Well, here it is. The Epilogue. Despite the fact that I'm a few hours shy of meeting my Christmas deadline. I think I got most of the loose ends of this story tied off and I am now completely happy with the end to my trilogy. But hey, I never said that I was done with vampires. Oh no. I'm already in the process of writing a story about Noel. Whenever I post it, you should definitely check it out. It will explain things that I left open ended with this. But, for now, enjoy the Epilogue; the final chapter of Caren and Mathias' story.

Divine Expectations: Epilogue
Promise at Sunrise
Written by: Jazlynn

How long had it been since I'd been to this place? It seemed like an eternity. The scenery had also drastically changed over the years. I felt so lost and confused as I wandered around the city I once lived in a long time ago. Sixty-five years had passed since I was last here. Oh god, that number never ceased to amaze me. It would only grow and grow and there would be no limit to it. It was a scary thought. I was afraid to live forever. I was afraid to live forever without… him.

I had to prevent tears from welling up in my eyes. I had to toughen up. I had spent a year trying to get over the loss of my husband. I was on my way to meet once again with the other man I still loved. I couldn't still be grieving over Subaru when I went to go greet Mathias. Besides, I knew that Rose was with Subaru now. She had given me the message in her diary. That was the only connection I had to her and Subaru now.

I clutched the journal close to my chest, the jeweled side facing inward. I didn't want to risk anyone trying to steal it. It would be better for people to mistake it for some old book that wasn't worth anything. I jerked my head to the side in an attempt to get my bangs out of my face. The tactic failed, much to my dismay.

I sighed and continued on my way through the winding streets around me. Skyscrapers stood high above me and crowds of people brushed past me. I wasn't used to this at all. It was as if the population had doubled since I was last here and that there wasn't much space for them to go. It was… suffocating. Did Mathias really have to adjust to all of this change? Yes, he did. He was born in the Middle Ages and had to adjust to everything new that came to be. The same went for his cousin, Felix. The same would soon go for me. I wasn't exactly getting any older.

A glimpse of the ocean caught my eyes and I felt drawn to the vast waters. It was the only place that wouldn't be cluttered by humans and their large spacious buildings. They would never be able to taint it no matter how hard they tried. Even massive pollution could be stopped if all the mermaid princesses came together.

And there was the other factor that had changed greatly. There were a whole slew of new mermaid princesses! Seira was still around and she had fallen in love with a human boy whom she later married. They had a child and now, that child was the new Orange Mermaid Princess. And not only was Seira married but, my little Emma was married as well. But, unfortunately, tragedy occurred in her life. She wed a human and they had a child together (who was now the new Purple Mermaid Princess) but, she was soon widowed because of a car accident. Oh, how she cried and cried and cried. I had to comfort her for weeks, trying to tell her that everything would be okay. Well, I regret saying that because, two years after, she met a vampire and fell in love with him. She's now exactly like me and happy once more. Then, there were Rina, Hanon, Lucia, and Coco's successors. They were all still around and kicking. Lucia was also still around but, she had assumed Aqua Regina's position as goddess of the sea. As for Noel's successor… well, I didn't really know much about that. It was as if the existence of my sister had been clouded over and vanished. I hadn't seen her in over fifty years. I had no idea what had happened to my sister. That fact alone made me want to cry. I loved my sister and I didn't even know if she was still alive.

I came across the path I had often used when I once lived here. Thankfully, the area around the sidewalk hadn't changed much at all. I didn't feel quite so lost anymore. I, at least, had some idea of where I was now. The Pearl Piari was near here—well, if the Pearl Piari still existed. Now, I was curious to see if the hotel was still there.

I walked down the twilit sidewalk as the setting sun illuminated the ocean with brilliant gold, orange, and red. The ocean breeze rustled my dark hair as I got closer and closer to my destination. I knew that I was stalling my arrival at the mansion, but I wasn't sure if I was ready to go there yet.

As I neared the Pearl Piari, I was surprised to find that it looked relatively the same. The only big differences that I noticed were that it had been painted and there was a new set of doors. I wondered if it was still run by mermaids. The chances were quite likely.

Voices alerted me to the presence of nearby people. Mt head instantly shifted to the source of the voices and I found myself gazing at four women standing down on the beach. I gasped in shock as I beheld the appearances of these women. One of them looked like Seira, another looked like Lucia, and the other two girls looked like Rina and Hanon. These were the current mermaid princesses of the North Pacific, North and South Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. They all appeared to be in their thirties except for the Orange Mermaid Princess who looked like she was still in her twenties. I couldn't understand much of their conversation but I was pretty sure that they were speaking of some new evil. There was always some new evil threatening the ocean as well as the land. Well, it was no longer my problem. I wasn't a mermaid princess anymore. I was just a mermaid that was going to be more known as a vampire very soon.

"Caren?"

I jumped in surprise as a familiar voice called my name. However, the voice was different, more worn with age. I turned and my eyes widened in shock as I beheld Seira—the previous Orange Mermaid Princess. I was amazed by the drastic effect that time had had on her. She was old. I knew that different cosmetics had been created to help with aging, yet even though I could tell Seira had used them, she still looked over fifty. She was still beautiful and her hair was still orange albeit faded. I was just amazed that she looked like this compared to the last time I had seen her. I was suddenly very frightened by time, even though it did not affect me. Perhaps that was the aspect that scared me—the fact that I wouldn't be affected. It seemed likely since I was afraid from my husband's death.

"Seira," I murmured quietly as she slowly approached me.

"I… I don't understand this, Caren." She stated, her eyes flickering with confusion. "How are you… how is it that you still look as you did when I last saw you?"

I sighed and let my eyes lower to the ground. I couldn't exactly keep my secret from Seira any longer. It wouldn't really matter now, anyways. "Well, in all honesty, Seira, I was like this before you were born."

"But… how?" She repeated, still seeming really confused.

"I'm a monster." I stated bitterly as I reflected on my past. "I gave into the temptation of an immortal life and I have to do certain things that seem barbaric. I'd rather not elaborate on it."

Seira stayed quiet for a moment before speaking again. "But you're a Mermaid Princess. How can you say that you're a monster?"

I sighed. I suppose I could tell her. Well, in a manor that Seira would assume what I was. "I'm only half-mermaid. The other half of me demands blood—normally human blood, although I try to refrain from killing humans."

Seira's eyes widened and her forehead wrinkled. "You're a vampire?"

I nodded. "Yep."

"Wow." She said in amazement. "I had no idea… did anyone else know about…?"

"Only Noel." I quickly replied, not wanting to dwell on the fact. Seira just nodded and both of us looked over at the four mermaids on the beach.

"So," I started with comic tone in my voice. "What kind of trouble are the oceans in now?"

Seira sighed. "It would appear that someone is going around and kidnapping Mermaid Princesses. I don't know who is doing this and why they are doing it. All I know is that the Yellow Mermaid Princess has been captured. Lucia doing all she can to find the person responsible."

I gazed out over the ocean as Seira told me this. I couldn't believe it. I was old enough to watch history repeat itself! I was just curious as to who was the enemy this time. "You wanna know something, Seira? This happened once before. You were actually the result of the final events that took place concerning that situation. Kaito's brother was collecting Mermaid Princesses in order to use their pearls to gain control of the seas. We defeated him, of course, but it would seem that someone else is following in his footsteps. I'm sure that things will work out. And if they don't, I'll get involved and set things straight."

Seira smiled. "I was actually thinking the exact same thing. However, I'm a little bit too old to do much now."

"I noticed." I remarked sadly. "But there is an upside to mortality."

"And what is that?" Seira asked sarcastically. "I can't really see any upsides."

"Well, you can die." Seira raised an eyebrow at that remark. I quickly explained myself. "Well, I'm sure you've noticed how much the world has changed, right? Well, I'm finding that change extremely difficult to cope with since I've been mainly living in Antarctica. It'll only be a matter of years before I get used to this and then, I'll be totally lost again! I'm not even sure I'll be able to adapt as life goes on."

"Well, I hope that you can adapt." Seira stated somberly. "I wouldn't want for you to suffer for eternity."

"I'm already struggling with my husband's death and he died a year ago." I admitted sadly. My voice got quieter as I continued to speak. "Although, I know that he's in good hands. I'm supposedly going into the care of another now as well, but I'm still not sure if I'm ready."

Seira was quiet and thoughtful as she listened to me. After a while, she let out a long sigh. "Caren, from what I know of you, you are a strong person. You'll pull through this. Everything will turn out alright for you, I'm certain."

I nodded in her direction before looking back out at the ocean. The sun had just sunk below the horizon and the moon was shining in all its glory up in the sky. Its pale beams fell upon me and it reflected off of my skin. I heard Seira gasp as the moonlight bore down on me.

"Well, if I was in any doubt before that you were a vampire, it's gone now." She said breathlessly, in awe by my beauty in the moonlight. "Caren, you look absolutely beautiful."

I smiled and lowered my eyes to the ground as if a shy side in me had presented itself. "I don't take much notice to it anymore, to be honest."

"I'm sure I'd be rather vain if I looked that beautiful." Seira said with a laugh.

I laughed softly at her remark. "I'm sure you would. But you know, for someone your age, you still look quite beautiful yourself. You're very lucky in that aspect. Time is being kind to you."

"Yes, I believe you're right." She agreed with a twinkle in her eyes. "Now, were you going to meet this person you're to be living with or will you be staying here?"

"Well," I started as I observed the ocean again. "Considering the fact that this person has been waiting over sixty years for me, I suppose I shouldn't keep him waiting any longer."

Seira nodded with a smile. "Then you should go."

I smiled back at her, nodding as well. I quickly hugged her before turning to leave. "I suppose I will. It was really great to see you again, Seira."

"It was good to see you as well, Caren." She said also before she turned to go back to the Pearl Piari.

I then, took my leave. It was time for me to return to Mathias. I walked quickly in silence, my eyes lowered to the ground. I still wasn't sure if I was ready for this. However, I'd come all this way and I'd waited long enough. I made my decision years ago and now it was time to go home.

I walked a fair distance away from the Pearl Piari before I made my way to the ocean. The full moon hung high above my head as I took in a deep breath. I leaped into the ocean without a moment of hesitation and began to swim towards the underwater caverns. Thankfully, the ocean floor remained the same and I could easily find my way.

I made my way to the ridge in the ocean and began to vigorously search for the crack in the rocks. When I found it, I hesitated, my indecision from earlier surfacing within my mind. But no, I had to go on. And so, I made my way into and through the small crevice.

I thought about Mathias' mansion for quite some time and I realized something. This would be the first time I'd come here since my original departure for Antarctica. I wondered if the mansion would look any different. Would Mathias have changed it somehow? And what about him? Had he changed in the time I'd been away with Subaru? Perhaps, to him, it might seem like I've changed. As I thought, I felt my stomach flutter. I felt like a sixteen year old going on her first date. It was pathetic.

Pale violet light met my eyes and I suddenly felt giddy and anxious. It was the forest of frozen lilacs! I was almost within the mansion's courtyard. I slowly surfaced in the small crystal like pond that served as an entrance and glanced around. To my liking, the mansion was exactly how I remembered it. Everything was the same. There was nothing different about it at all. Not even the lilacs looked different.

With a smile, I pulled myself out of the water, still holding the diary in my arms, and changed into my human form—my vampire form. I breathed in the overpowering scent of frozen lilacs and I let out a satisfied sigh. I was home again.

I debated on where I should go—where I would find Mathias. As I thought on this, I heard a melody faintly reaching the lilac forest. It was a familiar tune—Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. Mathias was probably sitting at his piano and playing the beautiful song. I could just imagine him moving his hands over the keys in a graceful manor as Miranda sat idly by, her eyes closed as she lost herself in the music. I know that that is how I would respond. Actually, that's how I always responded to Mathias' music. Although, he usually played pieces that he composed himself.

I decided that I wouldn't bother him right now. I would go to his room and surprise him there. I didn't expect that he was aware of my presence yet. And so, I headed to the separate area of the mansion where Mathias' room was. As I approached the intricately carved doors, I traced my fingers along the designs before pulling them open. I silently entered the spiraling staircase and I quietly headed for Mathias' room. My thoughts were enshrouded by a haze of nostalgia as I climbed those stairs. I recalled the time when I was human, trying desperately to get away from Mathias. I had unknowingly walked into the spider's web. At least, that's how Mathias phrased it.

When I reached the top, I silently pushed the doors open and entered the room. My eyes widened in shock and I froze as I beheld Mathias—lying on his bed feigning sleep. I was in awe. I don't think I could ever get over how beautiful he looked. He was an angel. I couldn't help but smile as I silently gazed at him. However, although I smiled, his expression turned to that of irritation.

"Nicole, what have I told you about coming into my room?"

Nicole? What? Did I miss something here? Just who was this Nicole? Oh, I could feel the jealousy quickly rising within me. I quickly set the diary down on a small table before folding my arms over my chest. "Nicole? Who the hell is Nicole?"

Mathias' eyes snapped open at the sound of my voice and he was sitting within less than a second. His golden eyes were wide with both awe and surprise. It felt as if he were staring at me for an extremely long time before he said anything.

"Caren?" He whispered, voice still sounding confused and surprised. As soon as my image finally sunk in, he was off of his bed and at my side. "Oh, Caren!"

He embraced me tightly and I felt myself melt in his strong arms. All of a sudden, I no longer cared who this 'Nicole' was. She wasn't the one in Mathias' arms. I breathed in Mathias' scent as if doing so brought back a part of my heart that had been torn out. Although I would probably never get over the loss of Subaru, being with Mathias would be the thing to make me happy again. That was what Subaru wanted for me. He had told me so before he died. I was, at least, respecting his last wishes.

Mathias leaned forward to kiss me, but I pulled away with a smile. I looked at him, attempting to be serious now. "Honestly, who is Nicole?"

Mathias kissed me anyway before gently pulling away. "Nicole is—wait! You don't know?"

I shook my head as I looked at Mathias' confused expression. He frowned and then let out a sigh.

"I guess they decided not to tell you." He murmured quietly.

"Wait, what?" I asked, not quite sure about what he was talking about. "Who is it that was supposedly going to tell me about what?"

Mathias rolled his eyes before he smiled down at me. "Nicole is your half-vampire niece."

"Half-vampire niece?" I repeated. Then something clicked in my mind. "Oh my god! Noel had a child?!"

Mathias nodded, his smile growing wider because of my reaction. "That she did. She's also married to my cousin, has been technically dead for about sixty years, and she's been living here for a few months now."

I stared at him blankly. "My sister's a vampire now."

It wasn't a question. I knew exactly what Mathias meant when he told me she'd been technically dead for sixty years. And the fact that my niece was a half-vampire also explained the mystery surrounding my sister's successor. I'd like to see the new evil within the ocean try to capture her. I'd pay to see that.

Mathias nodded, confirming that my assumption had been correct. "She's been waiting to see you again, just as I have."

Mathias leaned forward and gently kissed my forehead. Then, he pulled me up into his arms and carried me over to his bed. I held onto him tightly, giggling softly. He started kissing my neck and then we fell together onto the soft silk sheets. He held me tightly to him, continuing to kiss me.

"O, sweet Caren! How I have pined for the taste of thy luscious lips!"

Mathias' lips covered mine and I found myself in ecstasy. That was the first time I had heard Mathias speak as if he were still living in his time. He didn't sound mysterious or dark or anything that I had found myself thinking of him. His voice showed love, devotion, and honesty—exactly like Subaru's.

I wanted to stay like that forever. I wanted for Mathias to never stop kissing me and I never wanted to stop kissing him. This was how things should have been for him. It would be the way that things were to be. However, as the temptation of making love got higher and higher, I had to pull my lips away from Mathias.

"You realize that I am not yet your queen." I stated bluntly, a joking tone seeping into my voice.

Mathias smiled deviously and leaned forward to steal another kiss. "True, but kings can do whatever they want."

I merely mirrored his expression and drew further away from him. "I, for one, am not going to sleep with you so long as there are others present in this mansion."

Mathias got closer to me. "We don't technically sleep. You know that. However, I suppose you are right. It wouldn't be wise to do this if others are around."

"And I'm still not your queen." I quickly pointed out again.

Mathias laughed softly and moved away from me to gaze into my eyes. "Well, if you're going to be picky then I suppose I'll have to refrain for a little while longer. I shall wait until we are wed, but for the meantime, I know something that we can do—something that I know you'll approve of."

I tilted my head to the side. "And what's that?"

A smile lit up Mathias' face and he took my hand, pulling me off of his bed. "Come with me, darling."

I didn't ask where Mathias was going to take me, I just followed. I felt a rush of excitement rush through me as I ran with Mathias down the spiraling stairs to the lilac forest. As soon as the violet glow shimmered upon us, he lifted me up and spun me around a few times. I laughed in sheer delight as if the spinning motion was like a drug. And then, Mathias brought me back into his arms in a tight embrace. He smiled and kissed me passionately. He pulled away and his golden eyes were sparkling.

"Caren, I love you."

"I love you too, Mathias."

I leaned forward to kiss him this time and he gladly accepted my actions. He held me close to him, rocking me back and forth. Everything was just per—

"Awww!"

I gasped as I heard the chorus of voices coming from behind a glass window. My eyes flashed over to the ballroom and there stood Noel, Felix, Miranda, another girl who looked a lot like Noel and Felix whom I figured was Nicole, and a golden-eyed Taro. Well, at least I knew who it was that was playing the piano earlier.

I heard Mathias groan in irritation and when I glance back over at his face, he was rolling his eyes. A mischievous smile touched his lips and he began to pull me away from the group of vampires watching us. I knew that probably all of them wanted to speak with me, but I knew that Mathias wanted to spend time with me and me alone. So, I'd go along with him for now and just forget about my sister, her… lover? My niece, my friends… I would be with Mathias.

Mathias seemed to become more eager as we neared the crystal pond entrance. I was truly beginning to wonder what it was he had to show me—where it was we were going; what we were going to do. He didn't say a word as he dove into the clear waters. I quickly followed him, my curiosity piqued by his silence. I followed him through the tunnels until we were back out in the ocean once more. Where exactly was he taking me?

Mathias smiled as he took my hand. He began swimming further out into the Pacific, dragging me along the way. We swam for a very long time. I wasn't even aware of the direction we were headed. However, I trusted Mathias, wherever it was he was taking me.

Soon, I noticed that the water was getting much colder. And not only that but, icebergs were floating all over the place. Were we near Antarctica? If so, I didn't recognize the area at all. My violet eyes flickered over to Mathias, observing him curiously. I didn't understand. Why was he taking me to the place that reminded me of my late husband?

Mathias led me through a group of icebergs and then pulled me up towards the surface. We were met by the cold night air and I shivered—despite being a vampire. I looked around, trying to make sense of where we were. I felt confused. All I could see was water and icebergs. However, I noted that all of the icebergs were in a perfect circle around Mathias and I. It reminded me of something I had seen in a book once, yet for some reason, I couldn't remember what it was. I looked over at Mathias and he was smiling at me with a mysterious look in his eyes.

"You have the most amazing timing, Caren." He stated in amazement. "I really wanted to bring you here but I wasn't sure if I'd get the chance."

"Where exactly are we?" I asked softly while glancing around a second time.

"I can't really say. I don't even know where we are." He admitted with a smile. "However, there are just places that vampires are drawn to. They are places that are full of mystery and intrigue for our kind. They are reminders of time that has come and time that has passed. I'm certain that you may have heard of one of them. Humans are drawn to it as well."

"Oh!" I remembered what it was I had been thinking of before. "You mean Stonehenge?"

Mathias nodded. "That would be it. Where we are right now is one of those special places. I'd heard of this place long ago and I've been wanting to come here for the longest time. I constantly wished that I could bring Rose along with me but… she'd already been gone for many, many years. I know what Stonehenge is capable of doing every thousand years. I know that the same thing will happen here tonight."

I tried to absorb this information as Mathias spoke to me. So, something was going to happen here tonight that Mathias wanted to show me? What was going to happen?

"Mathias, what exactly was it that Stonehenge can do that will happen here?" I asked, mystified.

He smiled and looked up at the full silvery moon that hung directly above us. It's light shone down on the icebergs and dark waters and it almost seemed like everything was shining. But… it was shining! Everything around us was glowing with a blinding whiteness that flickered with soft colours of the rainbow. I gasped and immediately clung to Mathias. He calmly took me into his arms as if expecting everything that was happening. Closing his eyes he softly spoke a single line.

"When the moon rises high like a pendant in the sky, the night shall be a melody—a bridge across time."

We were enveloped in white light and it seemed as if everything around us vanished. I couldn't see anything—not even Mathias. There was only light. I felt afraid of what was going on. I didn't like this at all. However, I seemed fairly calm considering the situation. The light almost felt good, in a way. Despite how unsure I was feeling.

Then I heard the music. I could hear a melody playing softly on… well, I couldn't distinguish any instrument that might be playing the beautiful line of music. It was entrancing. I'd never heard a sound that was so pure. I began to hear intricate harmonies that played alongside the melody and I found myself lost to the unyielding music.

My sight slowly began to return to me and I found myself in Mathias' arms. He was smiling lovingly at me and was gracefully moving me around him to the rhythm of the melody. We were dancing. I smiled once I realized this and I gladly went with Mathias in our midnight waltz. I lost myself in his deep topaz eyes, never wanting to break his gaze. However, flashes of colour from elsewhere distracted me and I gave into the temptation of looking around. I almost gasped at what I saw.

I saw many maidens in beautiful vibrant gowns dancing with their lovers in a glorious crystal ballroom. The moon and stars seemed to hover directly above us, lighting up the magnificent room. Outside the crystal walls, the ocean seemed to extend forever in all directions. I felt as if my breath had been taken away.

Mathias softly laughed, spinning me around before pulling me close to him. He dipped me low to the ground and placed a kiss on my lips. He pulled away with a smile before pulling me back up into his arms.

"Did you notice anybody that you once knew?" He murmured quietly, mystery seeping into his voice.

I looked at him oddly before shifting my gaze to look over the people in the room. There were many faces that I didn't recognize. Some of them took notice to Mathias and I and nodded in Mathias' direction as if they knew him. I still didn't see anyone that I—

I gasped as my eyes fell upon Sara and Gaito. They were… here? I was absolutely shocked. And then I saw others. I saw Hanon dancing with a young man that I presumed was her husband, Nagisa. I saw Coco dancing with a gentleman who seemed to resemble one of our enemies from long ago. I saw Rina dancing with her husband, Masahiro. And then I saw Lucia dancing with Kaito. All of the Mermaid Princesses from my time aside from Noel were here! I must have been dreaming somehow! This couldn't be possible, could it?

I shifted my gaze back to Mathias who was smiling mysteriously at me. Did he understand the meaning of this? "Mathias, why…"

"A corridor of time has opened." He explained simply. "Everyone that we know who has passed on is here to be with us—to share this single night with us and with each other."

"And this happens every thousand years?" I questioned, taking into consideration what Mathias had said earlier.

He nodded. "Yes."

Then, Mathias and I were lost within the music, dancing at its mercy. I giggled softly as Mathias spun me around, occasionally dipping me low to the ground. It was a rather nostalgic moment for me. This was exactly like our first dance only, Mathias didn't plan to kill me and I was surrounded by the souls of my friends. However, unlike the last time, I wasn't too entranced so that I couldn't speak. There were so many things that I wanted to ask Mathias and I felt that this was an alright time to ask him about them.

"Mathias," I started while forming my first question in my mind. "When you first saw me, did you know who I was? Did you know that I was one of Rose's successors?"

Mathias hummed softly, contemplating my question. "Well, when I first met you, in all honesty, I was offended by your scent. I was so far into depression from losing Rose that anything that reminded me of her made me angry. I intended to hunt you down and kill you but… when I saw you for the first time… I was amazed. Seeing you was almost as if Rose was back from the dead. I decided that I'd be a fool to kill you right then but, I just wanted you so badly. That's when the idea started forming in my mind that I should turn you and forever keep you with me. I still wasn't sure what I wanted to do with you—even after you had seen me for the first time. I was still contemplating your fate even as we danced. Then, when I kissed you and you returned the gesture, I knew for sure. I would make you mine."

I smiled softly, listening to his words. "Then what was with the game of Hide and Seek?"

Mathias smirked. "A vampire has to make an impression on his victims. I'd always stuck to that principle—even if you were the successor of my past fiancée and I intended to turn you anyways."

I laughed softly at that statement. "Well, you certainly made an impression. Although, it seems kind of pointless now that I know what you're truly like."

"Oh really?" Mathias challenged with grinning at me deviously. "Well then, I'll just have to prove you wrong. I'm not as predictable as you think. Isn't that right, Rosie?"

My eyes widened in shock when he looked to someone for reassurance. My eyes followed his and I found myself in awe once more. There, dancing right near us were Rosephanye and Subaru. Subaru nodded my way and smiled at me warmly.

I felt Mathias spin me around in a few more circles as if to show me off as his before he let go of my hand and allowed me to drift over to Subaru. He then took Rose into his arms and pulled her away so that I was alone to dance with my husband.

"Subaru…" I gently murmured.

"Caren." He murmured back, pushing my violet bangs out of my face.

We embraced tightly then, never wanting to let go of each other. I felt tears streaming down my cheeks. They were tears of happiness; of sadness. They were tears of sheer amazement that I was actually in my husband's arms again. It was more than I could have ever wanted. We were dancing together like we had on our wedding night so many years ago.

Subaru smiled warmly at me, some of Mathias' mysteriousness seeping into his eyes. "He really is a good guy, you know?"

I tilted my head to the side, trying to make sense of what he had said. "You mean Mathias? Why?"

"He knew how happy this would make you—to be able to see me again so soon." Subaru explained, that smile still on his lips. "Mathias knew that you would still be able to see me after I had passed and that's why he agreed to Felix's idea. You can be with me, and he can be with Rose for one night every few hundred years. Our happy ending can still continue."

I took in all of that information. Now I understood the strange compromise that had taken place so long ago. Subaru and I could still be together and I could be with Mathias as well. And not only that, but Mathias could still be with Rose. Everything worked out.

"So, how long is this going to last?" I asked softly, glancing out at the starry sky. "Will all of this go away come morning?"

"Yes." Subaru answered quietly. "We'll all fade away as the sun rises and you and Mathias will be left alone until we next meet."

I nodded in acknowledge of this information and rested my head against Subaru's chest. "Then let's not waste the time we have together."

Subaru nodded and then we were both dancing to the melody that rang throughout the crystal ballroom. I lost myself in his embrace, shutting out everything around me. For now, it was only Subaru and I dancing together again. It was the most wonderful thing in the world. All I wanted was this moment. However, good things must always come to an end.

I became aware of more light shining into the crystal ballroom and it dulled the silver moon's pale beams. The sky was turning into different shades of a lighter blue that indicated the night's end. I knew that this moment had to come and I soon found that Subaru was leading me back to Mathias and Rose. I thought that Mathias might look slightly upset considering the sun's rising, yet he looked content. He wasn't bothered by the oncoming day. His demeanor rubbed off on me and I was feeling more content than upset.

Subaru moved away from me with a smile and Mathias came to quickly embrace me. He must've thought that I was struggling with the upcoming departure of Rose and Subaru. Was I struggling? It was hard to know for sure. I know I wasn't all that ready for Subaru to leave but, there was nothing I could do to prevent that. Already, he and Rose were beginning to fade as the sun peaked over the horizon. Subaru was smiling at me reassuringly.

"Caren, we'll see each other again soon." Subaru stated hopefully despite the bittersweet moment. A look of mischief flickered through his blue eyes and a smirk lit up his face. "And hopefully you'll be a true queen then."

I laughed. "Geez, so willing to just give your wife away?"

Mathias and Rose laughed at my comment and Subaru just smiled widely. "You've lived your life with me and I've lived my life with you. It's about time you started a new life for yourself."

Rose stepped forward, her figure almost completely translucent in the morning light. "The same goes for you as well Mathias. Remember me, but don't dwell on the life we might have had. Plan your life with Caren. She's yours now. Take care of her for Subaru and I."

"That's a promise I made long ago." Mathias stated while glancing lovingly at me.

Subaru and Rose nodded at us once more with a smile before they completely faded away into the dawn. The sun's warm light enshrouded Mathias and I and when we could register the things around us once more, we were back in the water in the circle—well, now more like cluster—of icebergs.

"A new life…" I murmured quietly with a kind of reverence.

"A new life, indeed." Mathias held me close to him and gazed towards the rising sun. He then chuckled softly in amusement. "Well now, I've never seen such dramatic irony and symbolism before in my life."

I looked over my shoulder to peer at his flawless face. "What do you mean?"

He laughed softly once more. "It's the sun. Its rising shows that our life is finally beginning."

I remained silent for a moment with a smile on my face. And then, I couldn't help myself. I burst out laughing. I pulled away from Mathias and turned to face him, mischief shining in my eyes.

"You know, coming from the vampire that scared the hell out of me in my last moments, that was the corniest thing I have ever heard!" I exclaimed.

A wide smile spread across Mathias' face. "Oh good! I wasn't the only one who noticed."

He swam towards me, but I was feeling rather devious. I dove into the water to escape him. He quickly pursued me in an attempt to capture me, his half-vampire half-mermaid. I laughed and jumped out of the water, placing a fair amount of space in between Mathias and I. He surfaced and frowned at me as I smiled mischievously at him. He splashed water at me and I returned the gesture with a laugh.

We continued on like this for a long time as the sun ascended towards the sky. We were two lovers, perfectly (well, almost perfectly) matched, playing in the golden sunlit waters. We were in love and, most importantly, we were happy. There was nothing more that could ruin our lives. Everything was perfect. And it was.

Fin