to go back to the land of the living… and it was a huge piece. I had little desire to return to a sick body, to deal with loss and death for an innumerable measure of years.
But I thought of Malovia, and my people, and the difference I could still make in the world. And I knew what choice I’d pick, every time, because I’d done it before.
I thought of Kazim… and Kalina, and the long journey she had ahead of her as a demigod.
The memory of her innocent face sealed the deal. I would not leave her to discover her fate alone. I would be her protector and her guide, because I was her mother.
I always had been. Blood didn’t matter. She’d been my daughter since the moment she’d been born, and there was nothing stronger than a mother’s love for her child. I cherished her and Kazim as if I’d grown them in my own womb. I would go back to my mortal life, if only for the sake of the twins.
I was really going to miss him. So badly that even in this land of paradise, his absence already ached. A sob broke free from within me as I reached out to embrace my brother.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, Arty,” I whispered. I clutched him so tightly to me I wondered if he could still breathe.
“Aye,” Arthur replied softly. “I love you, sis. You were a wonderful part of my life. Every moment I got to spend with you was a blessing.”
He pulled out of my embrace, and my chest ached. “But we both have our own paths now. Let’s see where they may take us.”
Silence stretched between us, and Milonna cast her hand. A golden portal bloomed, burning like the sunlight. I knew where it would lead, and a combination of dread and hope rushed through me. This was my second chance. I’d make every day worth it, for what my brother was giving up.
Once you step through this portal, the exchange will be made and you will return to your mortal life, Milonna said.It will not close until you are ready to leave. Say your goodbyes, champion. And know I will be there for you each day, biding my time until you are ready to join my Brygada once more.
Milonna vanished. Ethan clung to me as Vara began leading Arthur away into the mist, humming a soft tune. Silently, King Lycus trailed after them. Sobs wracked through me as I wept, and I clutched Ethan’s arms.
Ethan didn’t have to say anything, because both of us wanted to follow, if only for a moment. We trailed after the three of them, through the fog and into a part of the Grounds I did not know.
There was singing up ahead. It started off soft, but grew louder with each step I took. As we listened, I realized that I recognized the tune.
The Malovian National Anthem. Except the words were slightly different. I clutched Ethan’s hand tightly in mine as we proceeded forward, taking in the sound of the heavenly, glorious tune.
From a place there far beyond
We defend this glorious land
For our children and our people
For our country we will stand.
We have left our sword and shield
We have left battle far behind
Paradise be ours and true love shall be mine!
