SWNOVELS Chapter 24
Our portal opened directly in front of the mansion and in the middle of countless injured people and healers who were there to help.
Ava was immediately taken for treatment because she collapsed in the portal. Jade and Noah accompanied her to make sure she was okay.
Avery and I were still standing with Devas in the same place where we came out of the portal. The shock of all the injured people being cared for by healers was shocking.
"Bael!" I heard Devas shout as he ran forward.
This was as if he was waking us up from the state of shock we were in. Avery took my hand and we followed Devas through the mass of injured towards Bael.
" Alatus?...Aidan!!!" I screamed as I realized what was in front of my eyes.
So many injured...there were definitely dead too. I realized that our rescue operation went so smoothly because all the creatures attacked our fighters. They made it possible for us to save Ava just because they had to fight the worst battle.
"Alatus! Aidaaan!" I shouted again in fear for my brother and my amicus.
"I am here, my Iris" replied Alatus, who stood at Bael's side and comforted him.
I ran to him and hugged him. The relief that nothing happened to my Alatus was huge and I could feel that he felt the same way.
But fear for my brother and our friends flooded my senses.
"I saw them go through the portal. Your brother is fine, my Iris. He's here somewhere." Alatus said as he sensed my fear.
Devas tried to talk to Bael and was confused by him talking under his breath.
"I couldn't help him... But I wanted to... It was too late... They killed him... I should have stayed with him. But I had to evacuate the injured ones.." Bael spoke to himself and turned around and looked at the injured.
"What the hell are you talking about? Who was killed? BAEL!" Devas asked confused.
Bael turned to Devas and his eyes showed disappointment and pain mixed with guilt when he saw Avery next to Devas. Bael fell to his knees and muttered words to himself that were difficult for us to understand.
"I'm sorry. He's dead." was the only thing I understood.
"Who's Dead Bael?" Devas asked.
"The king is dead! ...Long live the new king!" Bael shouted so loudly that the whole field fell silent as he looked up at Avery.
Avery was deeply shocked by the news that Bael had just announced. His mouth was wide open and he stared at Bael as if he didn't believe the news of his father's death.
"My father is...Bael, are you sure? Maybe we can still save him?" Avery asked, his voice shaking.
"The Tree of Power turned black my prince.Lingum virtutis the tree of power connected to the King of Antaris is black....I'm sorry but your father is dead." Devas said quietly while pointing at the tree.
I felt Avery's heart break with pain as he understood that his beloved father had died. He fell into my arms and sobbed as I held him as tightly as I could.
" My Avery...I'm so sorry." I comforted him as the emotions overwhelmed me and I began to cry.
Surrounded by all the injured people, we stood hugging each other. We would never have imagined that the liberation of Ava would be overshadowed by this tragedy.
"You must be strong. That's what he would have wanted from you. There are still many injured. Let us help them...my king," Devas said quietly.
Avery looked at Devas and as if realizing the burden and responsibility that now lies on him, he nodded.
He let out a sigh and ran his hand through his hair as if clearing his thoughts.
His orders came quickly and in no time he organized the healers and sent them to the needy injured people who weren't getting help yet. While he was taking care of all those in need, I didn't leave his side and helped as many as I could.
Devas and Bael helped us and when I saw my brother, who was caring for the injured with his Inna and the healers, a burden was lifted from my shoulders.
My brother looked up at me and he could see the relief in my eyes that he was alive and well.
He gave me a quick hug and put his hand on Avery's shoulder.
"I'm sorry for your loss Avery.Your father always treated me like his own child he was an honorable man." Aidan said with sadness.
Avery knew that Aidan loved him like a brother and that King Elior's death was just as painful as it was for him. After our parents died, King Elior was the only one he had left and saw them as family.
The solidarity in this difficult moment showed me what a strong community we were.
Together we can do anything.
One year later
The first few months were the most difficult. We all had to get used to the new situation.
After Ava found out that her father had died, she spent a long time alone in her room. Self-doubt and feelings of guilt tormented her so much that she didn't leave her room.
Bael initially thought she blamed him for her father's death, but after weeks of talking to her through the soulmate bond, he was able to understand.
After half an eternity, Ava was ready to see Bael and allow him to help her heal, like real soulmates do. After everything the two of them had to go through to finally find each other, we were more than relieved when this finally happened.
After a while, Bael managed to comfort her and she finally came out of her room again. The two had sorted out everything that stood between them and now they couldn't and didn't want to stay away from each other anymore.
Avery didn't want a ceremony when he was crowned king. Instead of the ceremony, he designated this day as a day of mourningin in Antaris for all those who fell.
He gave Antaris the same promise as his father to protect all Antaris residents even if he had to give his life for it.
He had a lot of responsibilities to take on, most of which he already knew from his father. The rest he learned over time and is still learning. Avery asked Devas to become his advisor and he gratefully accepted the honorable task.
Although he always tries to be positive and go through the day with a smile, I still notice how much it hurts him to have lost both parents. The pain will never heal but over time it will become tolerable... I know that all too well.
Avery worked closely with Aidan and Inna to keep Antaris safe, because the last time the Princes made a breakthrough, it was a terrible event that changed all of Antaris. We also lost a lot of warriors in the fight and Aidan now had even more new warriors that he had to teach. In addition, a few months ago he and Inna had a son who they named Baldior as a tribute to our deceased parents.
Jade and Noah married a few months after the terrible day and retreated to the human world for a while.
I think the loss of some of our friends was the catalyst for their decision. Unfortunately, Elian and Alvar died in the fight. This was a big blow for Noah, who was very close friends with both of them, but also for Avery, who lost one of his best friends.
Keijou also decided to train as a warrior and is now a proud part of the army of Antaris together with his girlfriend Mana.
I, on the other hand, was only busy strengthening my bond with Avery, my brother and his family, and my Alatus.
Whether I wanted to admit it or not, a lot of things happened very quickly and in a short period of time and I had a lot to catch up on.
I spent the day with Alatus, we deepened our bond and he taught me a lot about our power. He told me everything I wanted to know and helped me to fully control my powers. I also spent a lot of time with Aidan and Inna but of course also with their son.
However, I spent the evenings with Avery and enjoyed every second with him. Even though he was busy, he always made time for me to strengthen our soulmate bond. We had a lot to catch up on and enjoyed even the small things, no matter how difficult the day was.
But today we all sat together at dinner, our friends and the people who mattered most to us. We enjoyed each other's company, talking and eating and being grateful that we had each other. Avery stood up and asked for silence for a moment, then turned to me and held out his hand for me to stand next to him. He took my hand and just as he was about to start talking, Ava squealed happily as she realized what Avery was about to do.
“Iris, my love. My beloved angel, since having you in my life, I realize the meaning and now fully understand the connection between soulmates. I can't be without you and I promise you that if you marry me you would make me the happiest man .Be my wife. My queen,” he said, holding my hand.
And of course I accepted the proposal - I love Avery with all of my being.
Our engagement was awaited and we celebrated for the first time in Antaris after a year.