'CREAKKKK'
The world went numb as the grip around my waist tightened.
My consciousness slipped away inch by inch.
Dare I think of leaving this world?
There was still more of her I wanted to see.
That day, I sat alone beneath the shadow of the endless sky while she made flower crowns for the children.
The paper in my hand crumpled as my gaze drifted across the green horizon. Shadows danced through the grass, and the sweet scent of flowers swept past me on the wind.
She sat there, giggling quietly to herself as she watched the mischievous children. She had not crowned herself yet.
I reached for a few scattered flowers, never taking my eyes off her.
With every twist of the vines, words and emotions slipped beneath my working hands.
Dusk and Dawn
Dare I let these thoughts be gone
Far yet close
The brimming joy of hope
Would I dare to look at you again
Knowing I wouldn't take my eyes off
Dearest of mine
I speak as if you are mine
My body moved before I could think. The crown dangled from my fingers as I approached her from behind.
Her silhouette grew closer, and my hand ached to ruffle her hair just once.
But-
I stopped midway and gently placed the crown upon her head.
I would have to pray for forgiveness later for allowing such thoughts to linger in my heart.
"GAHHHH!"
The pain finally brought me back.
The bastard had broken my ribs.
My lung began collapsing almost instantly. I gasped for air, unable even to scream. The beast did not release me; it pressed harder.
Air leaked through the puncture in my lung while my shattered ribs failed to protect it. My vision blurred as my skin slowly turned blue.
If this continued, I would not have long before my lungs failed completely.
The Orc King brought its axe close to my face. The blade trembled as though it hesitated.
Slowly, it lowered the weapon and released me.
Its pupils were gone- only pale white eyes remained, staring straight through me.
"You… strong elf. Orc King offer you."
I waited silently as the Orc King puffed out its chest.
"Serve Demon King. Elf become king too."
Demon King, huh?
A laugh escaped me.
The Orc King mistook my grin for acceptance and reached out to help me stand. At least it was clever enough to realize I could barely speak.
"Ah…"
"Speak, elf."
I staggered five steps away from him. One hand clutched my chest while the other tightened around the Spinx King.
'WOOOSHHH.'
Green mana erupted around me, spiraling across my injured body.
The stage beneath my feet lit up once more, bathing both of us in the same emerald glow.
A smile spread across my face- the widest I had worn all night.
Golden light poured over me from the twin moons above: Noon and Lune.
Tonight, neither moons were alone.
They circled the same world in rare closeness, not yet eclipsing one another but sharing the same sky.
The old elven tales always spoke of them.
Noon, the largest and loneliest.
Lune, the smallest and loveliest.
Most nights, only Lune watched over the world. Noon appeared only once in many seasons.
And when both vanished from the sky together, the elders said they had gone somewhere beyond the reach of mortal eyes.
Noon would pour so much light upon Lune that the smaller moon glowed brighter than dawn itself.
Noon could outshine the heavens if it wished.
Yet it chose to illuminate Lune instead.
I would become the Noon for your Lune