Page 19 of Tainted Rose

With her last words I nodded, the tears rolled down my cheeks as a sob escaped me.

If the gods accepted me...this version of me, would Mako accept me, one day?

“Makoto...is my beloved child. You should have more hope in her, Elyion. She is special in many aspects and views the vast world surrounding us differently than the average shifter or human. Her mind is like a fresh new page, the pen of life readying itself to write multiple tales. She is very open-minded – her ability to accept many aspects of life due to her vast levels of curiosity is one unique aspect of hers. Do not crucify such hopes and dreams over such primitive morals. Love has no bounds amongst shifters. Allow the stars to guide your heart, just as you allow them to guide you on your path to Starlight,” she advised.

I nodded as I continued to cry.

I never dreamed of this moment, to be graced by a god’s presence, and my internal struggles being recognized. They accepted the fact I was female even though they had created me as a male, and now, I was promised justice to the man who put me in such circumstances. I was beyond blessed.

I felt something brush against my cheek, before flowing down to my chin, lifting my head up to face those powerful mismatched eyes up close. I froze in place as my body broke out in shivers, unable to grasp the moment unfolding before me; a Starlight god lifted my head; her body inches away from mine.

“Elyion...or should I say EliaseAnne. I need your assistance. My sweet princess needs a little help in conquering the darkness she faces within herself. Can I ask for your help...for Makoto’s sake?” she requested.

I could see the sadness in her eyes, such sadness you would see in a mother who feared for her child’s well-being. “Anything, especially for Makoto.” I stated firmly, hoping my eyes showed my determination as the last set of tears rolled down my cheeks.

“Thank you, our child. This is what I request from you.”

* * *

“EliaseAnne,are you sure this will work? I don’t see how you singing to her is going to do anything,” Ryder stressed, leaning against the wall next to the window.

It was now close to twelve in the morning and I was sitting next to Mako, her hand in mine as I explained to Ryder what Nightmare had asked me to do.

“It will do something. I just know it. I’ll do anything to see her smile again Ryder. I want my best friend back…I miss her,” I confessed, ignoring the lump in my throat.

He sighed, walking towards me. He placed his hand on my shoulder.

“Me too, Eli. I miss her, too. If you think that singing this song will work…I know that song was one of her favourites when she was younger. Maybe it will trigger something. Singing doesn’t hurt anyone, go ahead,” he concluded, smiling softly at me.

I returned his smile with my own, before turning to face the sleeping girl before me.

If this could help her fight whatever internal battle she faced, I would sing all night long.

I calmed my frantic heart as I took a few deep breaths, allowing my fairy magic to flow through me. I only needed a small amount to flow through my voice.

I prayed to Starlight it would be enough to clear Mako’s path within the darkness – enough to bring her back to me...to all of us.

She belonged here with us, not in the shadows of death.

“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are gray. You’ll never know dear; how much I love you. Please don’t take my sunshine away.”

I allowed the magic to flow freely with the words, my intentions clear as the sun’s purpose to light the sky during the day.

I would be Mako’s light in the darkness; I would bring her home.

“EliaseAnne, are you sure this will work?

I don’t see how you singing to her is going to do anything.”

“It will do something. I just know it. I’ll do anything to see her smile again Ryder.

I want my best friend back…I miss her.”

Ryder. Eli? They sound so caring; I wish they could hear me, too. I miss you, too.

Would you rid the loneliness that plagues my shattered soul?

I want to go home.

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