Chapter Ninety-Three

Chapter Ninety-Three
Warmth. That was all she could feel.. Not a physical warmth, but more of an internal warmth, something that spread evenly throughout Ellie's body and put her at ease. A gentle light danced across her closed eyes, and Ellie could feel soft grass beneath her. She was reminded of the places in her dreams where she'd met her mother and son and sighed.
"Am I dead then?" she asked aloud.
"No, darling. But you aren't quite alive either." Her mother's voice was quiet, barely more than a whisper. Ellie didn't want to open her eyes. Somehow she knew that if she did, she would end up staying.
"And Avery?" Her heart clenched at the thought of him, unable to get the last time she saw him out of her mind.
"He awaits your decision, of course. There is nowhere that you can go that he won't follow." Her mother laughed gently, and Ellie felt her cool hand stroke the side of her face. "He's a good man, Ellie."
"I know that." Ellie nuzzled into her mother's touch, sighing contentedly. "I've missed you, Mama."
"I know, darling. I've missed you, too. But when I see what an amazing woman you've become..." Her mother trailed off, her voice unsteady. She cleared her throat and continued. "I'm so proud of you, Ellie. You've overcome so much. I... I'm sorry I didn't get you out of there sooner." Ellie was quiet for a moment, unsure of what to say.
"I'm not." The hand on her face froze, and Ellie smiled. "I wouldn't be who I am today if I hadn't gone through what I did. Everything I've done has led me here. Mama, I have a family, people who love and accept me. I've finally found my place in the world. I'm not alone anymore." Ellie reached out and allowed her mother to take her hand in hers. "Please don't regret anything. I promise you, I'm okay. I'll be okay."
Soft lips pressed against the back of Ellie's hand.
"Then you should get going, darling. The longer you're here, the more they will worry. I'll come back to get you when the time is right. I love you, little fairy."
"I love you, too, Mama." The light began to fade and the warmth that had spread throughout her body began to subside. "Take care of Aldred for me," she whispered.
"Of course." Her mother's hand slipped out of hers and Ellie began falling back as if the ground beneath her had disappeared.
For a moment, Ellie thought she would fall forever. But just as she began to think that, a new warmth greeted her. It wasn't the same as the warmth she'd experienced before, though. This was physical. Strong arms were wrapped around her body, holding her protectively. Soft hair tickled her nose, and Avery's scent barely overpowered the smell of fresh flowers that seemed to be nearby.
"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting," she whispered. Avery's arms tightened around her and he released a ragged breath.
"I didn't think you'd ever wake again." His voice was deep and hoarse.
"How long --"
"Five days," he muttered. He cleared his throat and pulled her head to his chest. "I really thought I'd lost you."
"Please, Avery. You should know that it will take more than that to get rid of me," she joked lightly. She could almost hear Avery rolling his eyes. Ellie squirmed free of his embrace and finally looked up at him.
It was dark, but she could see everything perfectly. His eyes were red-rimmed and wet, and his nose seemed red as well. Tear stains marred his fair face, and Ellie felt a pang in her heart. She couldn't imagine the pain he must have felt while she slept, not knowing if he would ever speak to her again. She placed a hand gently on his cheek and he closed his eyes, leaning into her touch.
"I'm sorry. I promise, I'm not going anywhere, Avery." It was a solemn vow, an oath that could never be broken. She was his and he was hers. There would never be anything that could come between them. Ellie could feel the binding of the words in her very bones and simply said, "I love you."
After a moment of silence, Avery sat up and pulled Ellie up with him. He placed his forehead on hers and stared deeply into her eyes. He stared at her very soul, and Ellie loved the feeling of being so exposed to only him. Her heart stirred, and Ellie saw something in his eyes as well, something that mirrored how she felt.
"I love you, Ellie." A simple sentence that he had said countless times to her, but somehow, in this moment, it felt different. She opened her mouth to speak, but Avery leaned down and crashed his mouth against hers.
She could feel everything in that kiss. Hope. Fear. Anger. Sadness. Love. Everything that she has felt and even things she had yet to experience was held in that kiss. When they finally broke apart, they were both gasping for air.
"Avery, what...?"
"Ah, I'm sorry. I forgot to tell you that you feel your emotions more once you've united with someone."
"United? But I thought I had to say some magic words for us to officially become united. I mean, that's what that dick Ozul said." Avery laughed and shook his head.
"Of course he would think that. No, for a couple to be united together, they simply need to light a candle and share blood."
"That's it? Are you serious?"
"Well, they both have to be committed to each other unconditionally, but yeah, that's really all it takes."
"Huh." She was silent for a moment, then gasped. "Wait! What about Ozul? And the orange-haired psycho? Have they been arrested? And Xyla! Avery, she was the Mistress! She --"
"They're all dead. You don't have to worry about them or their followers anymore," Avery said soothingly. "I took care of everything as soon as I awoke." Ellie placed her head on his chest and let out a heavy breath.
"I'm so glad it's over. I just wish..." She trailed off, unsure if she could continue. "I'm sorry, Avery," she said after a moment. "I've ruined your life."
"What are you talking about?" Avery wrapped his arms around her again as Ellie sniffled, fighting off tears.
"You're going to die much sooner because of me," she whispered. "I've sentenced you to an early death." Avery was silent for a moment before he burst into laughter. Ellie pulled out of his embrace and eyed him worriedly. "Avery?"
"Ellie, I don't care if I live one century or one minute -- as long as I get to live with you." He kissed her gently now, reassuring her that everything was alright. He pulled her back down onto the bed and wrapped his arms around her again. Together they lay awake, hearts beating as one, until the sun finally began to rise.