9 Chapter 8: A Heartbreaking Reunion With Only Goodbyes

1 week earlier

As Eli embarked on his arduous journey across the northern lands, with his ultimate destination being the Wall, a significant development unfolded in Essos.

The renowned Golden Company had returned, bringing with them not only tidings of triumph but also the tantalizing promise of a generous reward from a king.

The news infused the entire company with an air of elation, uplifting their collective spirits to new heights.

Despite the allure of the good news, it came at a grave cost with the sacrifice of approximately four hundred valiant sellswords who returned lifeless.

Initially, Antasa had sanctioned only a thousand warriors for the cause. However, as she diligently perused Eli's constant reports, she found herself granting authorization for more and more sellswords, eventually amassing a staggering force of four thousand.

What had begun as a calculated investment had morphed into a high-stakes gamble, fueled by Antasa's unwavering belief in Eli's endeavors.

She had wagered everything on the word of her son-in-law and when the news of the rebellion's triumph reached Antasa's ears, her elation knew no bounds.

The prospect of not just receiving their minimum compensation but a king's reward filled her with unbridled joy.

"Where is father?" Aegon, waiting for the lead ship to dock that should've contained his father, ran up to Santino after scouring the ship and not finding a single spec of Eli.

Santino bluntly ignored his nephew as his eyes became locked on his little girl.

Bee reading her father's intentions, desperately jumped forward into his embrace as Santino lovingly twirled her around in the air.

"Father, I missed you so much!" Bee excitedly spoke, burying her face into Santino's embrace while reminiscing in his familiar warmth.

"I missed you too pumpkin!" Santino lovingly hosted Bee into the air while showering her in kisses.

"Hey uncle!" Aegon appeared to run out of patience while shouting out to Santino, rolling his eyes, he turned them to Aegon only to flinch at his seemingly warped appearance.

"Aegon your eyes-"

"I know my eyes are turning red and my hair black, so what? Where is my dad?" Aegon didn't care for Santino's questions nor his concerns and instead asked for Eli.

"He wanted to see the wall before coming back-"

"You got to be sh*ting me!" Aegon furiously stomped the ground as Santino raised an eyebrow at the angered expression Aegon was portraying.

"Father, Viressa is really sick and desperately wants to see Uncle Eli." Bee clarified with a whisper, Santino's head jerked towards a certain direction upon the words settling in.

"Pumpkin, I'll be right back." Santino seemed to be out of it as he set Bee down before rushing towards the main house with his intention being to see the woman he treated as his sister.

"Um, excuse me?" A scared voice appeared from the side causing both children to look towards it.

Aegon saw the woman who looked familiar to his father though instead of handsome, she was immensely beautiful, slender, dawning black eyes, and a flat chest.

In her embrace were two children sleeping peacefully causing Both Aegon and Bee to tilt their heads in confusion.

"Are you uncle's mistress?"

"Are you a political hostage?"

Two different questions were asked by the little figures before her, Aegon squinted his eyes though disregarding the chances of her being a mistress after seeing one of the children bearing white hair.

"NO! Elias is my twin brother!" Elia shouted in embarrassment at the two questions unexpectedly shotgunned out of these children's mouths.

"What?" The both said, looking at each before looking back at her.

"I am Elia Martell-"

"Does Uncle Eli have siblings?" Bee scratched as Aegon closed his eyes but eventually shook his head.

"If he does then he didn't tell me about it." Aegon frowned, trying to remember any mention of siblings before realizing that his father had barely ever told him of where he even grew up.

Aegon's eyes did not linger, their gaze swiftly shifting as his mind pondered the possibility of Eli disclosing this seemingly significant matter. His keen gaze roamed incessantly, never faltering, as it surveyed the countenance of Elia.

"She does have a striking resemblance to my father now that I look closer." Aegon then tilted his head while walking around Elia's being to continue his observation.

"I'm guessing you're my brother's son?" Elia raised her eyebrow since she could see the similar qualities of Eli in Aegon.

"If you mean to ask if Eli is my father, then you would be correct." Aegon cheekily smirked, causing Elia's eyes to instinctively roll.

'He really is Eli's son.'

"Thank you for the compliment but I like to think of myself as a man with more qualities other than being the son of Eli." Aegon rubbed his fingernails while perfectly reading Elia's thoughts.

"How did you-"

"Well like I said a second ago, I'm a man of many qualities; wisdom, looks, personality, I got them all and then some." Aegon's boastering caused Elia to roll their eyes once more though conveyed a beautiful smile.

Contrary to his old way of presenting himself, over these four years, Aegon has seemingly cooled off compared to his previous life.

In contrast to his former gruff and unyielding demeanor, the presence of Eli and Viressa in Aegon's life had wrought a remarkable transformation.

They had instilled in him the ability to express himself more freely, rekindling a long-lost sense of humor that had lain dormant within him.

Under Viressa's nurturing influence, Aegon had learned to find greater value in the small joys of life, developing a newfound appreciation for the world around him.

On the other hand, Eli had demonstrated to him that even amidst the somber reality of their lethal pursuits, laughter and mirth could still find a place in their hearts.

They had shown him that despite their involvement in acts of violence, they were not devoid of the capacity for levity and amusement.

"Oh, so you're a man and not a child?" Elia raised an eyebrow, dawning a slight smile as Aegon's confidence made her want to chuckle though continued to hold it back.

"Of course I-"

"Stooooooooooooooop." Bee dragged both hands across her face in utter boredom knowing that Aegon would needlessly prolong the conversation unless interrupted.

"Tsk, this is my cous-"

"Sister-"

"Whatever!" Aegon exclaimed in irritation, vexed by Bee's repeated interruptions, he attempted to scrutinize her, only to have their heads collide in a tumultuous clash of emotions.

The mere suggestion of her being referred to as his cousin instead of his sister ignited a furious response within him.

Elia's laughter echoed joyously from the sidelines, her heart light with amusement as she observed the playful dispute between the two young children.

Bending down gracefully, she positioned herself at their eye level, capturing their undivided attention once again with her captivating presence.

"Now that you have been introduced to me, let me now introduce both of you to your new cousins." Elia's soft words interrupted the sparks continuously flying between them while directing the attention towards the two young children nestling in her embrace.

"This is Rhaenys." Elia sought to have them feel more familiar with the children, which in turn led to Elia handing Rhaenys to Bee who carefully took the sleeping two year old into her arms.

"And this is Aegon." Elia then handed the youngest child to Aegon, who instead of being joyful, had his face immediately contort in clear displeasure.

"No." Aegon scoffed after realizing something, causing Elia to flinch at the blatant disdain, and Bee to sigh.

"Wha-"

"From today onwards, his name will be Aegor, Aegor Rivers." Aegon, after renaming the child that wasn't his, finally smiled while swaying the baby boy who would grow up to be one of the many loyal pillars to hold up his future rule.

"Aegon he's-"

"He can be a tiger, he can be a lion, but he cannot be a dragon." Aegon turned his sights up to Elia as her pupils shook at the underlying message.

"Aunty you're hiding something." Aegon slowly backed away though his eyes never wavered from Elia's figure as she froze under the predatory gaze, Bee also feeling something astray frowned but waited for better clarification from Aegon.

"No I-"

"Though I cannot exactly see through you, I can still see some ugly intentions." Aegon then started walking onto the railing of the ship as Bee followed in suit.

However instead of following, she only sat on the railing while gently swaying the sleeping two year old.

"Aegon it's not like that-"

"It does not matter Aunty, what matters is my identity, not yours, nor your children." Aegon smiled though this time they showed his canines causing Elia to bite her lip in worry.

"I am Aegon Blackfyre and although I am not the first of my name, I surely won't share it with another, at least not in this time period." Aegon declaration made Elia choke on her breath knowing full well the weight of the name in which Blackfyre held.

"Bee, what is the characteristic I hate most about people?" Aegon suddenly changed the topic, roping Bee into the conversation as she seriously pondered for a moment.

"Deceitfulness." Bee finally found the answer and responded, letting Aegon's carnivorous smile deepen.

"And what do we do with those who deceive me?" Aegon asked as if not knowing the answer himself.

"Kill them." Bee joyfully proclaimed making Elia's face contort into a horrified expression.

"I also forgot something else, what do I do with people who get in my way?"

"Kill them."

"And my enemies?"

"Kill them."

Aegon, satisfied with Bee's answers, turned to his new aunty with the intention of wanting to set the boundaries between them earlier on.

"Do you understand AUNTY?" Aegon's eyes became hollow while holding Aegor in his hands signaling that they could release her precious son into the waters below at any time..

Elia closed her eyes, allowing her thoughts to drift into the recollection of the sacrifices Eli had made to ensure her survival.

The weight of gratitude rested upon her heart, for she owed him a debt that could never be fully repaid. Yet, in the midst of this realization, another understanding began to dawn upon her.

Aegon, the son of Eli, possessed the capacity to exert his influence over Elia, further accentuating her position within the intricate web of relationships that now governed their lives.

No longer mere royalty, but bound together as kin, Elia recognized the profound shift that had occurred.

The dynamics that shaped her existence were no longer solely defined by her regal status, but by the familial ties that now intertwined their destinies.

"Y-Yes." Elia ducked her head in shame showing that she had no excuse for the actions Aegon accused her of.

"That's good to hear." Aegon revealed a merciful grin, hoping down from the railing, causing Elia to look up.

"Aunty, I'll warn you now since I'm generous. When you raise your beloved children and my cousins, be careful with your parenting because if they grow up to stand in my way." Aegon didn't finish his sentence but clutched his hand tightly in front of her face making Elia gulp.

"Understand?" Aegon smiled innocently though Elia didn't believe the expression as he gently returned the now Aegor back into her arms.

"Y-Yes."

"Bee."

"Here." Bee followed Aegon in giving Rhaenys back to Elia.

Without hesitation, Elia swiftly gathered her other child into the safety of her embrace. As both children found solace by their mother's side once more, a sense of relief washed over Elia, allowing her to catch her breath at long last.

Their reunion completed, the tender bond between mother and children was reaffirmed, providing a moment of respite from the tumultuous events that had transpired.

"Now that we got that out of the way, let me show you around." Aegon changed his aura into that of a lighthearted one as Bee held up her arms in excitement.

"Yeah, let's show you around!" Bee became excited at the realization of having another addition to the compound that wasn't a sellsword while eagerly pulling her along.

Elia, although shrouded by a warm atmosphere, quietly nodded her head without saying a word followed while exuding a calm front.

However, the sweat that persistently soaked her back told a different story, refusing to abate even in the presence of her now composed children.

Despite their serene countenances, Elia's gaze remained fervently fixed upon Aegon, her unwavering focus revealing the depth of her concern and watchful attention.

'It seems I escaped one dragon's nest only to land in another one.'

Aegon, a man true to his word, guided his new esteemed aunt through the main compound, destined to be her forever abode.

Their footsteps echoed through the halls, breathing life into forgotten parts of the main compound that always seemed to remain barren of all life.

And as their journey reached its culmination, they arrived at the chamber where her slumber awaited.

"I'm sure you are tired from the journey and would like to rest." Aegon knew that his confrontation earlier had caused their first interaction to strain heavily.

Thus, he understood that pursuing the matter any further would only augment his aunt's unease, and his suspicion found validation when Elia nodded fervently in agreement.

Her desire to escape the oppressive atmosphere was palpable, yearning for nothing more than respite from its tense grip.

"Yes, me and your cousi-my children are very exhausted." Elia nervously spoke, changing her words mid-sentence so as to better vacillate Aegon.

"Very well, sweet dreams Aunty." Aegon's words conveyed warmth yet Elia felt so chilled as she watched Aegon walk away with Bee in toe.

"Bye scared Aunty." Bee, before exiting the room, stopped to say her goodbyes before skipping to Aegon's side.

With a forced smile, Elia raised her hand in a wave, bidding them farewell as the heavy wooden door slowly closed.

As the latch clicked shut, a profound sigh escaped her, releasing the weight that had been building within her.

'How can a child exude so much pressure?' Elia fearfully recounted the feeling of unease when around Aegon, comparing it to Eli's whenever she saw him in battle.

Shivering slightly, she turned her gaze towards her children, nestling in her embrace, while sleeping so calmly.

Kissing both of their heads, she brought them closer with a smile finally eclipsing her face after realizing they would finally be safe.

"You might not become a king or queen in this world, but I promise to give everything my world has to offer." Elia held both the very things that kept her going in that horrible red keep as all she ever wanted was them to be happy.

Present Day

*BAM*

"Viressa!" Eli exclaimed, his heart racing upon learning of his beloved's condition. Without hesitation, he burst through the door, desperate to see the love of his life.

There, he found her lying weakly in her bed, a fragile figure of vulnerability. Elia, who had been faithfully keeping Viressa company, turned her gaze towards her brother with a warm smile.

Whenever Aegon was not by Viressa's side, Elia took it upon herself to provide solace and companionship.

Though their interactions were fleeting, Elia couldn't help but understand why Eli was so captivated by her.

Even she, in the presence of Viressa's gentle charms, found herself gradually succumbing to their allure.

"Eli?" Viressa whispered weakly, a thread of hope lacing her words. Her eyes, once dimmed by illness, gradually transformed as a glimmer of anticipation sparkled within them.

And then, like a radiant burst of light, tears of joy shimmered in those sparkling purple orbs as she witnessed Eli charging forth, his determination evident as he reached out to grasp her trembling hand.

"Who else?" Eli chuckled, attempting to maintain the facade of lightheartedness that Viressa was accustomed to.

Yet behind that forced smile, his eyes betrayed a deep, wrenching sadness as they fixed upon his beloved.

Despite his best efforts, the pain of their situation was evident, etched into the depths of his gaze, revealing the agony he felt at seeing his love in such a weakened state.

Observing that her presence was no longer necessary, Elia silently departed from the room, leaving the two lovers to their intimate reunion.

"What took you so long?" Viressa whispered, her voice tender as she delicately caressed Eli's cheek, causing him to melt under her touch.

"I'm sorry, my love. I deeply regret leaving you," Eli confessed softly, his lips brushing against Viressa's hand. However, her response was not one of sorrow, but rather a chuckle that escaped her lips.

"I was merely teasing you, Eli. Let us not spoil the mood," Viressa playfully remarked, her words causing Eli to burst into laughter.

They both allowed themselves to embrace the joy of each other's company. But then, Viressa's gaze fell upon Eli's missing hand, and she exclaimed in surprise.

"Your hand!" Viressa reached over to the now stump in eagerness though as her hands tried to trek the distance they fell short, Eli seeing her intentions slowly put his stump into her thin hold.

"Did Elia not inform you?" Eli, aware of Elia's presence nearby and assuming she had already shared the news.

*Sniff*

Eli flinched at the welling of Viressa tears though instead of sadness, she angrily glared at her husband with her full intention being the result of this horrible wound.

"Tell. Me. Everything." Viressa cupped his cheek between her small fingers, squinting slightly as she prepared to listen.

*Gulp*

And so, Eli began recounting his tales, narrating his heroic exploits as the protagonist of his own adventures.

The stories flowed from his mouth and into Viressa's ears, evoking both joyous highs and heart-wrenching lows.

Yet, through it all, Viressa's love for Eli only grew stronger, until she found herself overcome with emotion, tears streaming down her face.

"V-Viressa! I-I didn't mean to upset you-"

*Sniff*

"No, Eli, my sadness stems from the knowledge that when you recount your tales to others, you will inevitably speak of me in the past tense." Viressa choked out, tears streaming down her pale cheeks forcing Eli to pull her closer, seeking to provide solace and support.

"No, my love, you will be fine-" Eli tried to reassure her, his voice trembling with emotions knowing it to be lies.

"Eli, I will never witness Aegon's transformation into the remarkable man I know he will become-" Viressa interrupted him with her sorrowful sobs, clinging desperately to Eli's embrace, fully aware that her time in this world was drawing to a close.

*HIC*

A hiccup interrupted her words, a physical manifestation of her anguish which forced her to wallow even deeper into her tears yet Viressa continued.

"It's not fair, Eli! Why won't I be there to see Aegon find love, as we did? Why won't I witness the gift of loving grandchildren? Why won't I live for just one more... one more year!" Viressa's voice cracked with despair, feeling deeply wronged by the cruel hand fate had dealt her.

Eli simply held Viressa tightly in his unwavering embrace, hoping that his warmth and unwavering presence would provide some solace, even as her tears seemed to flow endlessly.

The room remained hushed and still, with both Eli and Viressa reluctant to part from the comforting warmth they found in each other's presence however, Viressa's gaze eventually lifted, fixing upon Eli's anguished expression.

"Eli, you mentioned that you were successful in acquiring a dragon egg, did you not?" Viressa looked up at him, her eyes filled with longing and curiosity as Eli nodded silently, his sadness palpable.

"May I see it?" Viressa inquired, a flicker of anticipation in her voice and without the slightest hesitation, Eli reached into the satchel lying beside the bed and produced the egg, cradling it gently in his hands.

The dragon egg possessed a mesmerizing purity, its pristine white surface reflecting the glow of the nearby candlelight. Viressa gazed upon it in awe, her heart stirred by its ethereal beauty.

"Eli, have you ever heard the saying, 'Only death can pay for life'?" Viressa's words carried a weight that made Eli's heart sink. He had a foreboding sense of what she was about to propose.

"Viressa, you can't..." Eli's voice trembled with desperation, his eyes pleading with her to reconsider.

"For the past four years, I have languished in this bed, withering away with the relentless passage of time." Viressa declared, her grip tightening around the dragon egg.

She had felt useless, unable to contribute to their beloved child's life, unlike Eli, who had fought valiantly and emerged victorious in a rebellion.

"No, you're not..." Eli attempted to interject, his voice laced with anguish.

"Eli, let me do this... for Aegon, for his future," Viressa's eyes revealed an unyielding resolve as she locked gazes with Eli.

It was a decision born out of unwavering determination, even as Eli closed his eyes, unable to bear the weight of the choice before them.

"Very well."

Unlike his parents, Aegon adamantly refused to accept the cruel fate that had befallen his mother.

Filled with a fiery determination, he longed to seize control, to grasp the reins of destiny that seemed perpetually out of his reach.

"AHHHHHHHHH!" The screams of Aegon's determination resounded from the forest as Aegon loomed over them in ecstasy.

"Aegon, it worked!" Bee couldn't believe her eyes, shouting in amazement after witnessing the man in the center of the ruin miraculously heal from all Aegon's inflicted wounds.

"Haha!" Aegon exclaimed, his joy overflowing as he leaped with excitement.

Suddenly, he halted all forms of excitement, grabbing hold of the man who had just regained consciousness.

"What is your name?" Aegon shouted at the bewildered man.

"Rory?" Came the puzzled reply, as Rory scratched his head, unsure of what was happening.

'He isn't a lifeless husk!' Aegon's eyes lit up with a newfound hope.

Aegon faced a significant challenge when attempting to revive those on the brink of death.

The troubling consequence was that, despite bringing them back to life, they would lose all semblance of cognition, transforming into a state akin to that of mindless zombies.

Then in an instant, blood splattered across Aegon's face as he mercilessly ended Rory's life without a second thought before tossing a blood rusty dagger to the side.

"Come on, Bee!" Aegon called out urgently, gesturing for Bee to follow as they made their way out of the clearing.

Together, they swiftly dashed into the forest, their destination set for the main house. Bee nodded, trailing closely behind Aegon as they traversed their way back.

Aegon's eyes brimmed with hope as he imagined the countless possibilities that awaited once his mother was fully healed.

Walking, casting spells, and visions of a vibrant and healthy Viressa flooded Aegon's mind, fueling his determination and propelling him to quicken his pace.

Bounding into the compound, Aegon skillfully maneuvered towards his mother's chambers, only to be halted by the presence of Antasa.

"Grandmother, I have discovered a way to restore mother's health," Aegon exclaimed eagerly, only to be met with a somber expression on Antasa's face that dampened his joy.

Bee quickly turned the corner only to halt her footsteps after Santino caught her, she tried to reach out to Aegon but her father whispered the painful reality into Bee's ears leaving her in tears.

"Aegon." Antasa called out his name softly, a sense of foreboding in her voice.

"What is it?" Aegon resisted asking, but his curiosity compelled him as Antasa bent down, gently stroking his hair.

"You must bid your farewells, for after tonight, the breath of life shall no longer flow through Viressa," Antasa conveyed with a heavy heart, revealing the fate of her daughter to her beloved grandchild.

Aegon attempted to refute her words, but the retort seemed to catch in his throat. Antasa tried to embrace him, yet Aegon evaded her touch.

Pushing the door open, Aegon entered to find Viressa weakly cradled in Eli's arms, clutching the dragon egg.

"Mother, what is all this about?" Aegon questioned, his expression contorting with confusion and concern.

"My dear child," Viressa called out to Aegon, causing his heart to twist further.

"Mother, don't worry. I can heal you," Aegon interjected, desperately clinging to the hope of finding a solution.

"Aegon, the price to heal me is too great to pay," Viressa responded, her voice filled with a mixture of sadness and resignation.

She knew Aegon would not readily accept her words, which is why she spoke what he feigned not to understand.

"But I have found a way-" Aegon insisted, his determination unwavering.

"With sacrificial blood magic?" Viressa chuckled, causing Aegon's frown to deepen and his heart to ache.

"Did you think I wouldn't notice you constantly stealing that book? Did you think I wouldn't see the changes in your appearance?" Viressa shook her head, aware of Aegon's actions from the start.

She had a sense that, no matter what she did, he would find a way to use that book in an attempt to heal her. After all, Aegon was truly her son.

"Aegon, allow me to give you my final gift," Viressa implied, holding up the egg, only for her weakened arms to falter, unable to lift it for more than a fleeting moment.

"NO, THIS CAN'T BE-" Aegon protested, his voice filled with denial.

"Aegon," Eli's voice resounded gently in the room, causing Aegon to clench his teeth.

"But I can heal her! Just give me more time-"

"Aegon, time is something we no longer possess," Viressa interjected once again, halting Aegon's frantic pleas.

He ran his hand through his hair, feeling a mixture of anguish and desperation.

"Aegon, please," Viressa tearfully implored, while he continued shaking his head.

"No, you're going to be fine," Aegon's tone became increasingly hysterical, even as both his parents displayed a sad smile.

"Aegon, we..."

"NO!" Aegon's voice thundered as he shouted at his father, who fell silent, witnessing his son's outburst for the first time.

"MOTHER WILL BE FINE! STOP ACCEPTING HER DEATH AND WATCH!" Aegon's breath was fierce as he drew his dagger and sliced his hands.

"Aegon."

"Giēñagon!" Aegon commanded, urging his blood to obey as it began to flow from his palm.

"AEGON-"

"Honey, let him see the reality." Viressa interjected, knowing that only once Aegon faced failure could he truly comprehend.

"Giēñagon!" Aegon shouted once more, the blood igniting upon touching Viressa, yet its effect remained null.

Confused and desperate, Aegon continued to chant the same word, only to fail again and again until his knees gave way, collapsing to the floor.

*Huff

*Huff

"Very well, if I cannot employ my blood as a catalyst, then a few sacrifices will-"

"Aegon, your magic is insufficient," Viressa began her final lecture, explaining why his attempts would never have succeeded.

"Your magic alone is inadequate to restore me fully. The only way for you to heal me successfully is by drawing magic from the world itself-"

"THEN I'LL-"

"Magic has been waning over the years, to the point where extracting it from the world has become nearly impossible," Viressa conveyed the truth to Aegon, who still struggled to grasp it.

"Even if you were to give your life in an attempt to heal me, it would all be in vain, for your power is only potent enough to mend physical ailments." Viressa shattered the last of Aegon's hopes, causing the ladder of his aspirations to crumble beneath the weight of reality.

"No, I can still-"

"Aegon, please, cease," Viressa pleaded, no longer able to witness Aegon's devastated expression.

Slowly, Aegon approached Viressa, climbing onto the bed, his face reflecting complete despair.

"I love you so deeply, my darling Aegon," Viressa tenderly stroked Aegon's hair, which gradually transformed to a dark shade of black, while she smiled at his eyes that slowly turned a scarlet red.

"Promise me one thing, Aegon," Viressa gently lifted Aegon's face, locking her gaze with his.

"Promise me that you shall not be consumed by this dark power, but rise above it," Viressa spoke with utmost seriousness, and Aegon nodded in response.

"Good." Viressa then wore her signature enchanting smile, one that could make even the heavens blush.

"Now, repeat after me, while placing your hand upon the egg," Viressa instructed, gently guiding Aegon's injured hand onto the egg's smooth surface.

"Mērī morghon kostagon addemmagon syt ābrar," Viressa uttered, her figure suddenly bathed in a soft glow, as Aegon took a deep breath.

"Mērī morghon kostagon addemmagon syt ābrar," Aegon choked, complying with his mother's request, and as he did, his blood seeped into the pure white egg.

Light flooded the room as Aegon watched the last vestiges of his mother's life slowly fade away, carried by his own words.

"I love you, mother," Aegon spoke, with only a drop of life remaining in Viressa's eyes.

"I love you too, Aegon." With her final words spoken, she relinquished her onto this cruel world as her spirit seeped out of her turning her beautiful body into that of a husk.

Tears streamed down Eli's face as he enveloped his beloved in a tight embrace, his heart heavy with the knowledge that he would never witness her infectious laughter again.

The pain of that realization gnawed at his soul, threatening to consume him entirely.

"Goodbye." Eli whispered, his voice filled with an indescribable mixture of love and anguish.

"I hope the seven treat you with the utmost kindness and grace."