On the eve of their departure, William and Edward stood in the lantern-lit hall of King Eolan's palace. The sun cast long shafts of light through the high windows, creating bright spots on the polished stone floor. The brothers felt small and overwhelmed by the hall's grandeur, and the king's disapproving frown only added to their unease.

Seated on his elaborate throne, Eolan fixed Edward with his cold violet gaze. "When do you plan to return?"

"As soon as I settle some matters in my kingdom." Edward's hushed tone betrayed his hesitation as he looked down.

"The path you've chosen bristles with danger," the fairy king said. The echo in the grand hall amplified his deep voice. "I cautioned my daughter, but love blinded her to your inevitable departure."

Edward's eyes met his father-in-law's, defiant yet pained. "I hope I'm not a prisoner here and can visit my native land."

Eolan's brows arched with cold amusement. "Prisoner? No one asked you to come here. Perhaps it's better if you leave. My only concern is Niamh's broken heart. And since you both know the path to Iorlainn, I can only hope you won't reveal it to other humans."

Sensing the escalating tension, William spoke up, his voice steady despite the doubt in his eyes. "I'll stand by my brother, and I can promise his safe return." But he sighed inwardly. Could he truly keep such a promise?

Eolan's expression softened slightly, though his concern remained evident. "I may soon have answers about bloodfiends, so I expect you to return."

William bowed deeply. "I'm grateful, Your Majesty. This is important not only for me but for my people as well."

"It is important for all of us," Eolan replied, his tone icy.

As the brothers departed, King Eolan's gaze followed them, his mind filled with unspoken thoughts as they disappeared beyond the palace gates. Despite his displeasure, he made sure they were well-prepared for their journey to Aradon and allowed Elizabeth and Dan to stay in Iorlainn a while longer.

༺ ✧ ༻

When the morning of their departure arrived, Niamh went to bid her husband farewell. Elizabeth accompanied the princess, keeping a respectful distance as she watched the men prepare to leave.

William's confident stride faltered as he looked at Niamh with remorse. He saw the resolve in her eyes, the fire that burned within them, and the bitterness in her smile. "Niamh, I'm sorry..." His voice was rough, heavy with unspoken emotion.

Niamh raised her hand, silencing him. Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "You're sorry? Keep your words, William." Her sharp retort cut deeper into the growing chasm between them. "Now go. I want to spend these last moments with my husband... without your presence."

William nodded, unable to meet Niamh's gaze. The reproach in her eyes was too sharp, too raw.

With a final glance at Edward, who gave him an apologetic look, William led his horse away. His head bowed, his steps slow. As he distanced himself from Niamh and Edward, he turned away, unable to watch their farewell—a painful reminder of the family he had torn apart.

Beneath a blossoming tree, Edward and Niamh stood wrapped in each other's arms. Delicate pink petals floated down, tangling in their hair and covering the ground around them. A gentle breeze rustled Niamh's golden locks, brushing a few strands against Edward's cheek.

"I always feared your brother's restless spirit would take you away from me one day." Niamh's voice was heavy with sorrow, her eyes welling up with tears. A single teardrop rolled down her cheek as she searched Edward's face, as if trying to memorise every feature. "My father was right. He warned me that loving a human would break my heart, that no good would come of it..."

Edward's brow creased in anguish. "Don't say so... Please... I can't leave my brother in a time like this. But I love you, Niamh, with all my heart! I wish I could always be with you and our children."

As tears streamed down her cheeks, he tenderly stroked her face, wiping away each glistening droplet. "Please don't worry. I will be careful. I will either return to stay here or take you to Aradon."

Elizabeth was too far away to hear their conversation, but the farewell scene moved her to tears. Then her eyes found William, and his solitary figure struck a deep chord within her. He stood out like a dark spot in this realm of eternal spring, his head lowered as he held Starlight by the reins. The weight of Edward's departure might have been bearing down on him, and watching the couple's tender embrace probably made his loneliness even harder to bear.

Elizabeth didn't know the answer, but in that moment, she felt his loneliness as if it were her own, and her heart ached for this man. He didn't deserve to be alone. She fought the urge to run up to him and do something to comfort him.

Just then, William turned his head, his eyes locking onto hers. It was as if he had sensed her watching him from afar, as if an invisible thread connected them. His gaze lingered briefly, intense and profound. Then he turned away, sorrowful, as if he had indulged in a forbidden pleasure, as if he didn't dare look at her.

That one look pierced her to the core. And then it hit her: she might never see him again! Besides, she and Dan still hadn't thanked him for everything.

Elizabeth approached William with caution, her eyes wide with anxiety. She knew he'd noticed and now watched her from the corner of his eye. Maybe he didn't want her company, or couldn't believe she would take that step.

"William," she whispered, coming up to him.

He lifted his head, watching her silently.

Their eyes met, hers filled with gratitude. "Thank you for everything you've done for us. You saved our lives."

He looked down again. "I had no choice."

"William, promise me you'll be careful..."

"There's no need for concern. If something happens to me, you'll be safe here. And if I return, I'll do my best to help you get back to your world."

Elizabeth shook her head. "I'm not worried about that. I'm worried about you. Please be careful and come back soon."

Surprise crossed his face. "You're worried about me? Why?" He studied her face intently, searching for answers.

Her blue eyes, large and innocent, held his gaze steady. "Because you're my friend."

"Friend?" he repeated, his brow furrowing in confusion.

A hint of pain flickered across Elizabeth's face. "I thought... when we shook hands, we agreed to be friends."

William's features softened, his expression shifting to genuine concern. "Elizabeth, I didn't think you were serious..." But then, seeing the disappointment on her face, he added, "You barely know me. I have nothing to offer you. Inside me, there's only darkness and cold."

She stepped closer, her eyes searching his, wondering if he truly meant it. How wrong he was! A powerful wave of empathy and tenderness flooded her heart, overwhelming and too potent to be contained.

The tenderness in her eyes flowed towards William, and as he became aware of it, confusion clouded his face. 

"No, I can see light in your soul." She reached out and touched his raven hair. Her palm, soft as a summer breeze, swept down his stubbled cheek, conveying all her tenderness in that gentle touch.

William closed his eyes, as if he had longed for this caress. Then, in a moment, something happened: alarm replaced the longing in his expression, and he opened his eyes, recoiling as if burned.

Elizabeth's heart raced as she realised she had crossed a boundary. But before she could speak, William mounted his horse and galloped away, not even glancing back.

She stood there, her hand still raised, watching William's figure disappear into the distant forest. Tears streamed down her face. She felt a deep sense of loss, as if the world had shifted beneath her. She might have lost him forever, or even if he returned, their relationship would never be the same.

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These actors (Holliday Grainger and Henry Cavill) give me the strongest vibes for Elizabeth and William:

As for Dan, I'd choose Jacob Elordi:

What do you think? Do these actors fit how you imagine them? Or do you picture someone else entirely? I'd love to hear your thoughts!🤩 Share your dream casting in the comments >>>

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