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Ever since Cassandra was a child, Owl had always been a constant companion. Animals were nothing like people, which Cassandra learned early on was for the best. He wasn't like the nobles who were all too quick judge her based on appearance alone. He wasn't like Corona's royal family or her father, who forced her into a role she never chose. He wasn't like the children who had whispered insults and threats when they knew she was just within hearing distance. Instead, he was a loyal friend, a grounding presence through the most difficult struggles. Unlike her human friends who turned away the moment supporting her became inconvenient. That was fine. She didn't need other friends; she should have figured that out a long time ago. Before she let Rapunzel and her emotional support convicts drag her into their story where she was an afterthought, only acknowledged when they needed her. She was trapped, not only in Rapunzel's service, but everyone's.
And yet, while she explored the stronghold she created with pure moonstone power, Owl still by her side, she felt a stab of guilt for bringing Owl down with her. He didn't deserve to be pulled down the path of villainy any more than she deserved to be pulled into her so-called friend's trap. He'd done nothing wrong, and he deserved to live freely and happily, not bound to her the same way she was to the princess. She turned towards him with tears in her eyes, holding out her arm for him to sit on. She stroked his soft feathers one final time, the pain of what she was about to do nearly overwhelming her.
"Hey buddy, don't follow me down wherever I go from here. You deserve to live a good life, but staying with me won't bring anything good. Just promise me you'll never be trapped like I was."
Owl had a sad look on his face, but he gave a low hoot that Cassandra had learned meant "yes".
"I hope you find a new friend out there, someone who isn't like me. I know how hard this is, but it has to be done. You're the best owl buddy anyone could ask for. Bye, buddy. I'll always remember you."
Her goodbye finished, Cassandra watched as Owl disappeared into the sky. Once he was out of sight, she fell to the floor and sobbed, breaking down completely and spilling out all her despair. She knew she had done what was best, but that didn't stop the grief from ripping through her heart. She sniffled and wiped at her eyes, feeling a bit of relief that he wouldn't go through down same path as her, no matter what. Cassandra may have started her descent into evil, but she'd managed to do one last good deed.