A second chance

Sitting outside with a blanket over my legs, I look up at the night sky, a star shooting across it as I stare. Turning as footsteps come from nearby, I watch as Hannah walks over, smiling at me.

"You heading off?"

"In the morning. You going to be alright?" Taking her hand in mine, I look up at her.

"I'll be fine, kiddo. I may not have my abilities anymore, but it's worth it. I consider that a small price to pay for saving you." Standing next to me, she leans down and gives me a kiss on the forehead.

"I love you, Dad."

"I love you too, kiddo. Any idea where you're heading?"

"I think we're planning to head to the Federation. Ari has a few ideas and contacts there. Perfect for a budding adventurer." Shakin my head, I smile.

"I know I've said it before, but I'm proud of you, Hannah. I'm also sorry that you have to deal with the Demon King now. I wish more than anything I could've taken that burden for you."

"It's okay, Dad. Do you know why?" Shaking my head, she laughs.

"Because stubbornness runs in our family. When Saetaen rears his head again, I'll be there to remove it permanently." Laughing at the look on her face, I get to my feet with a groan.

"Sit Dad. Sit."

"It's all good." Pulling her into a hug, I squeeze her tight.

"Stay safe." Hugging me tightly back, she whispers into my chest.

"I will be." Letting her go, I take a seat back down, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

"That's good to hear. Now go. Get some rest. I'll see you when you return." Bidding me goodnight, she turns and heads off towards the castle. Watching her disappear into the castle, I sigh.

"You can come out now." Turning my chair around, I watch as Ella walks over to me, her shoulders slumped. Finally reaching my chair, I can see the fear and sadness in her eyes. Before I can say a word, she collapses to her knees, her head falling into my lap.

"Forgive me, Oscar. What happened with my father and Hannah is unforgivable. I know Hannah and I discussed it, but I still harmed your daughter, and that can never be undone and…" Losing her words as she breaks down into uncontrollable tears, I reach down and pull her up into me. Holding her until her cries soften.

“It's alright. There's nothing to get so upset about. I'm sorry I didn't realize you'd been carrying that this whole time. Is that why you didn't come to see?" Leaning back, she wipes the tears from her eyes.

"It is one reason."

"Oh Ella. You didn't need to worry about that. Hannah explained it all to me, and I broke my promise to you. I thought you were angry with me and that's why you hadn't come to me." Sob laughing, she takes a breath.

"I was angry with you. Weeks ago. But seeing you lying in the bed, my anger became guilt, and all that was going through my head was, what if that had been the last thing you had seen? And I could not forgive myself."

"There's nothing to forgive." Moving her off me for a moment, I get to my feet, and feeling the item in my pocket, my brow breaks out I sweat. Turning, I see her standing against the wall, the wetness on her cheeks sparkling in the light of the moon, and in that instant my resolve came back. Kicking the chair out of the way, ignoring the pain in my back, I drop to one knee. Taking her hand, I look her deep in the eyes.

"Ella, if I've learned anything since waking up, it is this. I don't want to waste any more time. I can't promise you the world, but I can promise to always remain faithful and dedicated. And I don't know about for better or worse, it's probably more worse than better with me if we're being honest. If that's enough, then Ellavessa, would you do me the honor of being my wife?" Pulling the ring from my pocket, I hold it up to her. In the light of the moon, her eyes shine, and tears start falling once more. Covering her mouth with her free hand, she nods.

"I will." Sliding the ring onto her finger, I stand and embrace her, our lips meeting. Standing above the town below with her in my arms, everything felt right. The world was at peace, and I finally found my place. It only took going to another world and almost dying for me to finally learn to live once more. Taking a step back, she curls up into my arms as we stand there, watching the moon set over the town. Smiling, I kiss her on the forehead, and smile as everything seems just a little brighter.