Blood. My own. Never thought it could taste like this.
I didn't expect to think about the flavour while dying. Yet here I am, the knight's sword pulled from my chest, and blood spilling out like my body doesn't even belong to me anymore.
No one will miss me. No one will mourn me. All because I broke one oath. One foolish promise to protect someone until my last breath. Funny how that promise ended up killing me.
The knight looks at me, expressionless, like I'm nothing more than a target. He turns and walks away. I should hate him, but I don't. He ended my suffering.
Then it happens. His head...suddenly and brutally falls from his shoulders and lands on me. His body collapses after, a messy heap of blood and limbs.
Through the haze of pain and blood loss, I see someone step forward. A man. No, it's him. The boy I promised to protect. The one I gave my life for. And now… he's here.
Tears burn my eyes. Weak, blurry vision, but I hope. Maybe he'll save me. He's the prince I know he can heal. Maybe he'll fix what's broken.
Stupid. My brain clings to some form of hope. This life has nothing left to give.
"Alice."
My name. He knows it. At least I'll die knowing someone recognises me.
"Forgive me." His voice shakes. I don't understand.
"I ruined your life. But I can fix it… if you promise."
My chest tightens. Mockery? Another trick before I die?
"Promise… that you'll love me till the end."
I stare at him. I can't move. Can't speak. Can't even lift my hand. How is this possible? How could I love? After everything?
But then he leans in. His lips press against mine.
If this works… I'll love you until the end of time.