29. Ghost Of A Rose
(This chapter is for Princess Airiana for always being there and for sharing the wonderful music of Blackmore´s Night with me. This music inspired this chapter. You really mean so much to me, Princess!)
As Lily saw herself on the stake she knew that it was over. And that there was a decision to make. Over her head she could hear heaven calling for her. All the pain she had went through would be over. She was sure her father would be waiting at the gates.
She turned her look back at the ground. She could Vladislaus, unable to do something and tears forming in his eyes.
Taking one step towards heaven she closed her eyes. Then she turned around a ran back down. Her soul reunited with her body on the stake. All the heat of the fire hitting her sensitive skin and the pain returning.
Lily pulled on the ropes that held her bound to the stake and tore them. Shaking them off of her arms she let her feather wings grow out of her back. The fire seemed to be parted with invisible strength as she swung herself into the air. All the eyes were locked on her. She knew she couldn´t stay long. But she was unable to leave yet.
Landing in front of her love a white rose appeared in her hand. putting it in his hand she whispered: "As long as it´s blooming my love for you does too. Don´t forget me. I´ll be waiting for you." With that Lily disappeared in front of his eyes. Only the single rose remained...
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Lily found a cave near the Adrian Ocean. It was the only place she could stay and where nobody could find her.
Still the hope for Dracula searching for her was in her heart. Never she would forgot what he had done for her. Her mind was full of him so that she could feel his strong arms around her. Wiping the tears away with her dress she walked closer to the edge of the rocks.
She wasn´t scared of spending her life there for she was sure that she would be together with Vladislaus again. Even if her life was eternal.
The flames of the stake had taken her life away and given her a new immortal life. The life a real angel had.
The dress she was wearing was light blue and long. It made a good contrast with her reddish hair which went down to her legs. There was nothing she could keep as a reminder of Dracula. Only her memory.
Putting a hand on her heart, which was aching from the loss she sighed. The waves were crashing on the rocks under her, splashing a few drops of water at her from time to time. There Lily stood. Her eyes locked on the dark cloudy sky. Thunder making her jump in fear.
She couldn´t stand there without being in danger. Walking inside the cave she laid down on the cold stones, crying silently.
"How kind of you that you came here." Lily turned on the other side and looked at person who had spoken. It was William.
Lily scrambled to her feet and pressed her back against the stone wall. She wiped her tears away and watched him walk closer to her. Almost gently he put a hand on the side of her face. "Now I won´t be alone anymore. I was sure of what you are when I first saw you."
Pulling away from him she turned her head in the opposite direction. William grabbed her face harshly which made her whince in pain.
"And now that the immortal life has been given to both of us you´ll spend eternity at my side. As my wife", he hissed.
He put a small silver ring on her ring finger and inched closer to her face to kiss his "bride". Lily shuddered as his lips touched hers. As he let go of her he added: "Don´t be afraid. I won´t do something against your will. Ever."
Lily couldn´t take any more. She let herself be taken in William´s arms in comfort. Kissing the top of her head a few times he let her cry.
She herself felt save with him. As long as he was there she had to learn to live with him. No matter what. The fact that it could have been worse wasn´t useful. Her broken heart was longing for someone else. And for her it was the worst of all.
