"Live for me…" a voice rung through my head countless times.
I felt something warm against my hand. I wanted to open my eyes and see who was there with me, but my eyelids felt so heavy. I ached all over my body; I knew I was injured with battle scars all over from our fight with Hendrickson. I must have broken a bone in my rib cage, with how hard I was struggling for air. The pain was unbearable.
I've been injured before when taking that blow to the head by the Holy Knight's staff, but nothing like this. Nothing will ever be able to compare to the burning underneath my skin. Every breath I took was a struggle.
I felt drops of water splash on the back of my hand and murmuring coming from around me. The warmness surrounding my hand suddenly began to apply pressure, as though it was comforting me.
"Elizabeth, please... listen to me." The voice sounded broken, as though his world was falling apart. "You can't leave me. You have to keep living."
A voice from across the room chirped in, "She lost a lot of energy by recovering you all. She got rid of a lot of her magical energy. Foolish. She hasn't even learned how to control it yet. By pushing herself to the limits, she managed to save us all, but not herself."
The warmth around my hand never wavered. "I just wish there was something I could do. She does so much for others, but doesn't do enough for herself."
"Let's let her rest. Come with me," said the woman's voice. I heard the sound of high heels hitting the floor as she exited. Merlin.
"There isn't anything you can do to help her?"
"I can't heal people. Come along."
I felt the warmness that surrounded my hand vanish. I suddenly felt cold and abandoned. It was as though the light inside me had disappeared. I didn't feel like myself any more, it felt as though the cheerfulness inside of me had fled, leaving me with this broken body.
How could I possibly help my friends in this condition? I finally gain the power to help them, only to be bedridden. What strength could I possibly provide to the Seven Deadly Sins? Meliodas wouldn't have to stay in bed over a couple of scratches. Everyone always works so hard to protect me and the only time I ever can protect them, I had to be hospitalized.
Diane. King. Ban. Hawk. Merlin.
Meliodas.
My dearest friends.
I promise that I will do everything in my power to protect you all. If that means that I have to lay my life on the line every time, so be it. I could never live with myself if I lost any single one of you. With this power, I will keep you safe.
I heard footsteps approaching me and halting when they reached my bedside. I felt a kiss on my forehead and suddenly got butterflies in my stomach. It seemed to ease away so many of the worries that I was drowning in. The light had returned and I felt as though I could get through anything.
I lifted my hand up and reached towards the person standing at my bedside. I couldn't yet open my eyes, but I had this longing for company. Rough hands took my hand. These were hands that have been through wars. Years of battles and training calloused these hands. My hands felt polished in comparison.
The Sins have faced such horrific wars and have seen the downfall of loved ones. I have not seen such tragedies. I cannot relate with what it feels to have your life stolen from you. These broken things cannot be healed. The loss of friends and family can never be replaced.
"Elizabeth, it's okay. I'm here. I'll always be right here."
Something came over me. Words that made their way to my lips. "Meliodas."
That name. The name that constantly ran through my head. From the moment that I met him, I was immediately drawn to him. There was something about him that was irresistible to me.
"Elizabeth?" The voice cracked as he spoke my name. I felt something warm against my lips and realized that someone was kissing me. His lips were warm and delicate, as though he was kissing a flower, careful not to damage the petals. A rush of magic surged through my veins.
I had enough energy, at last, to open my eyes. And sitting on my bedside, I saw a blonde sitting next to me, inches away from my face. His emerald green eyes pierced into mine, full of adoration and concern. He immediately smiled radiantly and cupped my cheek with the palm of his hand.
"Goodmorning, Princess! How are ya feelin'?"
"Meliodas-sama…"