As the light slowly subsided, Erza's breathed heavily as her heart raced as she summoned Erschelle's magic to cast a protective barrier. A magic shield of light materialized before her just in time to intercept the beast's attack. Meanwhile, relief and surprise washed over him as Jellal witnessed Erza casting such magic to parry the snow beast's attack. Caleb took a step back; he couldn't believe what his eyes were witnessing. She can indeed wield holy magic, yet he can still see the tinge of dark magic on her.

"How can a mere human block my attack?" The snow beast roared in fury.

Erza's heart pounded in her chest as she felt the impact of the snow beast's magic, shattering her magic shield. She had underestimated the creature's strength, and now it was more enraged than ever. Her spell broke, causing a shockwave that rippled outward. The impact sent her and Callista hurtling through the air. She braced herself for the impact, but Jellal caught her in his arms, shielding her from the full brunt of the impact. Caleb had also saved Callista.

"Erza," he uttered, concerned.

"J-Jellal," her lips quivered, relieved with his presence.

"I'm late," he added.

"You're not." She reassured as she stood as the snow beast faced them.

"How is it possible that your holy light left a burning sensation through my body?" it asked her.

"That's because she can wield both dark and holy magic," his companion said as he brushed Alexis aside.

"That's not possible," the other beast said.

Erza clenched her hand, not knowing the reason why she could wield both magic, either. I know it's impossible for someone in this world to wield both magic unless they had died and were resurrected for some reason, but I'm pretty sure before I take over Erschelle's body, she can already wield both magic. I cannot even fathom how that is possible. She thought to herself.

"That means she's a living dead." The beast added as it trotted over to its companion.

Being brushed in Jellal's direction, Alexis watched the two beasts with caution. The beast's eyes glowed with an eerie intensity, and its massive form emanated unsheathed his word, darkness looming over it. They glanced at each other over their shoulders, and for the first time, Jellal and Alexis had agreed on something. Erza watched in awe as the two charged at the snow beast together. Seeing the two princes fighting side by side was a rare sight. They leaped as they closed in on the beast. Their swords gleamed in the sunlight, ready to deliver a combined strike.

"Your Highness," Caleb shielded her and asked her to step back as a group of paladins reinforced their assault on the beast.

"Fools," the beast roared as it parried their assault.

Despite their combined attack, Jellal noticed that it had barely scratched the snow beast. The creature seemed unfazed by their assault. The realization dawned upon him, he knew that he needed to use his magic, but he was troubled since a lot of people were gathered. Using his dark magic might kill everyone in sight if he can't control it. He took a step back, analyzing the situation. He used his dark magic to augment his sword even if he was hesitant. He charged with full force, darkness enveloping his sword. The beast shrieked in pain as his attack wounded him. The beasts seemed impenetrable, but it seemed that Jellal had finally found its weakness, dark magic.

The nobles gasped in response to Jellal's magic. Whispers filled the air as people exchanged uncertain glances, their expressions a mixture of fear and disbelief. The atmosphere grew tense, and Caleb and Erza could sense the judgment and scrutiny directed toward Jellal. It was an open secret that Jellal was ruthless, but the nobles knew not of his ability to wield dark magic. Only the temple and the royal family knew that he had a curse on him.

"Oh, someone who could wield pure magic of darkness?" the other beast smiled as he stared at Jellal.

"Enough!" she replied through telepathy towards the beast.

She took a step forward, her focus solely on the menacing snow beast that now turned its attention to Jellal. She gritted her teeth in fury. This is not an accident. She thought to herself as she glanced at the empress's evil grin. If Jellal unleashes his dark magic, the nobles will surely turn sour over this sight. She balled her fists as she remembered what Callista had told her about his curse.

"His Highness's mother was even accused of having the black magician's child instead of the emperor. I know it sounds inappropriate to say this, but they said that he was just lucky that he looked like his late mother causing the emperor to keep him. He was deeply in love with the maid that the emperor wished to silence those rumors questioning his birth. That's the reason why it must be kept as a secret that he has that."

Without hesitation, Erza unleashed her magic, channeling her strength into a powerful spell enveloping both beasts. Her body radiated with a crimson aura as she summoned a hundred swords above the beasts and let it rain. As the fog subsided, the wounded beast gritted its teeth and roared, fusing their body into one startling transformation. Before their eyes, the snow beast began to grow in size, its body elongating and sprouting massive wings. In a matter of moments, the snow beast had transformed into a majestic snow dragon, its scales glistening in the sunlight. The dragon's icy breath billowed through the air, leaving a frosty haze in its wake. The ground trembled beneath its enormous weight, and the crowd watched in fear.

"You are finally showing your real magic," the beast said as it faced her.

With a thunderous roar, the snow dragon lunged towards Erza, its jaws open wide, unleashing a torrent of magic. Alexis drew his sword and protected Erza from the roar, his sword cutting through its magic. Caleb utilized his magic as he attacked the beast from behind, scratching the beast, who later used its wing to propel him backward, wounding him in return. Caleb sprawled to the ground toward Jellal's direction.

Seeing Caleb's wounded arm and Erza engaged in the battle, Jellal's fury grew; he felt the dark magic calling to him, tempting him with it. He clutched his hands; the scarlet markings of the curse were now showing. Despite Caleb's plea, Jellal's desperation clouded his judgment. At that moment, he made a fateful decision-he would use his forbidden magic. A surge of dark energy emanated from his body. As the ground trembled beneath them, Erza knew he was about to use his magic, and fear washed over her. She immediately cast a blinding light around them, blocking the nobles' prying gaze. Erza took a step forward, rushing to his side.

"What kind of dark magic is that?" the beast thought in surprise.

Dark tendrils of energy snaked out from his hand as he outstretched it, summoning a sheer destructive force of the black magic. The beast tried to counter his magic with its mighty roar, but his spell was overwhelming. The magic was so powerful that even the dragon's magic was turned into dust, dissipating everything in its path. Alexis grabbed Erza to the ground as the shockwave of his magic permeated through the nearby surrounding. Seeing the barrier of light vanishing before her eyes, she cast another barrier to prevent the shockwave from reaching the nobles. The snow dragon howled in agony as it was consumed by the dark magic, its once formidable form crumbling under the onslaught. As black magic dissipated, the remnants of the snow dragon vanished, leaving behind only the wreckage of the spell. Erza's breathing was ragged, her body trembling from the strain of wielding such a spell to withhold Jellal's magic.

"Erza," Alexis called out as she rushed to his side.

"Princess Erschelle," Caleb shouted in concern as she drew near to him, his magic still enveloped in the marking of the curse.

Ignoring their warning, Erza rushed to his side, worry and relief washed over her. She threw her arms around him in a tight embrace. Her voice was filled with concern.

"J-Jellal," she cried as she tightened her grip on his clothes.

Caleb stood frozen for a moment, his eyes widening as he witnessed her audacious move. Jellal could even kill everything in sight in that state. The curse is still evident in his body, yet she dared to rush to him. Do you want yourself to get killed? He thought to himself as he rose and tried to rush in their direction before it was too late. However, to his surprise, the curse slowly subsided, and Jelal embraced Erschelle in his arms. Impossible, he thought to himself.

"Erza," he said as he returned the embrace, his arms encircling her as he held her close.

Finally relieved that he was back to himself, Erza undid her magic, and the radiant light enveloping their surrounding gradually faded. The nobles, who had witnessed the absence of the beast, erupted into cheers and applause.

"Your H-Highness," a concerned Caleb rushed to their side.

"Are you alright, Erza?" Jellal asked as he slid her bangs to her ears.

"I am," she replied but was then surprised when Jellal captured her lips.

"I'm sorry. I didn't intend to make you worry."

As the chaos settled and the cheers began to fade, the figure of the emperor emerged from the crowd. His presence hushed the crowd as he stepped forward. His gaze scanned the scene before him, taking in the aftermath of the battle. He seemed pleased that Jellal and Alexis had finally joined hands for the kingdom's safety.

"My brave sons, they stand before you with full valor and dedication," the king began, his words resounding through the air.

"They have proven themselves worthy of the highest honor and respect. Today, they have defended our lives with unwavering courage, and for that, I am grateful. As a token of my gratitude, I would have commenced another celebration, but it seems that many men are wounded from the battle; for now, I hereby declare that you may return to your quarters," he said, finally dispersing the crowd.

"If you'll excuse me, allow me to have an audience with my son first, Erschelle." The emperor said as Jellal was about to leave with her.

Erza nodded graciously. She turned to Jellal and reassured him that she was fine. Caleb stood before her as he assisted her to her quarters. Erza noticed Caleb's injuries, and she told him to see Callista. He doesn't want to leave her because Jellal is not around, but he can't also deny the pain he's feeling. He reluctantly left her and went to the medical barracks.

As she closed her quarters, Erza's exhaustion caught up with her. She stumbled to her knees, feeling the adrenaline slowly wearing off. She wiped the sweat bead off her forehead, sensing the extreme burning sensation within her body. She leaned to her bed as she tried to stand up but later found herself coughing up blood.

"Damn it," she cursed as she felt her body limping to the floor. Did I overdo it? She asked herself as her consciousness started to fade from her senses.

"J-Jellal,"

"Are you alright?" the emperor asked as he glanced at his hand.

Noticing the lingering traces of dark magic, he retreats his hands to his back. "My hand is... alright, Your Majesty," Jellal replies cautiously.

"I was relieved that Alexis used his magic to cover up your magic; if it wasn't for him, everyone would've known about your curse."

"It wasn't him who cast that spell but my wife," Jellal sternly replied, slightly irked with the thought that his wife's contribution was not acknowledged.

"You don't need to worry; I will assure you that this will not happen again," he said as the emperor went silent.

"I have to go," he excused himself, leaving the emperor all by himself.

Jellal hastens to their quarters. He enters the room, finding Erza unconscious on the floor. He rushes to her side, carefully lifting her in his arms. His hands trembled to see the blood on her dress.

"Erza? Erza, wake up. Please, open your eyes!"

"SOMEBODY, HELP!"

As Erza opened her eyes, she found herself in an unfamiliar place. The surroundings were hazy at first, but gradually, her vision sharpened, revealing a dimly lit stone wall. She sat up, her head spinning slightly, and took in her surroundings. Memories soon flood her mind. She remembered collapsing into her quarters. But how did she end up here?

"Where am I? A cave?" she asked herself.

Pushing herself to her feet, Erza realized that she was alone. After taking a few steps, Erza saw the light leading her to the entrance of the cave; gathering her resolve, she took a step forward, and sunlight greeted her. The brightness momentarily blinded her, but as her eyes adjusted, she saw a breathtaking landscape stretching out before her. Erza found herself standing on the edge of a lush, vibrant forest. Towering trees swayed gently in the breeze, and the sweet scent of blooming flowers filled the air. Birds chirped merrily, and the distant sound of a trickling stream added to the serene ambiance.

"Mommy!" a voice echoed.

She quickly turned her head to the sound of splashing coming from the nearby stream. Intrigued, she cautiously approached the source, her footsteps blending with the gentle rustling of leaves under her feet. As she got closer, she spotted a child splashing the water into her mother's form.

"Look, you need to eat first," the scarlet-haired woman said as she wiped her face.

A single tear traveled down Erza's cheek, tracing a path akin to the stream's flow. Ah, this must be Erschelle's memories. She thought to herself as her heart swelled with sorrow and longing. The young scarlet-haired child chuckled as she watched her mother chase her in the water; her face was radiating with warmth. Erza felt a pang in her heart as she remembered her mother.

"No one is born evil, I guess," she said as she hid behind the bush, watching them.

In the afternoon, Erza watched Erschelle playing and laughing with her mother in a field of wildflowers. The sun bathed them in golden light, and a gentle breeze whispered through the grass. She watched as Erschelle braided her mother's hair and decorated it with flowers.

As night fell upon the cave, Erza found herself seated beside Irene. She can see them, but they can't actually see her. She took this as an advantage and tried to relieve her longing for her mother. Erschelle's mom looked exactly like her mother, except that, in Erschelle's world, her mom looked healthy, and her hair was thicker compared to her mom's. The gentle glow of the fire reflected through her brown orbs; Irene smiled at her daughter as she began to sing a familiar lullaby. Her song elicited a sense of warmth and security in her feeling.

"Sleep well, my dear daughter. Mother will always be here for you." She said as she watched her daughter's sleeping figure.

Erza closed her eyes, reeling from the moment. The memories of her mother's voice flooded back. Erza's tears soon blurred her vision as she remembered how she would always go home early and help her mother in their small business downtown every night, and she swallowed a lump in her throat as she remembered how she cried and held her mother's lifeless hands after her tragic death.

"My dear daughter," Irene cried as she slid Erschelle's bangs, adjusting as she moved her head on her lap.

"Erza," she said, making Erza turn her head to see Irene.

"You don't need to worry; I'm always here for you."

A deep, agonizing ache consumed her as if seeing her mother before her. The unrestrained emotions turned to wailing sobs. She fell to her knees, her body trembling with grief, tears streaming down her face. She knew it was pointless, but she extended her hands, imagining as if she could hold it and feel her warm hand.

"Mom, I miss you so much." She said, now thinking she was hugging her.

As Erza opened her eyes, her vision blurred by tears, she found herself back in her own room, surrounded by the familiar room decoration. Reality settled upon her like a heavy shroud; the world felt empty once more. Tears continued streaming down her face; she wanted to be with that memory again and see her mother again.

"E-Erza?" Jellal called out once more with a worried face.

Erza sat up in bed, taking a moment to collect herself. She wiped her tears with the back of her hand. As the reality settled in, Erza's heart sank with a profound realization-she was truly alone. Her mother's absence, the one who had been her constant source of love and support, felt unbearably heavy. She hugged her knees, ignoring Jellal at all. She knew that he was only concerned for her well-being because she was using Erschelle's body. But in the end, she was all by herself; no one loved her. She was not even sure if her real body was even given a proper burial in her world. She had friends, but most of them were from the online community. They wouldn't even know that she had met a tragic death. She allowed herself to break down and wailed on her own. She felt miserable. Her life's fucked up at its finest.

"What did I do to deserve this life?" she whispered, bawling her eyes.

All she wanted was to feel loved. She wanted to feel valued, but somehow, despite her efforts, she felt empty again. Jellal even hates her for being an impostor. She just wanted to die for real this time. She just had enough of her messy life.

A/N: I was able to spare some time to finish my draft for this chapter. Thank you for your constant support, JusaLove. It really did motivate me to continue writing. I will write soon if I'll buy some time. Thank you for reading, and have a great day to all readers.