“Yes.” Maeve kept stroking her hair, warm to the touch. The long, silky strands of black hair turned into scorching lava as they reached the ground, burying in the deeps. “I understand you don’t mean to hurt them, but what you’re doing is cruel. You need to stop.” The goddess stared at the ground, clutching her dress and nodding bashfully, like a scolded child. She stood still while the red dust crawled back towards her, leaving the bodies of the mountain half-breeds and everyone else taken. It flew straight to her hair, traveling down to bury in the ground, and disappearing from the land.
It didn’t take long for the dust to vanish completely, and the valley filled with the voices of the half-breeds, now free.
Pouri didn’t lift her eyes, her tiny body folded in on herself. Maeve’s hands dropped on her lap. When she realized they had accomplished what they came to, emptiness replaced the joy she should have felt. Maeve bent a knee to stand before Pouri held her by her sleeve, stopping her with a hopeful glance.
“Would you stroke my hair a little longer?” she begged.
But Maeve couldn’t do it. The hate was gone, but she harbored no love for the child. She no longer wanted to hurt her, but Pouri asked for a tenderness she didn’t feel. “Pouri.” A commanding voice resonated behind her. Maeve turned to find Hua, with Paki on his back. The Ancients had come for their sister.
Pouri cowered and hid behind her, but the Ancients hurried to their side, Hua swiftly taking the little girl in his arms and holding her in a loving hug. “My little darling! I missed you so much!”
Pouri snuggled into his arms, letting a few tears go. A pair of warm hands lifted Maeve from the ground. Paki had always been very aware of her feelings, so she most likely understood her pain better than anyone. “I’m so sorry, Maeve.” They both knew no words could mend her broken heart. Paki hugged her, sending a healing wave of love through her. Allowing herself to let loose, Maeve closed her eyes and sought refuge in her arms.
The goddess’s calming voice soothed her. “With time, this too will heal.” Those were kind words, but Maeve didn’t care about healing. Not now, at least. She wanted to be close to him. She wasn’t ready to leave Hakken.
Paki kissed her forehead, letting go to join her siblings.
Kniv had walked away, sitting on the ground while he rubbed his head, muttering to himself. Regn crouched by his side, ignoring his grief while trying to console the old man. Close to them, Ystävä hugged Finn as both Warlocks mourned in quiet contemplation, staring at the field and the surrounding people. After a few seconds, Ystävä whispered a few words before moving to help the wounded. Finn turned to his sister, and Maeve saw him hesitate. If he hugged her then, she would never stop crying. So it was a relief when he gave her a pained smile and walked away to join his master.
“Maeve...” Flyg stood behind her, clutching her broken forearm to her chest and holding a weakened Dröm. They both seemed anguished. “I’m so sorry, Maeve.” Tears poured from Flyg’s eyes. Maeve had shut down her powers, but the guilt coming from them was too strong to ignore. She placed a calming hand on each.
“No. Don’t do this to yourselves. Dröm, this is not your fault. None of you are to blame.” The mountain leader nodded faintly before sending a hateful glare to the gods. Maeve touched his face, turning him away from them. “You have gone through too much pain already. Let go of this hate. You’ll need all your strength to heal your people.” Dröm took a deep breath, closing his eyes and tightening his hold on Flyg. When he opened them again, the turmoil in his heart was somehow calmer.
His lips twitched in a faint smile. “Thank you.”
They kept going, looking for a healer, and now Maeve was alone.
There was so much left to do, so many still in pain and in need of aid, but all she wanted was to be close to him before the moment she would never see him again. Maeve lay down on the ground by his side, taking in every detail of Hakken’s handsome face.
He was so peaceful. It was easy to imagine him opening his eyes, turning to look at her, and saying something sweet. Or silly. Either way, she would have probably blushed. Tracing his nose, Maeve caressed him with the tip of her index. You are so beautiful. She touched his lips before taking a few strands of hair away from his face. I wouldn’t trade a life with you for anything.
The pain in her chest grew heavier, pinning her down. Staying by his side only added to her sorrow, but Maeve couldn’t find the will to leave him.
It wasn’t until she heard the footsteps approaching, she found the strength to sit. The Ancients stood close, Hua still carrying Pouri. Paki came to her, offering a hand to help her stand. “We came to say our goodbyes, sweet Maeve.” It was only natural. The world needed to carry on, despite her loss. Paki would return to her Tree. The tribes would bury their dead and rebuild their lives. Perhaps she could join her brother or find the will to live amongst the Children of the River. But the thought of going back to the village without Hakken was harrowing. It scared her.
Ignoring the searing pain, Maeve raised her eyes to the goddess. “I see. I hope to visit you one day.”
Paki tilted her head, giving her a sympathetic smile. “No, my dear. That will not be possible anymore. We are going home now, back to the stars. We have dwelt here for far too long. You know we love our children with all our hearts, but it is time to leave you to rule your
