#6

Two years passed, and they made a quiet life for themselves in the secluded forest of Dryvener. The prince, Charleston, took on the name Kyle, while Arwenzylle adopted the name Mia. Using his magic to mask their true identities, Charleston ensured their safety, allowing them to live freely for the first time.

Their days were peaceful, filled with simple joys: tending to their modest home, foraging in the woods, and finding solace in each other’s company. Charleston’s smile, once rare, became a daily blessing for Arwenzylle, and she found herself smiling back with ease. They were no longer bound by titles or expectations; they were just Kyle and Mia, two souls who had found happiness against all odds.

When Charleston proposed, it was on a quiet evening beneath the stars. He held her hands, his golden eyes shining with sincerity. “I don’t want to just survive with you, Mia. I want to live with you. Forever. Will you marry me?”

Tears streamed down her face as she nodded, unable to find the words to express the joy in her heart. Their wedding was simple, held in the heart of the forest, with nature as their witness. For the first time, Arwenzylle felt free truly free and deeply loved.

But happiness can be fleeting.

The night after their wedding, Arwenzylle waited in the bedroom, her heart still fluttering from the events of the day. She sat on the edge of the bed, humming softly to herself, when a noise from outside caught her attention.

“Charleston?” she called out, but no answer came.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and before she could react, a blinding light filled the room, followed by a deafening explosion. The force knocked her unconscious.

“Take her,” a cold voice ordered, echoing in the haze of her fading consciousness.

When Arwenzylle awoke, she was in a dimly lit basement. Chains bound her wrists and ankles, their cold metal biting into her skin. Panic surged through her as she struggled to sit up. Her eyes widened in horror at the sight before her.

There, standing not far from her, was Charleston with Aelita draped over him, her arms possessively wrapped around his body.

“What the hell is this?!” Arwenzylle shouted, her voice trembling with rage and disbelief.

Charleston turned toward her, guilt and pain etched into his features. Before he could speak, another voice interrupted.

“You’ve caused me nothing but headaches, Arwenzylle,” her father said coldly, stepping into view.

Arwenzylle’s breath caught as she noticed the glowing magic circle etched into the floor. She recognized it immediately it was the same one used before to drain her energy.

“Do you really think my prince loved you, Arwenzylle?” Aelita sneered, her voice dripping with mockery. “Delusional,” she added with a cruel laugh.

“No...” Arwenzylle whispered, shaking her head in denial.

“Now, let’s finish what we started,” the duke said, stepping closer. The magic circle glowed ominously, and Arwenzylle felt the familiar, soul-crushing sensation of her energy being drained from her body.

“This is incredible,” the duke marveled. “Your magic is powerful, Arwenzylle... And it feels like the little one’s, too.”

Arwenzylle’s eyes widened in horror. “Little one? Don’t tell me—”

Arwenzylle's knees buckled as she felt the excruciating pain tear through her body. The words "little one" echoed in her mind, accompanied by the horrifying realization of what it meant. A child... she had been carrying a child. Her vision blurred, and blood spilled from her lips, but the betrayal, far greater than the physical pain, consumed her.

As her body collapsed, the last thing she saw was Charleston—no, Kyle—rushing toward her, his golden eyes filled with panic and despair. His voice, which once whispered promises of love and freedom, was now desperate, calling out her name in a way that felt like it was too late.

-Why?- she thought, her consciousness slipping away. Why do you have to be the man I never thought you were? Was it that hard... wanting to trust and love someone?

The world around her faded, her father’s cold laughter and Aelita’s mocking voice drowning out everything else.

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