Epilogue
I jolted upright, my heart pounding in my chest, which rose and fell with deep breaths. I searched the room frantically. My panic subsided when I realized I was alone, but that did not mean I was out of danger. The hearth directly in front of me was empty. My eyes fell on the white blanket that rested on top of me. I placed an open hand on my chest, and then gasped. "Oh no. Where am I?" I asked the warm breeze flowing in the wide open window. The shouts of voices permeated the room. I threw back the cover and twisted my legs to place my bare feet on the stone floor. My boots were directly beside the bed. I slipped them on and stood. In the last memory I recalled I was unclothed. I wondered how I came to wear the ruby red dress with long sleeves. I was only vaguely accustomed to Ganon's Underworld castle, but wherever I awoke was entirely unfamiliar. I was alone. I was frightened. Only one thought consumed me. Where was Ganon? Was he safe? Did he survive?
Worry ate at my stomach and prompted me to move. I hurried down several corridors, and descended a curved staircase. I stepped out onto a balcony and turned my eyes to the clear blue sky. The golden sun fell across my face as I gazed down at the fountain, with a crystal spout, surrounded by white roses. I needed no additional evidence to know my location. I was at Hyrule Castle. I plummeted into despair. How could I ever forgive myself?
"Hello, my pet." The voice enveloped me, welcoming like the heat of fire on a bitter cold night.
Combined excitement and relief burst forth from the knot that tightened my chest. "Master!" I smiled. Happiness was such an incredible sensation. I submitted to this sporadic emotion. When I spun I immediately threw my arms around him. There was such force behind my embrace that he stumbled back, but supported my weight. I realized my inappropriate reaction and stepped back. He stood with his shoulders back arrogantly, his eyes stern, and crossed his arms. His demeanor reminded me that I was owed a punishment, and my smile vanished. That did not prevent me from explaining myself. "I apologize. I am just glad to see you well."
"Is something troubling you, Kilena?" he inquired, his voice dark and intimidating.
"Yes," I admitted, my only desire to be honest. "I severely disobeyed you again. You ordered me to kill Link. Despite it being against your wishes, I attempted to kill Zelda."
"That was daring of you," he advised smugly. I dared not question why he was not furious with me. "Why did you?"
I turned my eyes away from him and intently stared at the uneven stone that comprised the balcony floor. His hand firmly gripped my lower jaw and forced my head back to him. My eyes locked with his as if I were under his complete control. "I only did what I felt was right," I explained defensively. "It made me angry to see you in pain, master, and to know it was she who caused it. I was compelled to protect you."
Ganon freed me by sliding his fingers over my chin. "After you fell unconscious I attacked Zelda, but her death was only a matter of time. The wound you delivered was fatal. I watched the fight in her eyes fade to regret, to know she failed to protect her kingdom. It was truly satisfying." There was a pause as he judged my reaction. "This delights you," he pointed out. I fought my expression, but he must have sensed how desperate I was to know his thoughts as he watched her die. It was not my place to ask. "With Link and Zelda finally dead at me feet, there was only one course of action. I captured the Triforce of Wisdom, united it with the Triforce of Power, and with them combined my skill as a sorcerer increased tremendously. As the most powerful and ruthless wizard in all of Hyrule, I led an attack against the kingdom and killed the King of Hyrule for all to see. I became the new undisputed king."
"I am glad to hear that, master," I responded, and then waited for him to continue. I longed to hear all that lingered on his mind.
"How strange this connection is. That the creation would grow to idolize her creator," he said, almost curious. "I can sense your admiration and desire to serve. Your instinct to defend me should not come as surprise, but the strong emotions you harbor were an unintended side effect. There is no wonder why you became so distraught when you learned that a union with Zelda was my first priority for conquering Hyrule."
I was silent while I interpreted and comprehended his meaning. I recalled the emotion I endured when he tried to force her hand in the decision. I carefully stepped back, and then humbly kneeled before him with my hands on my knees. "I was jealous," I confessed. "I saw no reason to keep her alive. The thought of her at your side, stealing all your affection from me when she did nothing to deserve it, made me angry. To spite you, I did something terrible, which is impossible to forgive. I lost my right to call you master," I admitted sadly. My heart shattered and shards of it tumbled out of my eyes.
Ganon chuckled. This reaction was the opposite of what I expected. "Hundreds of minions have sacrificed their life for my cause, but none ever as selflessly or willingly as you. I am quite fond of you, my pet. Contrary to what you have convinced yourself to believe, you have more than earned my trust. You repented for your mistakes. You will serve me for as long as I see fit."
I tilted my head up to gaze hopefully upon his demonic face. "Oh, master," I breathed in excitement. "It is an honor!"
He reached forward an open hand to me that was level with my eyes. I was confused at this gesture, but an impulse forced me to accept his hand. I timidly slid my fingers across his palm until I closed my hand around his. A spark traveled up my arm from my fingertips, and forced my heart to quicken. He offered his strength that helped me to rise. Our hands remained clasped once I was on my feet, and he led me through the corridor. "You will be properly equipped with a weapon of my choosing, and you will train to be a warrior. With your level of dedication the task should be simple."
"I promise. I will not disappoint you," I said with determination. "I feared I would never be fit to serve you again, master. I was convinced I would be imprisoned forever," I admitted.
"Do not mistake this gift as a sign of weakness," he warned, squeezing my hand roughly for a moment. "I trust that your fits of jealousy have ended since you eliminated the threat," he said. I felt provoked by his tone that mocked me.
"I swear," I answered without hesitation, only smiling. "I pray that her death has not spoiled your plans."
"My victory was the only possible outcome of this war for control of Hyrule. How that victory was obtained was a path shrouded in mystery, until I created you," he explained, being mysterious. Our journey ended, after passing through several locked doors, in a room near the top of the central tower. Resting side by side on a stone pedestal in the center of the chamber was the Triforce of Power and Triforce of Wisdom. It was then that he regrettably released my hand. "For that reason, it is only fitting that you are given the responsibility of protecting the Triforce from anyone who is stupid enough to believe they can control this power."
The radiant glow of the red and green Triforce left me mesmerized. I was in awe of the power flowing between them and throughout the room. "Thank you, Ganon, my master," I said confidently. "I will slay any who make such a foolish attempt. I will continue to protect you with my life. It is the least I can do for you, the one who created me and gave me purpose."
That was just the beginning. Being the demon's pet was full of more adventure and excitement than I ever dreamed.
