Alisha's POV
I can never forget the look Louie gave me at that moment, full of boundless love. It seemed like he knew that, by using his body to shield me from that ominous black flame, it meant a permanent farewell between us.
In that brief moment, grief overwhelmed my heart. Before I could say anything, Gray swiftly arrived at our side. With a firm grip, he pulled me away from Louie, separating us completely.
I understood that Gray was acting in my best interest, trying to save me from being entangled in the black flame's curse. But as I watched the black flames swiftly engulfing Louie, I couldn't help but scream in despair.
His body was almost entirely covered by the flames, yet he continued to smile at me, devoid of any signs of pain or resentment, just like the first time I met him, so gentle.
I immediately wanted to throw myself onto him, to extinguish the dreadful flames that could take away his life. Gray, with both arms, held me back, refusing to let me go no matter how much I struggled.
Was there nothing I could do, just watch Louie perish in the flames?
In that critical moment, a sudden realization flashed in my mind, and I shouted, "Moon Stone!" If the Moon Stone could prevent the curse, could it also eliminate the flames on Louie?
My wolf understood my intention. It quickly picked up the Moon Stone from Joey's body and rushed towards Louie.
Gray, sensing my wolf's intent, yelled, "No, absolutely not! Don't touch him. Once touched by the black flames, it is over!"
But my wolf, without hesitation, rushed toward the flames surrounding Louie and leaped into the fiery mass. Even if there was only a one in a million chance, I had to take it, even if the stake was my own life.
Gray shouted in despair, "No!" And I, summoning strength from somewhere, quickly pushed Gray aside. If my wolf was truly engulfed by the black flames, those dreadful flames would appear on my body too. I couldn't let Gray be in danger because of my recklessness.
The next moment, perhaps moved by my courage, Moon Goodness show her mercy, and prepared for the worst, I found that flames were not appearing on my body. Instead, the flames on Louie were diminishing. My wolf placed the Moon Stone on Louie's chest, emitting a gentle and divine silver light.
I felt like a person lost in the desert who suddenly discovered an oasis. I staggered toward Louie, tears blurring my vision. When I saw Louie again after the flames disappeared, I found that his entire body had no good flesh left. Except for his lightly injured face, his whole body was covered in horrific burn marks, shocking to behold, like a charred piece of wood.
I knelt on the ground, tremblingly embracing him. My wolf quickly returned to me, and I immediately activated my Gift to heal Gray. Regardless, I had to save him!
I mobilized every ounce of energy in my body. Finally, Louie's body slowly improved. His muscles and tissues began to recover. When he could speak again, he looked at me, softly saying, "Am I dreaming? Alisha, if the merciful Moon Goodness is willing to give me another chance to be with you, I want to say, I love you. In the last moments before death, I never regretted exchanging my life for yours. But I regret not bravely telling you about my feelings for you. I really love you, from the moment I first saw you."
"I... I know, I know..." I stroked his face, choked with tears.
"No, you don't. That rainy day wasn't the first time we met. Once, during a forest conflict, you were injured..."
In an instant, I recalled that moment. I was upset and got caught up in a conflict while being outside, and someone saved me... it was Louie! Why... why did I only realize it now?
"Alisha, from the first time I saw you, I longed to have you in my arms, to shield you from the wind and rain, to protect you from all external harm. I knew I had no chance to be with you, but as long as you were happy and safe, I..." Louie's voice gradually weakened, and his physical condition seemed to worsen again, his body temperature dropping. A sense of impending doom swept over me, and I started to panic.
"No! Louie, hang on! We will be together; I want to marry you and spend our lives together. Please... don't leave me..."
Suddenly, a cry broke the flow of the narrative. I looked at Nova, who was teary-eyed, and asked, "What's wrong? Weren't you excited to hear the story just now? Why are you crying now?" As I spoke, I grabbed some tissues to wipe away Nova's tears.
"Alisha, it's too touching! Louie and you are like the prince and princess in a fairy tale, loving each other so much... it's wonderful that you can finally be together. Then, just like the princess's kiss that saved the prince, did your proposal inspire Louie's fighting spirit, allowing him to overcome the curse and survive? It's so touching..."
As I heard this, I smiled faintly. Fairy tales... how nice it would be if they were real...
Nova hugged me tightly. "Alisha, Louie is a man worth entrusting your life to. I hope you and he can live happily ever after like the princess and prince in a fairy tale!"
I gratefully replied, "Thank you, Nova! We will, just like in a fairy tale..."
After escorting Nova to her room, I suggested she rest while I went to check on Louie. I was genuinely concerned about his condition.
However, as I was about to knock on Louie's door, Gray's teasing voice suddenly sounded behind me, "You two are getting married the day after tomorrow, and you have so much time to be together. You don't need to demand constant companionship right now. Allocate some time for your brother, okay?"
I turned awkwardly. "Gray!"
"What? Did I say something wrong?" Leaning on the corridor railing, he looked at me, teasing.
"If you keep saying that, I'll ignore you!"
"Okay, okay, Alisha." Suddenly, Gray's expression became somewhat serious. He looked at me and continued, "Let's talk."
A hint of heaviness settled in my heart. I seemed to guess what he was going to say. I shook my head, "Not now, Gray. I am busy. Maybe later..."
"Not saying it now will be too late. Alisha, evasion won't help."
"Gray, I'm not avoiding. I know what I'm doing. I also know what you want to say. But, as I have told you before, this is my choice, and I won't regret it."
"You are my beloved sister, and I will help you with anything you want to do. But I just hope you ask yourself one question."
I looked at Gray, silent.
"Alisha, do you truly love Louie?"