The Death Bridge

The battle was over.

Gehèfna rested in a humble grave, alongside her husband Fenrir. The trio had returned to the shack, wounded and tired, but at peace.

Raven sat at the fire. The flames mirrored in her dark eyes. The thoughts in her mind contrasted with the peaceful evening. There were so many questions unanswered. Was it all really over? Did she really save the forest? But everything seemed the same. As if nothing had happened at all. Was Gehèfna really the threat? Who hid the sword? What does the stone in the castle ruins mean? Are they all connected?

Inside the shack, Brongr cried out in pain. "Could ye be a bit more gentle?"

"I have to disinfect the wound, Brongr. And these cuts are deep." Axil sighed. "Just let me use the crystal."

Brongr shook his head. "Ne'er again. I'd rather live with thes pain, thank ye."

"You do know that the crystal can heal you… as in, it'll hurt for a few moments, and then you'll be pain-free…?"

"Still nae usin' it…"

Axil sighed heavily and stood up to retrieve some linen. He returned and through the open door, Raven's figure caught his eye. His gaze rested on her for a few moments.

"Oi. Wounded man o'er 'ere", Brongr said.

Axil pulled his gaze away and turned his attention to the big man. He carefully bandaged the wound.

"Ye know…ye shouldn't keep it stuffed inside…"

Axil's confused gaze met the emerald ones. "Keep what stuffed inside?"

"Yer feelin's."

Axil lowered his gaze. "I have no idea what you mean."

Brongr chuckled. "Lad, it is as clear as daylight."

Axil turned his back to the big man as he placed everything back. "Yes well…it's better to keep it stuffed away."

"Lad, 'at girl is as rare as they come." Brongr paused. "She…she's become…like th' daughter I lost. An' ye can deny it all ye like, ye complete each other."

Axil scoffed. "Complete?"

Brongr nodded with a smile. "Aye. It may not seem 'at way bit, trust me…that's the way it is.

The silver eyes met the emerald ones. .

"Go. I'm fine now", Brongr said, reading the request in the white-haired man's eyes.

Axil hesitated for a moment before leaving the shack.

Raven heard footsteps approaching and turned her head to the white-haired man. He sat down beside her.

"How is he?", Raven asked.

"The wounds are pretty deep, but he'll be alright. He refuses to use the healing crystals though, so...it's going to take a while."

Silence fell between them. Raven glanced at Axil.

"So, a Lohiörneth huh?"

Axil nodded. "I couldn't tell you. By knowing what I am, you and Brongr are in danger. If people knew that there is still a Lohiörneth alive, they'll come for me."

Raven scoffed. "Let 'em come. If I can beat you without magic, I think they'll have a hard time getting passed me if I use my magic."

Axil chuckled. His expression turned serious. "When you were surrounded by that black mist, I almost thought you were a goner."

"Well…so did I. Gehèfna tried to make me succumb to the darkness. The darkness she sowed in my heart." She reached out and took Axil's hand in hers. "But…I realised that you were right. I've never been to blame for the things that had happened. And I also realised that…my parents sacrificed themselves, not because it was noble or selfless or anything, but because it was the right thing to do, no matter how hard it must've been for them. Or how hard it was for me." She sighed."Sometimes…I wonder how much they knew that they didn't tell me."

"They definitely knew more." Axil said.

"If only they could've told me more. Axil, I don't think everything is over. Sure, Gehèfna - the Blue Death - is dead but…the curse is not lifted. Why?"

Axil frowned. "I don't know."

Raven sighed. "So the puzzle remains incomplete."

Axil gently squeezed Raven's hand. "For tonight, let's forget those things…let's celebrate our victory. After everything we've faced, we are still alive."

"You're right…"

Silence fell between them. The fire crackled softly, peacefully. The moonlight danced around them as the gentle breeze rustled delicately through the trees. The night was cool and the air fresh.

Raven turned her head toward Axil, her eyes meeting the glowing, silver ones. Her lips curved into a tender smile. "Your eyes are glowing again…"

Axil looked down into her dark eyes, the moonlight reflecting brightly in them. "Of course they are," he whispered, reaching out and trailing his hand down her cheek.

"Why?", Raven whispered back, her smile slowly fading.

"Because of you…", Axil answered and cupped her face with his hands.

Raven watched as Axil lowered his head; her breath hitched softly. She felt his breath tickling her skin before his lips captured hers in a gentle and sweet kiss. She closed her eyes; her hands resting on his ċhėst. Warmth spread through her entire body and peace filled her mind, her heart burning with unexplainable happiness.

Axil slowly pulled away, his eyes once more meeting the dark ones. He searched Raven's eyes for the answers to the questions of his heart.

And the answers shimmered in her eyes, bright as the stars above.

~~The End~~