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The streets crawled with screaming civilians— almost muting the crashing thunder above. The rain fell heavy, dampening Cassie’s hair, stray strands sticking to her face. She weaved through the desperate crowds, trying to ignore the desolation occurring inches away.
She ducked past a group fleeing from a ghast. Darting around, she spotted an abandoned sword. Swiping it, Cassie spun and threw it at the ghast full force, scoring it right in one of its furious red eyes.
It screeched in agony, before poofing in the air, the sword clattering down after it. Cassie grabbed it for good measure, sheathing it in her robes before continuing through the paths— avoiding and helping where she could.
Finally, she managed to get close to the palace. Keeping low, she snuck over against the quartz wall, scooting along the edge. The void laid out before her— a never-ending never-satisfied beast begging to devour anyone unlucky enough to fall in. Cassie swallowed thickly, trying not to look down as she crept along the edge of the palace.
Her fingers slipped, and time stopped for a moment, before the back of her dress got caught, ripping slightly but saving her from certain doom. Gasping— Cassie gripped onto the rain-slicked dome, pulling her skirts and shuddering as she proceeded.
Finally she made it around the back, leaning against the wall, trying to catch her breath. Huffing, Cass crept along the wet grassy portion, nimbly leaping the fence, and pressing herself against the wet walls.
“And I’ll kill you too!”
Cassie’s fists clenched, rage consuming her as Aiden hissed from the other room. She peeked her head out, noticing Aiden’s back turned, seizing the opportunity to scamper behind Isa’s throne.
“You’re sick Aiden!” Reginald spat, clenching his sword tightly.
“And? I’ve won now. You either serve me or you can die like your stupid Founder,” Aiden stepped forward, unsheathing his sword and pushing it threateningly against Reg’s neck.
“Then kill me.”
Aiden growled, sliding his blade violently against Reginald’s throat. He fell to his knees, mouth gaping for air— wheezing, coughing.
Cassie’s chest tightened at the sound, and she slipped out from her hiding spot, drawing her own sword and point it at Aiden’s back. “That’s enough,” she growled, pressing it against his back gently.
Aiden cocked his head back to her, revealing Reggie, before he collapsed, body slumping to the ground. Cassie screamed, rushing for him, letting her sword go in the process.
“Reg- please-“ She stammered, trying to cover the spurting wound with her fingers, grabbing a bit of her skirt to cover the cut.
He didn’t respond, eyes glazed back, mouth agape. Cassie panted, lifting Reginald’s head, trying to find any sign of life.
“Reginald- hold on, please- please hold on,” tears started to threaten her, lids heavy.
His limp head lolled, blood pooling onto the floor, lapping at Cassie’s skirts. A hand grabbed her arm, and she smacked her hand back, slapping Aiden hard across the face. He grunted, turning to her clutching his cheek.
“What the hell is wrong with you!” Cassie cried, tears rolling down her face now, “You killed him you bastard!”
Aiden didn’t reply, staring at Reginald’s lifeless corpse, before looking back up to Cassie sympathetically, “You know I didn’t mean it Cassie.”
She froze, chest clenched. Aiden stepped toward her, extending a bloody hand, trying to stroke her face.Cassie didn’t resist, somewhat comforted by his touch. He moved a curl, tucking it behind her ear. She bit the inside of her cheek, heart racing— confused, dazed— she didn’t know how to react.
Cassie pulled away, slapping Aiden’s hand away again, “Don’t. You started all of this. You wanted this.”
He almost looked hurt, if there wasn’t any pleasure behind his expression. “I didn’t mean to hurt you Cassie— you have nothing to do with this. All I wanted was the Eversource,” he argued, the little golden crown shifted on his head as he spoke.
“You lied to me! I trusted you! I loved you! And I…I thought you loved me too- but that was just another lie,” Cassie screamed, hot tears rolling down her cheeks.
Aiden trembled. “I do love you-“
“Does this seem like something someone who loved me would do?” Cassie gestured around her.
Aiden reached for her again, but she pushed him away. “You killed my family. Destroyed my home. Tricked me into loving you! How could I ever love a monster like you!”
Emotion left his face, and he stood, fists clenching. “You wanted the Eversource. You have it. Are you happy now? You’ve ruined everything you’ve built, all for a stupid, useless crown.”
He leaped at her, grabbing her by the throat and pushing her against the wall. Cassie struggled, clawing at his fingers digging into her neck.
“This is more than you’ll ever understand— you don’t fucking get it Cassie,” he spat, clenching her throat.
She gasped, kneeing up into his crotch, Aiden’s grip releasing. He groaned, limping before he grabbed his sword, threatening to swipe at her.
Cassie snatched her’s from the floor, pointing it at Aiden, “What could I possibly not understand? We knew each other since we were kids! I thought we were close! And then you made me watch Isa get thrown into the void!”
Aiden touched their swords together, meeting Cassie’s eye. “You don’t even know me,” he whispered, lunging at her.
She dodged it, blocking his attack and swiping back, cutting his hand. He growled, stabbing at her again. Cassie parried it, returning the attack each time he leaped at her.
They carried their fight out, pushing back against the walls and into the rain. Aiden swiped, catching Cassie’s cheek. She cringed, letting her guard down for a moment. He saw his opportunity, tripping her and disarming her, kicking the sword away.
Cassie grumbled, Aiden’s blade inches away from her face. “We could’ve worked it out Cass, we still can,” he pleaded, pulling the sword back a little.
“No. You’ve made your decision,” she growled, her face starting to wet again. “To the death it is.”
She kicked Aiden in the knee, scrambling for her sword. Cassie pointed the blade at Aiden, breathing heavily, tears rolling down her cheeks once more.
Aiden gazed at her, face painted with a shit-eating smirk, “Oh Cassie, do I really deserve your tears?”
Her face scrunched up in pain, looking down to see Aiden’s blade deep in her side. She screamed, clutching her side and sliding to her knees. Aiden grumbled, pulling the sword out, leaving Cassie on her side.
She whimpered, Aiden gently rolling her over with his boot. “I’m sorry it had to be like this,” he cooed, kneeling to stroke her face, “I really did love you.”
Cassie grunted, pulling his ear close, “then you can die with me.”
She jabbed the sword into his chest, Aiden’s pained shrieks filling the air as he stubbled and collapsed next to her. He coughed, leaning over to look at Cassie.
She propped herself up, crawling towards him. Aiden chuckled, tears gathering in the corners of his eyes. Cass sobbed, planting her head on his chest.
“Hey- don’t cry—“ he swooned, running his bloody fingers through her hair, “Losing me won’t be that bad.”
She lifted her head, eyes heavy. Aiden smiled weakly, kissing her forehead.
“Sucks I always fight the prettiest girls,” he joked, wheezing, “perks of being a bastard I guess.”
Cassie snorted, resting her head on his collarbone. His hands drifted up to her wound, his fingers pressing into it, trying to stop the bleeding.
“God you idiot- why are you helping me? You’re the one about to die,” Cassie sniffed, repulsed by his harsh touch.
“I won’t make it anyway— besides,” he pulled her close with his free hand, “this seems like a good place to finally give up.”
He pressed their lips together, for a brief moment, digging his dirty hands into her hair. Cassie folded into it, finding her hands drifting up to caress Aiden’s face.
He pulled them apart, breaking into a coughing fit, blood starting to dribble out of his mouth.
“Oh god-“ Cassie sat up, wincing as she grazed over Aiden’s tender flesh, trying to be gentle as she pressed her sleeve against the cut.
Aiden grabbed her arm, drawing her attention. “He-hey-“ he stuttered, finally starting to deteriorate from the stab wound.
Cassie kissed his forehead, lingering for a second before looking him in the eye.
“I l-love you,” he smiled, his eyes fluttering a little.
Cassie started to cry again, leaning into Aiden’s shoulder and sobbing. He patted her head, before his eyes finally closed, body going limp.
Cass wailed, lifting his head into her lap, resting her forehead on his. “Please- I can’t lose you too Aiden-“ she whispered, kissing him gently.
He didn’t budge, and more tears started rolling down her face, wetting Aiden’s. Cassie bumped her head against his, kissing his temple and trailing kisses down his jaw.
“Pl-please…” she sobbed, kissing his cheek, her tears rolling down Aiden’s face. “Please d-don’t leave me…”
She was still for a moment, rocking his head in her lap— stroking his hair. “I-I love you too…”