Death to the umbra, death to the dark goddess, the light queen's hopeful ember, the dark queen leaves for eternal rest.

'What does that even mean?'

'You have to kill him but also not kill him?'

'How would that even work?'

'I don't know, I'm not a goddamn dictionary or something!'

Caspian, Lucy, Edmund and Raina were on the deck, discussing the events that had just transpired, namely Coriakin connecting with Raina, telepathically to communicate this...clue?

'So, who's the dark goddess?' Lucy asked.

'Apparently my dark side. If that makes sense?' Raina answered, unsure.

'But how do you kill that monster without...harming yourself? If this is the case, you're essentially going to war with yourself.' Caspian realised.

'Interesting.' Raina pursed her lips.

'No, for real, how are we getting rid of this son of a bitch?' Edmund chimed in.

'Coriakin mentioned something about his heart? Like drawing out the essence of evil from him?' Raina proposed. 'What was it called again...?'

'Tenebris cor Tuum!' Lucy recalled.

'Yes, that! So I need to figure out a way to destroy that, without destroying, well, him entirely.' Raina stated.

'Ugh, this is more technical and annoying than Ludwig's Physics class.' Edmund groaned, as Raina chuckled slightly.

'Alright, Ed, we understand you hate anything pertaining to science. What do you plan on being when you grow up, though?' Raina asked suddenly. Edmund looked slightly surprised at that.

'Erm...I don't— I don't know, actually. I've been considering law for a while, but nothing's set in stone.' He responded. Raina nodded, understandingly.

'That actually makes a lot of sense. You'd be a good lawyer.' She said, as she leaned in and kissed his cheek, causing him to flush deeply. He gave her a goofy grin, before whispering in her ear.

'Thanks love.'

What is it with him and 'love'? Does he not know I become an absolute idiot when he does that? Okay, keep it together Raina, you're in public.

'You okay over there, Raina?' Caspian chirped, amused at the brightening blush on her face, as she lost herself in a flurry of thoughts. She shook herself and her eyes fell upon Edmund, who simply smirked, as she glared at him. She turned back to Caspian.

'Yes, what were you saying?'

Caspian laughed heartily, before nodding his head.

'Nothing at all.'

Raina then smiled sweetly, before her eyes flashed blue.

'Okay.'

Caspian suddenly got lifted upside down, and was suspended in the air, his clothes covering his face, as he let out a very manly squeal.

'WHAT IN THE NAME OF— RAINA I WAS JOKING!!' He screeched, as the crew members gathered around, shocked and thoroughly amused.

'And what have I warned you about that?' Raina questioned, circling Caspian's suspended figure, eyeing him with feigned curiosity.

'I won't do it again! You and Edmund are adorable, okay?! Let me go!' Caspian screamed, defeatedly, as Raina's eyes glinted mischievously. She brought him down to the ground, as he shook his head, running his fingers through his hair nervously.

'I am terrified of you.' He breathed, eyes wide. Raina smiled.

'As you should be.'

Raina proceeded to make eye contact with Edmund, who looked flushed and dare I say it, turned on. Raina loved seeing this look on his face, and she also knew it was always when she exhibited some form of power. Hmm, something to think about. She thought to herself.

'I'll catch you guys later. You should probably freshen up, you two.' Raina gestured to Caspian and Edmund, as she swiftly disappeared under the deck. Lucy watched her brother and friend, a wide grin etched on her face.

'This is probably the best thing I've ever seen.' She stated, as Edmund glared at her.

'Nothing to see here, Lu.' He grumbled, as Caspian mirrored his actions.

'And what have you got to be pissed about, lad? You weren't hanging upside down in the air because you pissed her off??' Caspian spoke, defensively. Edmund couldn't help but crack up slightly at his reaction.

'You must really get on her nerves.' He stated. 'I mean, I see why.'

'Go to hell.' Caspian grumbled, as he stomped off inside as well, leaving his entire crew in roars of laughter.

***********

'The wind has left us.' Drinian stated to the Kings of Narnia, as they stood on deck, watching the oceanscape ahead.

'So how do we get to Ramandu's Island now, then?' Edmund asked, eyebrows creased as he looked ahead. Eustace Was flying forward, Reepicheep on his head, Raina flying by them. She turned around and sensed Edmund's worry and flew over, landing softly by Caspian.

'What's going on?' She asked.

'There's no wind, your excellency. And my guess is something doesn't want us to get there.' Drinian said, coldly, as Raina couldn't help but roll her eyes.

'Drinian, jumping to conclusions based on inadequate information is supremely counterproductive and unhelpful.' Raina stated, pointedly. Caspian and Edmund couldn't help but snort slightly. Drinian looked caught and embarrassed.

'I apologise, your excellency, but in my experience, so many twists and turns are seldom positive signs of a journey to a destination.' Drinian countered, cautiously. Edmund looked offended at the way he talked back to Raina and was about to step forward, glowering, when Raina pulled him back.

'Now now, Ed. Drinian, if wind is what you want, then you shall receive. Eustace!' Raina called out to the dragon hovering above the mast of the ship, as he growled at Raina in confusion. She jumped and flew up to him and whispered something to him, as he grunted mischievously. Caspian and Drinian looked alarmed, as Edmund shook his head with a chuckle. Raina threw a smirk his way, the telltale sparkle in her eyes visible even from the ground.

'Ookay yes, I know that look.' Edmund stated, amused. Drinian was about to say something, just as the ship jolted forward, almost knocking them and the rest of the crew to the ground, had it not been for an aura of golden light keeping them from hitting the wooden floor. The crew looked up to see Raina's palms glowing with a warm golden glow, as she threw an annoyed look forward.

'Oh cmon Eustace, you've got to ease it in lad, not jerk it forward!' She chortled. The crew steadied themselves and hurried to the railing to see what caused the force. Edmund was the first to observe before yelling out, joyfully.

'Eustace...that's brilliant!!'

The crew observed Eustace's tail wrapped around the dragon head engraving at the prow of the ship, as he flew forward, pulling the dawn treader with him. Reepicheep hopped off his back, to the prow.

Unsheathing his blade, he cried out,

'Onward ho!'

Cheers and woops reverberated off the ship grounds, exclaiming at the ingenious solution to the 'no wind' problem. Raina came back down to the ship's deck, before calling out to Eustace.

'Let me know if you get tired! I'll take over!' She called out, as Eustace grunted in agreement, perhaps? Edmund shook his head with pure glee as he embraced the love of his life, kissing her temple.

'You're perfect.' He whispered, softly. Even as a goddess of a land, two words from this boy was enough to make Raina melt into a puddle of pure joy.

'Shush.' She mumbled, shyly, resting her head on his shoulder, as his arm went around her shoulders. A growl was heard from the front. They turned to see that Eustace dragon gagged at their PDA. Raina chuckled.

'Some things never change, innit?' She turned to Edmund, who looked angry yet amused.

'They don't.'

*******

Sunlight began dimming as the hours went by. By this time, Eustace was taking a break from dragging the ship, as Raina directed her power to push the ship forward. She was with Caspian and Lucy inside the map room. They tried mapping out an estimate of the distance and timeline for reaching Ramandu's Island.

'We've been sailing for almost a week now. We need to reach the island soon. We kind of got a lot riding on it.' Caspian snickered, causing both queens to roll their eyes.

'Caspian, honey, this isn't an airplane that we'll reach in a couple hours. We need an estimate now.' Raina blurted sarcastically, as Caspian squinted at her.

'What— what's an air—? Airplane?' He asked, confused. Raina's eyes widened as she caught herself.

'Nevermind. Nonetheless, my power can sense something approaching us. All good, it's been growing stronger slowly. I think we should reach in another couple of hours, assuming we don't have any more run-ins with our shadow pal, ugh.' Raina shuddered and gagged, as Lucy and Caspian grew solemn. Raina's heart tugged for them. Lucy's expression in particular alarmed Raina.

'Hey, Lu? Can I talk to you for a sec? It's about that math homework you were having issues with.' Raina clearly lied, which Lucy knew but Caspian looked confused.

'Ah yes, I remember, I don't understand limits at all. I need your help. Come on, I think I remember the sums too.' Lucy played along, as they left the room and went up to a secluded area of the deck. Raina rounded on Lucy, concern shining in her eyes. It was getting late in the evening, as night fell.

'Lu, talk to me, girl. What's going on? What did that little bastard say to you?' Raina asked, her big sister nature emanating off her. Lucy felt warmth swelling in her, even as she felt shaken at the mention of the shadow demon. Just as Lucy was about to say something, the ship slowed down, as Reepicheep's voice was heard from above them. Both queens turned to the front of the ship.

'Land ho!!' He called out as Ramandu's Island grew larger as the Dawn Treader came closer. Raina turned her attention back to Lucy, waiting for her answer. Lucy shook it off.

'We'll talk later. This is important.' She mumbled and paced away, leaving Raina confused and concerned.

'There you are!'

Raina turned to see Edmund walking up to her. His face contorted in concern seeing Raina look worried.

'What's going on? Are you okay?'

'Yeah yeah I'm fine, just a bit worried about Lucy. I...' She trailed off looking at Lucy's fast retreating figure, sadly.

'I don't know what fears the Umbra Regem played on her but it couldn't have been good. Any mention of that bastard is enough to make her feel scared, worried, upset, the whole shebang.' Raina ranted, worriedly. Edmund sighed, and embraced her, resting his head on top of hers.

'It wasn't a joy ride that's for sure. I can't imagine what she must be going through. It was worse than hell.' Edmund shuddered, recalling the horrors he faced because of that shadowy little pipsqueak. Raina kissed his cheek, reassuringly as she gave him a small smile.

'Whatever it is, I need to talk to her and Cas. I haven't been able to confront them about it and—'

'Your majesties!' Drinian called out as he approached Edmund and Raina, stopping short when he saw them conversing privately.

'I apologise, please—'

'No no, it's alright. What's going on?' Raina put on a smile and asked.

'We've reached the island. We're anchoring the ship and bringing out the boats. We need to deboard.' He informed.

Raina sighed as she turned to Edmund.

'Not done yet.'

'I'd expect nothing less, Laurel.'

Raina smirked as they both made their way to the deck and disembarked from the ship onto the smaller longboats.

Ramandu's Island stood before them, a block of greenery and mountainous terrain, the blue star shining beautifully in the sky above the island. Eustace now let go of the ship as everyone began to leave. Raina quickly flew up to Eustace and offered him a grateful smile.

'You got us here, Eustace. This was extraordinary. Thank you.' She said, sincerely as Eustace shyly looked down and grunted in response. Raina chuckled as she looked down to see everyone rowing towards the shore. The sky had darkened significantly as it was the deepest shade of blue. Raina made her way down to the boats, landing softly beside Caspian and Edmund as they rowed to the shore. As a force of habit, Raina's eyes flashed violet as she took in the energy of the island. Edmund noticed as his features contorted in concern.

'What do you feel?' He asked, as Caspian, Drinian, Lucy and everyone else on the boat turned to the Goddess of Narnia.

Raina's palm began to glow violet, creating a ringing sound, as she stretched it forward. The tendrils of light left her palms as they scoured the island for any dangers. There didn't seem to be anything threatening on the island. She picked up on a type of magic deeper in the island. It didn't seem like the Umbra Regem's, nor did it seem like a danger. But it felt as if it held something or someone captive against their will. It felt eerily familiar. This created a worry in Raina because she wasn't able to decipher who or what it was. She sighed and the power left her palms and she turned to the crew.

'I don't sense any dangers. Just the same good energy I sensed earlier. We're good, but we need to be cautious as well. Something still seems off to me.' She spoke, still feeling anxious about the magic she felt.

*********

Raina, Edmund, Caspian and Lucy led the crew through the island, the sharp twists and turns and forested ground. It was quite beautiful in all honesty. Edmund's torch illuminated the pathway, as they walked forward. They came to a stone bridge of sorts, ancient by the looks of it. They walked cautiously as Raina's palm glowed with golden light to illuminate the path as well. The light fell upon two stone structures on either side of the end of the bridge. They were figurines of eagles, with their heads bowed in respect. Raina squinted as she tried to recall what it meant.

'Eagles bowing their heads, it's always to a supreme ruler.' She stated as she observed the statues. She placed a hand on the head of the statue as lit up with her light, making everyone jump back in fear. The other statue began to glow as well.

'What..?' Raina mumbled as she removed her hand, when a voice spoke in her head.

My Queen, you have returned! Please free us!

Just as she heard this, a twig snapped somewhere and Raina jolted away, unsheathing her swords. The crew followed.

'Who's there?!' She cried, looking around alarmed.

'Love, what's going on?' Edmund asked, worriedly.

'I don't know, I...' That's when Raina noticed the statues begin to turn their heads. She jumped into an offensive stance.

'Show yourself!'

Raina then observed the eagles turn ahead, as a dome of tree barks came into view. Beyond the entry, was a long medieval table, brimming with food and drink. Suddenly the rumbling stomachs of the crew became too audible.

Raina summoned a ball of light in her palm as she walked ahead, determined. She came to a stop at the table, observing its leg. The eagle engravings were there, but above them was an engraving of another animal. Edmund walked ahead of her and observed the ornaments of animals placed on the table, along with unlit candles atop it. Tavros observed the array of fruit, and took a few steps forward, hungrily grunting.

'Wait.' Drinian warned, as Tavros looked back, confused.

Raina heard the voices again.

Your Eminence, please help...

Raina realised speaking wouldn't help as she responded telepathically.

Who are you? What do you want from me?

Just as she spoke, her light fell upon something at the other end of the table. Edmund was next to her, as Caspian and Lucy inches forward on the other side. Suddenly, three elderly men came into view, immobile. Edmund's torch illuminated it further, as he jumped back.

'Ahh!'

Caspian, Lucy, Drinian and the rest of the crew unsheathed their swords, alarmingly. Raina suspended her light in the air near her, as it followed her towards the men. Edmund was on her heels, as they removed a few branches to get a better view. The men had long hair and beards, all light grey. Their eyes were open but their bodies were devoid of movement. Caspian inched forward carefully, sword out, as Raina snapped her fingers, creating another ball of light drifting towards Caspian, illuminating the way. He looked at her gratefully as he observed the man's hand. The light reflected off a ring on the man's finger with some engravings on it. Caspian pointed his sword at it and sighed.

'Lord Rivilian.' He stated.

He moved over to see the other man, before shutting his eyes briefly.

'Lord Mavramorn.'

By now, everyone sheathed their sword. Lucy came up to Caspian, as she gently parted the hair on one of the men's faces to get a better look.

'Lord Argoz.'

Lucy retracted her hand fearfully, at the stoicness and staticky figure. Raina called out to the voices again in her head.

Are you the lords seeking me?

Yes, your Excellency.

'He's breathing!' Caspian exclaimed softly, noticing the steady rise and fall of the lords' chest. Raina looked closer, and sure enough the lord was breathing.

'So are they.' Edmund concurred as the other two lords were breathing softly.

'Guys, I've been hearing voices here. It's them. They're calling for help.' Raina explained. 'They're under a spell.'

Raina tried to think what may have caused this when Caspian yelled.

'It's the food!' He warned as Tavros dropped the fruit he hit into, worriedly. The rest of the crew deflated and looked alarmed at the prospect of it.

'Guys this spell, it's not from the Umbra Regem...' Raina stated, not detecting an iota of evil in it.

'Hey!' Edmund called out as his eyes fell upon a glinting figure.

'It's the stone knife. This is Aslan's Table!' Raina finished his thought.

Caspian's eyes fell upon a hilt covered in weeds near the lords.

'Their swords..' He mumbled as he pulled one of them out. His eyes met Edmund's as he finished everyone's thoughts.

'On the table.'

The kings and queens began placing all the swords they hand collected at the head of Aslan's table in a star format. In the end, six swords were placed.

'Still missing one.' Caspian stated.

Suddenly the swords began to glow blue as Venus' Crux began glowing on Raina's head, as did the Imperium. She looked alarmed for a moment but the energy was warm, not worrisome. Her eyes went up to the sky, just as Lucy called out.

'Look!'

The blue star began to glow brighter and brighter, just as it began descending from the sky. Edmund moved closer to Raina, clutching her hand, meeting her gaze, reassuringly. The star began a ball of pure blue light as it descended to the ground, shadows falling on the faces of the kings, queens and their crew, as they watched the sight in awe.

Raina summoned her power, as her eyes and palms glowed golden. Just as the star came to the ground near the entrance to Aslan's Table,it dissipated revealing a young woman, bathed in bluish white light. She was fair, with long blonde hair and a kind, relaxed demeanour in a long white gown. Raina observed Caspian's jaw drop in more ways than one, as she snorted to herself.

'Travelers of Narnia, welcome.' She spoke, as everyone bowed to her.

'Arise.' She spoke again. 'Are you not hungry?' She asked, kindly.

Raina spoke up next.

'Who are you?' She asked.

'I'm Lilliandil, daughter of Ramandu.' She stated, as a warm smile appeared on Raina's face.

'I am your guide.' Lilliandil smiled as she walked towards the crew. Edmund and Caspian exchanged glances. The four monarchs made their way over to her, Raina leading the way.

'It is an honour to meet you, Your Excellency.' Lilliandil bowed in respect to Raina, as Raina returned the gesture.

'As am I.'

They embraced each other, almost as if they've known each other for years.

'It's been a long journey.' Raina sighed.

'Indeed, but it's not over yet, Your Excellency.'

'Worth a shot.'

Raina felt Edmund slip his hand into Raina's, causing the latter to blush slightly. Lilliandil chuckled at this.

'Ah, the famous Edaina couple. I have to say, you two are quite adorable, though hormonal.' Lilliandil sarcastically commented, as Edmund chuckled and Raina feigned disbelief and offense.

'Excuse you, I am certainly not hormonal.' She huffed, with a shy smile.

Caspian suddenly spoke.

'You're a star?' He asked, his voice soft yet curious. Lilliandil met his gaze and nodded with a small smile. Raina's eyebrows shot up, as did Edmund's, as they exchanged knowing glances.

Caspian stepped forward, his face a mixture of awe, fear, admiration and attraction.

'You are most beautiful.'

Lilliandil looked slightly surprised as her smile vanished.

'If it is a distraction for you, I...I can change form—' She suggested as Caspian cut her off abruptly.

'NO!'

This was when Raina choked up from laughter, and Edmund looked away to hide the amused smile on his face. Lucy just shook her head. Lilliandil regained her composure as she smiled again, facing the crew.

'The food is for you.' She raised her hands as the candles lit up. 'There is enough for all who are welcome at Aslan's Table. Always. Help yourselves!' She encouraged as the crew reached for the food, just as Edmund chimed in.

'Wait! What happened to them?' He asked, as he shone his torch on the lords.

'These men were half mad by the time they reached our shores.' Lilliandil began with a somber tone.

'They began threatening violence upon each other.' She continued, when Raina recalled something.

'Violence is forbidden at Aslan's Table, so they were sent to sleep. Weren't they?' She asked, woefully. Lilliandil nodded.

'Will they ever wake?' Lucy asked, with a frown. Lilliandil turned to her with a small smile.

'When all is put right.'

'When we get the seventh sword.' Raina chimed in, as Lilliandil nodded.

'Come.' She gestured to the monarchs. 'There is little time.'

As Lilliandil walked ahead, Raina walked behind her, as Edmund, Caspian and Lucy followed. The crew began devouring the food, rightfully so. Lilliandil led the four of them through the forest, to the edge of the island, a cliff. She walked up a few stairs as the rest followed before stopping at the edge. Raina felt a strong sinister energy, eerily that of the Umbra Regem's.

'The magician, Coriakin, told you of Dark Island?' She asked. As the four monarchs came up next to her, Caspian responded.

'Yes.'

Raina felt a chill run down her spine as she took in the landscape. A dark shadowy island in the distance, pulsing green, the same green as the mist. The energy grew stronger as she felt her own powers spring up in response.

'Before long, the evil will be unstoppable.' Lilliandil warned.

'Can't I just destroy the island? I have my powers back now.' Raina asked. Lilliandil smiled tightly.

'The island is just the vessel, destroying it won't destroy the evil spirits within, nor the Umbra Regem. You would simply destroy their current habitat. It takes moments to build another.' She clarified. Raina groaned.

'Coriakin said to break the spell...we lay the seven swords at Aslan's table.' Caspian clarified.

'He speaks the truth.' Lilliandil nodded.

'But we only found six. Do you know where the seventh is?' Edmund asked, as Lilliandil pursed her lips and pointed to Dark Island.

'In there.'

Raina felt a shiver run down her spine, in such close proximity to the Umbra Regem's homebase of power. It felt so strong, she wondered if she could beat it.

'Hey. You can beat it. I know you can.' Edmund mumbled when Raina's eyebrows shot up.

'Did you just read my mind?'

'No, I just love you.'

'Shut up.'

'Guys? Focus please.'

'Sorry Lu.'

Despite the gravity of the situation, Lilliandil couldn't help but giggle at the dynamic. Her face turned somber again.

'You will need great courage.' She paused and turned to them.

'Your Excellency, Your majesties, there will be one war, but two battles. One that you...' She looked to Caspian, Edmund and Lucy. '...will fight.'

She then turned to Raina.

'And one that you shall fight alone.'

Raina sighed.

'It's fitting, I suppose. Going to war with the worst part of myself. Almost poetic.' She sassed. Lilliandil smiled.

'Yes. But remember, you can only kill him if you draw out the essence of his heart, the Tenebris cor Tuum. Anything else, and you endanger your existence.'

For the first time, it hit her. Raina realised that one small mistake could ruin everything. Ruin her loved ones, her kingdom, it could wipe her from existence. She felt the fear bubble in her like lava in a volcano. She put on a brave face.

'Is there any specific way to draw it out? Like a manual or something?' Raina tried to lighten the mood. Lilliandil chuckled.

'No. But I assume now that you now control all your powers, it will come to you. You will need to be extremely focused. As you already know, he will try to shake it, take your will away. Your will is the strongest force in Narnia, possibly stronger than the Deep Magic. You need to funnel your power into the Umbra Regem's heart and draw it out without letting it into yourself. The slightest mistake could make you turn into the Umbra Regem.'

Raina felt a chill run down her spine. Edmund embraced her from the side, reassuringly. Caspian came up by her side as did Lucy, offering small smiles and determined looks. Raina felt loved, she felt supported, she felt more like herself.

'So funnel my power into him, draw out the Tenebris cor Tuum, and what? Destroy it?' She asked.

'Yes. You can give life, but you can take life as well. The Tenebris cor Tuum represents the shadow side of you. Draw out the evil and overpower it with your light.'

Raina nodded determinedly.

'Remember Raina.' Lilliandil spoke softly, as she took Raina's hands in her own.

'Death to the umbra, death to the dark goddess, the light queen's hopeful ember, the dark queen leaves for eternal rest.'

A/N OMG HI EVERYONE I AM BACK!!!
hope you guys are doing well! i just finished first year of uni!!! i can't believe it, it feels like yesterday that i became a uni student, wow time really does fly. i finally have some time on my hands to write. i intend to finish this book by the end of summer break. i had an ending prepared but it was a bit sad. for those reasons, and having taken such a long break, i have a better idea of how i want to end it. i'm going to change the ending. everyone deserves their happy ending and we love living in denial here so screw the realistic shit and let's go for something magical.
i'll post chapter 22 soon i promise! i'm not giving any dates but it'll be up the moment i'm done.
thank you guys so much for reading i'm so so grateful. i hope you'll stay for the ending!
until then, have a lovely day <33

please vote on the chapter guys, it would really help my fanfic!!