Still Far From A Fairy Tale Ending [Part 1]

Ethan looked down on the young lady who lay on the altar in front of him.

The small flickering flame hovered above her chest, representing her remaining lifespan.

Even in her sleep, Nicole didn’t look at peace.

An air of sadness surrounded her, intangible yet so apparent that it made Ethan feel his heart break.

Looking at her face, he couldn’t help but recall the memories from the years he had spent with her.

Until now, he had yet to know if any of those were real or if it was a mere fabrication created by Baradiel’s Legacy.

But one thing was clear.

The young lady in front of him right now… was real.

Ethan reached out to brush the strands of hair that covered her face and tucked it behind her ear.

His fingers grazed her cheek. It was as cold as ice, and so was her entire body.

However, Ethan knew how warm Nicole was.

Her smile.

Her innocent laughter.

The way she presented herself in front of others, and the way she complained about them behind closed doors.