Naily seemed to sense something and struggled with all her might to break free from Karl. But he just sighed and immobilized her with a spell. He lowered his eyes to his chest: “The device has not yet failed, I will soon die, and you… will be free.”
He placed her leaning against a rock and sat down staggeringly.
“No… I don’t want…” Naily’s teeth were chattering. She wanted to hold him tightly but couldn’t move. She wanted to say she didn’t want this ending, she didn’t accept this freedom that belonged only to her…
Karl easily read her expression, moved his lips, and then burst into a cough. He covered his mouth, blood flowing between his fingers. His eyes were smiling. He said hoarsely: “So the last thing I’m going to do is make you forget me.”
He tried to wipe the blood from his hands, but the blood-soaked clothing only made his fingertips redder. He gave up with a low laugh, caressing Naily’s cheek, pressing his cool forehead against hers, looking into her eyes.
She tried to close her eyes and resist, but his gaze had a captivating magic. She could only let the deep red waves wash over her dizzily. The spell’s waves rolled across her heart lake, invading her consciousness, smoothing out and zeroing all memories she had cherished and hated.
Karl, Karl, Karl…
All Naily could do was silently chant his name in her heart, hoping this would help her remember him and overcome the magic king’s powerful spell. She could no longer remember their first meeting.
Karl, Karl, Karl…
But those dark memories were like footprints in the sand, washed away by the tide.
Karl, Karl…
At least don’t take away this name…
“Ka…” she choked, no longer sure what the next syllable would be. She looked blankly at the familiar yet strange face before her, not knowing why tears welled up in her eyes.
This beautiful black-haired youth smiled slightly at her, took her hand, and placed a damp kiss on the back of her hand.
His ruby-like eyes gradually misted over, his smile deepening: “Goodbye, Naily.”
She saw the strange device behind the youth explode, the blast blowing a hole in the clouds. The bursting sparks were like magnificent fireworks, yet dimmed in front of the person.
“Mission completed!”
