Chapter One Hundred Nineteen: The Lonely Number

Ember had watched them walk into the tavern, following still despite the altercation. She knew she couldn't approach again so soon and would need to wait. She needed to try to figure out her emotions even though that seemed impossible. She had never been so protective over someone before and as much as she would like to say this was all because of the security of the plan, it was more than that. She felt something for Penny and she wasn't completely sure what it even was. Perhaps it was friendship..or maybe something more.

" I don't want to be with her..I just want her with me" Ember kept saying to herself. In many ways she felt horrible for even saying that. It made her feel selfish and yet she knew that was not surely not intention behind the words. " I know I can't control her and I don't really want too! But maybe this other girl can provide things that I can't to her.." Ember continued to battle her inner self.

" You are not in touch with your emotions and that is your problem. Of course this girl can provide things that you can't. You want Penny with you but you don't want the connection that Penny wants. You can have Penny in your life but you can't have her to yourself. You have to let her experience things, Things that have never really interested you to begin with" The world was speaking to Ember right now and though she knew the words were true, it didn't make it hurt any less. The question now for her is whether she should stay or not. Should she just head back to Aurora and leave everything alone for the time being or should she stay in hopes that she can approach again.

As she was debating on what to do, pacing around the street she realized that nothing good could come from being here anymore. Nothing would be able to change Penny's mindset right now and for the time being, she would need to leave and focus on everything she needed to get done without worrying about love. Ember had a taste of what happens when she had control over the body and now she would at least reamin dormant for the time being. And with that, Ember teleported back to the Witch Kingdom and was greeted by Aurora who seemed to be waiting for her.

" So how did it go? " Aurora smiled, as though she already knew the answer to the question.

" I don't really want to talk about it if I'm being honest. And it doesn't matter anyway, Upcome to the decision that there are things far more important than this. And for right now, it's not my problem" Ember turned away from Aurora, knowing full well that she could see through the lies.

" Things got a little bit out of control. But at least now you sort of know where you stand with things. So for the most part that was sort of productive. I just wish that things had went a little differently for you" Aurora sighed.

" Love is complicated and it's hard work. And most people that do make the time for it, tend to make thousands of mistakes. But that's what love is all about, making mistakes, learning from them and loving despite those mistakes" Aurora advised.

" That just sounds toxic " Ember scoffed.

" Yeah, it probably is. But, not all love is suppose to be. Some, can be chaos incarnate but be beautiful and wonderful. And others can be so toxic that you can barely breath and you slowly die inside from it. It all just depends on the people" Aurora continued.

" I'm not saying that you and Penny would make a good couple or anything. Because I don't entirely know if that would be true. But what I can tell you is is that if you two are meant to be then you will be. And if not, then you won't. I guess just don't try to rush it or anything" Aurora smiled.

" There is a new girl. Someone that she seems to be far more focused on now. Someone that can provide her the things that I can't. And I have decided to back off because of that reason. I can't stand in the way of her happiness even though I desperately want to. I refuse to be that selfish. I refuse to put my happiness before her own. I don't care how much pain I have to go through I'm gonna find a way to get through it" Ember said calmly, almost trying to convince herself that she was fine with how things had turned out.

" Well Maybe this girl can provide things that you cannot. But that doesn't make her better for you and that doesn't make her a better choice for Penny. It all depends on what Penny wants and for right wants to understand her feelings better and she resents you a little for all the heartache that has been caused" Aurora explained.

" But that doesn't mean that this girl will be chosen in the end. It doesn't mean that you're going to be completely excluded and it doesn't mean that you're going to lose her you just have to give it time. Patience and respect are key here"

Aurora waited for a response but received none for a long time. It was as though Ember was in deep thought. Almost stuck within her own mind in some way. There was very little that Aurora could say or do to bring her back and felt it best that she'd give Ember some space. She knew that this was going to be tough on her no matter what but she wanted to be supportive as much as she could.

" Well if you ever need a shoulder to cry on then you can use my shoulders. I know that love is tough but I'm here for you. I have a child to raise, obviously. But I'm here nevertheless" And with that, Aurora took her leave from the room, leaving Ember to herself and her thoughts.