If You Choose Me, I Fall
The moon hung red in the sky.
The scroll was glowing on its own.
And Aria couldn't hold back anymore.
She found Caelen resting by the shrine pool, his shoulder bandaged, but his smile still the same — quiet, steady, waiting for her.
She sat beside him.
I remember now, she said every life,every moment every time I left you behind
He didn't speak. He just looked at her.
And she whispered—But in this life… I want to stay.
Caelen's hand trembled.
I knew the cost, he said,and I'd bleed again. A hundred times.
Aria leaned in, forehead to his.
The magic pulsed between them.
And the scroll began to burn.
---
Prophecy Triggered
The ground cracked.
Time wavered.
The shrine trembled.
And the forest howled—Because Elara had returned.
But this time, she was kneeling.
Not in surrender.
In service.My master has come,she said.
And behind her…A tall figure emerged — robed in black, face hidden in flame and shadow.
The First Keeper of the Nexus.
---
He looked straight at Aria.
You were never meant to survive.
You were forged to hold the world's sins.
And now you want love?
The power radiating off him bent the trees.
Caelen stepped in front of Aria.
You won't touch her.
The Keeper sneered.You are the one who bleeds step aside.
---
Then—Lysander stepped forward.
He held up the scroll… and tore the final piece free.
Soren shouted, "Don't—!"
But it was too late.
The final clause glowed:
Should love be chosen…a soul must fall to balance the scale."
Lysander turned to Aria.
His eyes were calm.
And he said:
Let it be me.
---
Aria froze. "What…?
He smiled — the first real one she had ever seen from him.
I served you in every life. Protected you in silence.
This is the only thing I can give that they can't.
Tears filled her eyes.
"No—no, you're not supposed to—I never asked you to choose me,he said but I always chose you."
---
Lysander stepped forward.
Toward the Keeper.
Take me. Let her live.
The Keeper paused.
Nodded once.
And with a wave of magic Lysander's soul began to disintegrate into light.
---
Aria screamed.
She ran toward him—But Caelen held her back.
If you break the balance now, he said,you'll both die.
She collapsed to her knees as Lysander turned one last time.
Remember me… not for my strength.
But for the silence I kept… just to see you smile."
And then—he was gone.
---
💫 Author's Note:
> Chapter 33 just ripped your heart out, didn't it? 😭💔
Aria confessed. Caelen stayed.
But Lysander?
He gave everything, quietly… and became the one who fell.
💬 Question for you:
Would you sacrifice your life for someone who never got the chance to love you back?
📚 Add this to your collection if you're SOBBING into your pillow like the rest of us 😩🔥