Chapter 30

PEANUTS!

HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!

You're reading this? Okay? Okay. Now that you're reading this, I just want to tell you something really FREAKING IMPORTANT. So, Stick with me for a sec and don't skip me talking/writing.

First of all, this is the FINAL chapter for this book. Secondly, I want to apologize for the grammar mistakes and errors and for the late update. I was working really hard on this one so I won't dissapoint you and myself. Lastly and most importantly, I want to say THANK YOU SO FREAKING MUCH for supporting me and reading this story and sticking with it no matter what. You have no idea how I FREAKING APPRECIATE IT. I love everyone of you and you guys are seriously the best. I'm so grateful for it, so thank you.

Okay, now that's done, here you go. Final chapter of Cinderella the Monster Slayer.

P.S: Dedicate this last chapter to my wonderful, amazing readers– thank you for reading Cinderella The Monster Slayer. Thank you for not giving up on this book and not giving up on me.

And sorry for the CAPSLOCK.  :D

*********************************

The sound of metal colliding with each other vibrated through the breeze. Creatures screaming cries of war and pain. Dead bodies, fallen weapons on the bloodstained snow. The battle that determined everything was happening right in front of her eyes. Her army on the ground holding off the enemies and attacking them. The Elves and other shooters were up on the trees firing arrows to their foes. She was shaking. Her hands were trembling. Her eyes set on the creatures fighting each other. One attacked and another defended. One fell and one survived.

“Ela!” Henry shouted, pulling her away from her thoughts. “Go finish off Magnus. We'll help the others,” He said.

She nodded briefly as her eyes glanced at Blake, who had his eyes on her. Just as she was about to voice out her thoughts, Henry cut her off to it.

“I’ll take care of him. I promise,”  His eyes fixed determinedly on hers.

And she believed him. Giving him a thankful look, she scurried to the battle scene.

As if her presence were announced, creature by creature came and attacked her. With her sword in her hand, she swiftly blocked their attempts. Her attacks were fast. Her movements fluid like the river. The Excalibur went through their flesh easily. She ran. She punched and kicked her enemies away.  Her sword twirling in her hands. Skilfully, she swung and thrust the blade into the monsters. Spray of blood rained on her as the monsters turned weak and dropped to the ground.

Catching her breath, she found herself free of her enemies, standing in a circle that was free of violence. Her eyes found Luke's large black wolf that was chewing the head of a troll savagely. His  ear was bleeding and there were cuts on his back but other than that, he seemed fine. Relieved at his condition, her eyes left him as she scanned for her friends. There were too many creatures and none of her friends came in view, though her eyes capture the sight of her army doing well. Their tactic was a success and they were holding it together.

Abruptly, her senses alerted her the presence of an enemy behind her. She turned hastily, rasing her blade and stopping the onset. The vibration from her sword hitting her enemy's  travelled down her arms, making her mucles tense.

As she kept her feet firmly on the ground, she glared at her attacker. Fear and anger burned her as her eyes meet Magnus' dark and empty ones. He smirked and before she knew it, she was sent  flying off the ground, landing painfully on the cold snow. She cursed as she stood.  She coughed violently from the sudden blow that replicated something punching her stomach. The pain in her torso made her sure that her ribs were injured– bruised or worse, broken.

Lifting her head, she looked at the monster in front of her. This wasn't the same Magnus. His powers were stronger and his attacks were deadly. His piercing eyes were glaring at her deadly. His muscle tensed– his jaw clenched. Purple and blue veins sticking out of his temples and neck. He looked vicious.

He had taken the drug.

Ignoring her fears, she mentally told herself to get it together and be brave. She needed to do this. She needed to save this world.

With the drumming of her heart in her ears, she raised her sword as Magnus ran towards her with a cry of war. At that moment, she knew was about to endure something similar to her battle with the Berserker. She was about to witness hell.

**************************

A horrifying scream left the vampire in Henry's hold as he tore the vampire’s heart out from his wounded breast. His body went limp, turning into ashes, leaving Henry's bloodied hand in the air. Turning on his heels to defend himself from the monster behind him, he found his enemy falling to the ground lifelessly, revealing the sight of Blake who seemed out of breath. Henry gave him a thankful nod as Blake pulled out his knife from the dead.

Watching young man clean his knife with his sleeve, Henry thought of how Blake followed his instructions. When he told him to stay by his side, he thought he would argue but he didn't. Blake understood what was going on and he wasn't up for playing a hero and filled with egoistical pride and Henry was thankful for that.

Snapping of his thoughts, he averted his eyes from him and searched for Angela. His eyes found her. Her enemy was on the ground as she thrust her sword into the monster’s chest. Relief filled his heart to see her still standing.

An enemy came up behind her.  Her eyes glowed, sending the monster flying off a few feet from her. Just as the Gargoyle was about to rise, a knife struck towards its heart as it succumbed to death.

Henry stared at the thrower, cocking his brow with an impressed look.

“Kid, I wouldn’t be surprised if you were in an army. Where did you learn to throw like that?” He asked, walking next to Blake as he reached for his knife.

“I had some training…and I was a pitcher. It’s weird that being a pitcher can make you a great killer,” Blake shrugged.

Henry's face softened. Placing his hand on Blake's shoulder, he gave him a warm smile and said, “You’ll be fine.”

There were warmth in Blake's eyes as he gave Henry a grateful nod.

“Are you alright?” Henry asked, acknowledging Angela who had walked towards them. His eyes met hers before gazing down at her wounded stomach.

“I’m okay. I think the bleeding stopped and the wound is covered. Thanks,” she smiled.

Her smile somehow managed to make his dead heart warm and his head fuzzy. Clearing his throat, he replied, “Good. We wouldn’t want to carry you back like a princess.”

“Last time I check, I’m not a damsel that needs saving. I wouldn’t want you to carry me anyway,” she rolled her eyes.

“Who said I was going to carry you?”

Angela blushed, before replying confidently, “Oh, I know you would. You can’t get enough of me.”

“Going way over your head there,” Henry said as he stood in front of her, his face hovering over hers. “I’m just simply stating the fact. You like me.”

“Who said I like you?" She challenged.

“Oh, just shut up and kiss already!” Blake interrupted, surprising them both as they peered at their friend.

Blake watched them before giving them a fed up look. Rolling his eyes, he turned around, facing away from them to give them some sort of privacy.

Henry's eyes met those blue ones once more. His gaze leering at her lucious lips, his hands itched to touch her.

“I think maybe we should conform to his advice.”

She tossed him a smirk and replied, “I think maybe not.”

“Why not?”

“Oh, the flirting. It’s disgusting.”

The familiar voice filled their ears. They faced the man who was standing there with a sly smile on his face. Yet, the smirk wasn’t the one that worried them. What terrified them was his arm around Blake, holding him captive.

“Release him, Vlad,” Angela bellowed.

“Why should I?” He chuckled lightly as he glanced at Blake in his hold. “Oh, the billionaire sweetheart’s life is in my hand. Now, what should I do with you?”

Henry sudden chuckle filled the air and Vlad glared at him, unamused. “Something funny?”

Shaking his head at Vlad, his lips turned into a secretive smile. “You have no idea how dangerous that billionaire sweetheart is.”

Confusion struck his face before a quiver scream left his mouth as Vlad felt the piercing pain in his stomach. Hastily releasing Blake, he touched his bloodied stomach in discomfort and stared shocked at his supposed to be victim.

“Cool armour comes with secret hidden knives,” Blake smiled smugly.

Before Vlad could attack him again, a strong force hit him as he pushed off the ground and landed sorely. He groaned in pain as he struggle to get back up. With a speed that was close to lightning, Henry appeared in front of him,  his hand wrapped around his neck while the other held his shoulder down to the ground.

“Have you forgotten what I promised you, Vlad?" Henry snarled. "Touch the Protector and you're dead.”

Vlad’s body trembled with fear. Just as he thought Henry was the one who was going to finish him, he was wrong. Henry stepped aside, making room for the incoming attack. Held down on the ground, Vlad couldn’t do anything but to stare as the sorceress sink her sword into his chest. A gurgle scream escaped his mouth as his body went limp before becoming one with the thick snow.

*********************

Sweat trickled down Elektra's neck as stopped the blade from kissing her throat. Putting force on her feet, she stabilized herself and pushed Magnus’ sword away. She tried to attack, but Magnus striked first. His blade hit again and again violently as he yelled, “I. Will. End. You!” with each hit. She blocked them smartly. Her eyes noticed how his side was unprotected. Seeing the opportunuity, she twisted her sword foward. The tip of the blade sunk into Magnus' shoulder, making him hiss in pain.

They were struggling for quite a spell and fatigue was starting to invade her. She was good but Magnus was better. He was surperior. The drug worked perfectly. Vicious attacks were fired at her and she could barely avoid them. Her wounded shoulder from the lab was getting worse and it was affecting her. Her new injuries– a long cut her right arm, bruised ribs, a graze on her stomach and strained right leg were adding the pain that she was trying so hard to ignore. Her strikes were slower and weaker. At that moment, she was really thankful that she was left-handed and it was her right shoulder that was wounded. She was still able to hold her sword properly and fight.

Thought of losing intruded her mind as she fought with her wounds. She knew if this kept on going, she wouldn't last any longer. But she couldn't give up. Not now. Not ever. Until her last breath, she could and would never stop fighting.

Approaching Magnus instantaneously, she thrust her sword forth. She was pleased when her blade sunk into his stomach. Lifting her eyes to his face, her heart skipped a beat when she saw blood pouring out from his mouth as he roared in anger.

His eyes blinked and an invisible force hit her, making her hurl away from him. Her face slammed ground. She groaned as she felt the sharp pain in her nose. Her fingers wiped the wet snow above her lips. But it was not snow, it was blood.

Her  head snapped up as a terrifying roar shook the field. Magnus' deathly glare met her eyes while he charged at her. Frozen in her spot, she knew she couldn’t move quickly enough to avoid his attack. Just as she thought it was the end for her, Magnus was pushed to the side before landing on the field.

Shakily, she stood and straightened her leg to make it better while her eyes watched the two men struggling on the ground. A shivering worry smothered her when she recognized the man on top of Magnus, holding him down.

Before she could even help him, Blake was thrown off, landing roughly on the ground a few feet away from Magnus.

“Blake!” Her eyes widened with fear. Henry arrived beside him, placing him on top of his shoulder as he brought him to safety– away from Magnus.

Too focused on Blake, she didn’t realize Magnus was up and dashing towards her with the tip of his sword facing her.

“Elektra!” Angela shrieked.

Facing Magnus, she expected him to drive his blade into her thorax, but only to see a figure standing between them with Magnus’ sword piercing through his spine. Her eyes set on the angelic golden hair that was slolwy coloured with blood. She knew those locks anywhere.

Stabbing pain fell upon her heart, squeezing the life out of her as she saw the Elf’s body trembling. Tears filled her eyes as she choked back a sob.

“Alfred,” She tried to cry but it came out broken and raspy.

Her eyes fell upon his mouth when she saw them moved. It was soft enough, but everyone near him could hear it.

“Got you.”

She questioned his words until Magnus started screaming. “No! What did you do?!” Panicked, he briskly pulled Alfred’s hand away from his arm.

Her eyes viewed the syringe that was in Alfred’s hand and she worked out everything. Even though it was still unclear, she knew why he did it and what was happening.

She could see Magnus becoming weaker. His ashen face showed pain, his shoulders slumped in defeat. He howled, a murderous look painted on his face as he pulled his sword out of Alfred's chest and sent him soaring in the air before hitting the ground. Immediately, Henry was there, carrying him to safety. She managed to glimpsed at Alfred's lifeless face before he disappeared from her view.

Something snapped inside of her. Boiling blood rushed through her bloodstreams like fire, spreading all over. A fury that she never thought she could feel. Dismissing her pain, she faced Magnus with a dangerous demeanour.

With her sword gripped tightly in her hands, she lunged at him. Immediately prepared, Magnus blocked her attack. She fired more, hitting his sword again and again. Her aggressive attack had Magnus panicking slightly as he tried to protect himself. She was sharp and her force on her attack was stronger.

Tangled in her onslaught, Mangus unconditionally allowed Elektra to kick his leg. His balance faltered, forcing him take a few steps back, leaving his front unprotected. She swung her sword and her heart jumped when she successfully left a long deep cut on his torso.

He cried out in pain, his fist clenched so tightly that his fingers could break. He looked at his wound before lifting his head as his eyes met hers. Her piercing eyes shining in the full moon night and the way she stood gloriously like the warrior she was shook his soul. This was The Protector, the monster slayer. For the first time since she ever met him, this was the first time she saw fear in his eyes.

“You will pay for those you had killed,” She yelled.

Speeding towards him, she attacked like bullets, fast  and deadly. Magnus struggled to block every one of them. He was weakened and he couldn't even try to attack. However, too much rage in her head made her fail to notice as Magnus took out a knife from his pocket as she continued to vigorously attack him. Sharp pain stung her when he pushed the blade into her hip.

A shaky cry escaped her as she felt the blade digging deeper into her flesh. Gritting her teeth, she ignored the pain and pushed Magnus away with her sword. The knife was out and blood painted that section of her shirt.

Getting herself back together, Elektra continued her assault. Surprised that she was still able to fight, Magnus was caught off guard. Her sword struck his hand, making his lose his grip on his weapon. In a flash, she hit the weapon away as it tumbled to the snow. Just as he was about to protect himself with the small knife in his hand, Elektra thrust the Excalibur into his chest.

Magnus froze. His shocked eyes met hers and she watched as life slowly left his eyes. His body went limp. Her sword slipped of his chest as his dead body dropped onto the ground. For a moment, she stood there, looking at Magnus’ frail human body on the blood-painted snow. Lifeless. Cold. He was dead and it was over.

She pulled her gaze away from the body and scanned her surroundings. They were winning. Her army killed one by one of Magnus’ soldier. Some of the ran from the warzone and others stayed to meet their deaths.

At that moment, she didn’t know what to feel. She was glad that Magnus was dead, but she felt remorse for the creatures that had been brought into Magnus’ own selfish desires. She felt regret that they needed to create a war. They could have stopped any of this from happening if Magnus would just forget the past. Alas, the past can never be forgotten and Magnus was blinded with revenge.

She pulled away from her thoughts when she remembered Alfred’s condition. Her browsing eyes met the figures of her friends kneeling and sitting on the ground. With pain hugging her, she made her way agonizingly to them. She noticed that none of them were badly injured. It would have given her a sense of relief if it weren’t for the figure that was lying on the ground. The dreadful feeling filled her again. She came to a stop and her friends met her eyes sorrowfully.

A shaky breath escaped her mouth as she kneeled beside the man who had been like a father to her. The gut wrenching pain hit her again and her heart had never felt so heavy as she saw the lifeless and pale body in front of her.

“I-I couldn’t…do anything.” Henry said dejectedly with a torn look on his face. He reached for Angela’s hand on his shoulder and gazed down at their sleeping friend.

Tears started to flow down her cheeks as she broke down.  Blake's hand on her shoulder could only do little comfort as she grieved. She cried, her forehead on his bloodied chest, his hand in hers. She wept for Alfred, for her father, her friend– Daniel, and those who had died from Magnus’ anger and revenge.

Her chest was harsh. Her lungs were worn out. She started to feel dizzy and tiredness started to pick up its notch. She was losing blood and her injuries were torturing her. Her eyelids felt heavy and she could no longer keep her eyes open. She was falling. Drifting. Calls from Blake and his arms around her were the last thing she was aware of.

********************

Elektra paced through the wet ground of the forest with her heart beating hastily in her chest. She didn’t really know what she was looking for. It was as if her feet had a mind of its own, dragging her to God knows where. There was a heavy feeling in her chest that she usually had whenever something bad was going to happen or happened. She didn’t like it. It made her terrified of what she was going to find out.

Her eyes suddenly came in vision of two men facing each other. Both of them injured, but the other man who was familiar to her eyes was worse.

“You are allowing your anger get in your head, Magnus. This revenge doesn’t have to live on.” The badly injured man spoke.

She knew that voice well. She loved that voice and its owner. The voice used to soothe her to sleep and read her stories at night.

She couldn't see Magnus' face as his back was facing hers. Knowing it was him, she knew whatever that's going to happen would be bad news.

Before she could confront the two men, Magnus broke out a chilling laughter. The man that was badly injured couldn’t avoid the incoming attack as Magnus pushed his sword into man’s chest.

“No!” She croaked as she watched the blade sink further in.  Horror and painful grief filled her heart, as she stood frozen in spot. Tears dropped from her eyes as she screamed at Magnus but somehow; they could not hear her and her feet wouldn't allow her to move.

“I will never let it go. I will kill every one of you. Just like I did to you.” Magnus promised as he pulled his sword out. The man gagged and breathed in shakily as he fell to the ground.

Boiling rage consumed Elektra as she stormed towards Magnus. However, he vanished before she could even attack her. Confusion filled her. How did he vanish?

A gurgle sound tore her from her confusion. Her face fell and sadness rose even higher in her as her shaking hands held the man’s bloodied face. Never had she felt herself shaking so much from grief. Her eyes met his and a sob escaped from her mouth.

“Dad…”

Her father gave her a weak smile in return– his eyes glistened with tears.

"I’m so proud of you.” He whispered shakily.

A weak breath escaped him as his eyelids slowly closed and never were to open again. Panic started to kick in as she stared at her father’s lifeless state.

“Wake up, dad. Please. Dad? Please…. wake up.”

The sudden hand shaking her shoulder ripped her from her father. Her father faded and the forest disappeared as she jolted awake.

A warm hand touched her shoulder almost carefully and she quickly lifted her head to meet the owner. Calmness washed over her as her eyes met the familiar brown eyes looking at her worriedly. Realizing she was holding her breath, she relaxed and rested her head on his shoulder.

Blake didn’t say a word as he pulled her towards his chest and wrapped his arms around her.

As always, she felt absolutely safe and loved in his arms.

************************

Handing her a mug of tea, Henry sat at the edge of her bed, next to her. A few minutes after she had woken up and comforted lovingly by Blake, he had called Henry to check on her, to make sure she was fine– absolutely and surely fine were his words.

Leaving a gentle kiss on her forehead, he left the lair and let Henry examine her. After a few tests, she was fine, but of course, she still needed to be looked after and consume a lot of rest. Henry made her tea after that, seeing that she needed it.

Taking a small sip, her lips left the mug as she placed it on her sheets while she was still holding it. She then lifted her head to meet Henry’s eyes.

“So how long exactly have I been asleep?” She asked.

“About three days,” He said.

Her eyes widened in surprise knowing that she had been unconscious for three days. “What happened exactly? I mean after I passed out.”

Henry’s lips turned into a straight line and his brows furrowed. “Well, we took you back here. You lost a lot of blood and there were so many wounds, Ela.”

She took hold of his shaky hands, silently telling him that she was okay. It made a small smile appear on his face as he continued, “Most of Magnus’ followers died in the battle. Some of them managed to run away.”

“Our friends?” She questioned worriedly.

Henry’s face turned grim as he revealed to her, “Our numbers of death is not as bad as Magnus’ army, but still, a lot of us died in the battle.”

Elektra’s face fell and sadness hit her like lightning. She thought about her friends who had helped her during the battle. They had been nothing but helpful and kind to her. They trusted her. She would remember those who had fallen. They all had died with honour.

Shaking those heart-breaking thoughts away, she spoke, “Did you have a funeral for the vampires too?” She inquired about her friends who helped her.

“Yes, we had a funeral for everyone who had fallen during the battle– even for those who had no bodies to be buried,” He answered. “Even Alfred.”

She inhaled sharply, hearing his name. She still remembered his pale face and his cold hand. The way the tip of the sword stuck out of his back and the blood colouring his angelic hair.

“He saved me,” She whispered, her eyes staring into oblivion. “He died because of that.”

Henry took her hand in his, which made her lift her head at him. His warm and comforting sea blue eyes met hers. “Don’t you ever think that it was your fault. He wouldn’t want to. He did that because he had to. He would always protect you.”

Elektra smiled weakly. Henry words did make her feel better– they always do – but she knew it might take a while for her to completely throw her guilt away. Maybe it will never go away. She could just hope that she would be able to live with it.

“You know…” Henry chipped. He seemed hesitant, but he continued, “…Before he died, he said something.”

Her eyes opened wide with surprise followed by anticipation. “What did he say?” She demanded to know.

“He said he promised him,” Henry revealed. “By him, I assume it’s your father.”

Even though the words weren’t clear and finished, she knew what Alfred had meant.

“Do you know what that promise is?” Henry asked, his brows furrowed in question.

A soft smile appeared on her face as she informed him, “To protect me. That was his promise to dad.”

And Alfred had kept his promise.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Slipping underneath the warm cover of her snug bed, Elektra released a pleasant sigh. Her bed had never felt so wonderful before. She was overjoyed that she was able to sleep in her own bed and not at the lair. Not to mention that Blake was sleeping in her bed as well. She needed the company to keep her sane.

Since Henry informed her that she was fine, she was able to leave the lair. Her first stop was the living room. She was surprised when she walked into the living room filled with people. Smiles on their faces and relief in their eyes as they welcomed her with hugs and kisses, some even in tears. Darcy hugged her tightly as if she was never going to return. She couldn’t help but to hug her back as tightly as she could despite her wounds. Elektra was able to thank Chelsea for taking care of her sister and she received her tears on her shoulder as her best friend hugged the life out of her.

A moment after the emotional embrace, she managed to pull back and meet Luke. He thanked her and she thanked him for helping. She saw the gratefulness in his eyes when he mentioned that he was happy that she was fine.

It warmed her heart knowing that there were a lot of people who cared about her, that she wasn’t alone. The war was going to haunt her forever– the guilt that she carried with her, her battle with Magnus, seeing her friends injured and those who had died– but she knew she would be fine. She had all the love and support she could ever get.

“So, when is my stepmother and stepsisters are coming back?” She asked Blake, snapping out of her thoughts.

“In three more days. Thank god that you’re awake. If you’re not here when she gets back, she’ll throw a fit,” Blake chuckled while his eyes scanned her wooden bookshelf. “So, love– what are we going to read tonight?”

Letting her head touch her pillow, she stared at the fine specimen in front of her. How did she get so lucky?

“Elektra, I don’t mind you staring at me, but an answer would be good now.” Blake said cheekily, giving her a smirk, which made her blush.

She frowned, but the smile on her lips gave her away. “Okay, prince charming. Soon, the aliens on Mars are going to be able to see your humongous ego if you don’t control it.” She teased, which he chuckled in return. “I don’t know…why don’t you pick one this time?”

Blake’s fingers trailed down her collection of books. His eyes stopped when he found a brown book at the corner of the shelf, hidden behind other books. Pulling out the book in front of it, he took the hidden book in his hand. His brows furrowed as his eyes met the title of the book.

“Madeline.” He read out with a grin.

“I haven’t read that in a while.” Elektra stated. He faced her and saw the nostalgic yet sad look on her face.

Taking the book with him, he sat next to her as he listened to her with curiosity in his head.

“Days before he went missing…” She cleared her throat as her voice was becoming weak. “He read that to me…and after that night, I couldn’t even touch the book.” She spoke, her eyes glued to the book with a melancholic smile playing on her lips.

Blake wrapped an arm around her, trying to ease her sadness though he knew it could do nothing but still, he wanted to do something.

“We should read something else.” Blake said softly as he was about returned the book to the bookshelf. However, she stopped him before he could even get off her bed.

“No, it’s fine.” She spoke quickly. “You know… after I found out he died…not only was I mad at Magnus and heartbroken…I was at least glad to know what happened to him– not that finding out he’s dead was great. I’m still very upset and angry about it– but at least I knew what happened and I don’t have to keep having these questions in my head whether or not he’s still alive. It gave me closure.” She said as she lifted her head to look at Blake’s eyes. “I think it’s okay for me to read it now.”

Blake gave her a small smile in return and a soft kiss on her temple before he rested his back on the headboard. As he opened the book, a brown rectangular envelope fell out and landed on his lap. Slowly, Elektra took the envelope. Her brows furrowed deeper in curiousness when she noticed the envelope was addressed to her.

She glanced at Blake, who looked as curious as she was. His eyes sparkled with anticipation to know what’s in it.

Ripping the envelope open, she looked the inside of the envelope and discovered a white folded paper in it. Taking out the letter, she unfolded it and read its contents.

Blake watched as she read the letter, her eyes scanning over the words. Her mouth formed into a smile that was getting wider and brighter.

Elektra placed the letter on her lap and faced Blake, who waited patiently and excitedly for her to tell him about the letter. Before he could even ask her, she threw herself at him. Surprised and still unaware of what was happening, he wrapped his arms around her anyway.

She laughed as drew out. Seeing how happy she was, he knew the letter meant something great. Seeing how confused he looked, she handed him the letter. His eyes browsed the letter and soon, he understood why she was happy, as he himself couldn’t help but to smile.

“Ela, this is amazing.” He exclaimed as he met her bright eyes. “I know someone who could help us with this. In fact, I’ll call him right now.” He informed happily just as he got off from the bed and rushed out of the room with his phone in his hand. Elektra couldn’t help but grin as she took a glance at the letter again.

Her father was always prepared. Even when he’s no longer around, his two girls would always be his first priority.

**************************

Elektra gazed at the paper in front of her. She never knew this day would come. She smiled softly as she signed the paper and pushed it back towards the man in a brown suit sitting across her. With his shaggy brown hair and soft face with bright blue eyes that shone like a kid who’s getting candy, she would have no idea that this man was one of the best lawyers in the country if Blake hadn’t told her. She thought he looked incredibly adorable, like those anime characters.

Dang it, she could just pinch those chubby cheeks. Even Darcy was smitten with him when he entered the house.

“It’s done then.” The man threw her a happy look before taking the paper in his hand.

“Thanks again for doing this, Hadley.” Blake said gratefully.

“No problem! Glad I could help. With that letter you gave me, I met the people at the firm, including the witness and I managed to get your father’s will and everything was grand from there. It’s smart of him to keep it hidden and safe so that your stepmother or anyone else could never get a hand on it.” The lawyer spoke cheerfully. His dimples showed as he smiled.

Just as Hadley was about to place the paper back into the file, Elektra’s stepmother entered the room along with her daughters.

“Ela, pick up our bags at the door. We’re hungry and we need lunch as soon as possible.” Georgina, her stepmother voiced out. Her stepmother and her stepsisters eyed her and her guests inquiringly, especially the man in the brown suit since they had never seen him before.

“What’s going on? Who are you?” She asked snobbishly.

Before Elektra could even explain to Georgina, Hadley stood up, buttoning his blazer professionally. His face stoic as he spoke, “Hello Miss Georgina. My name is Hadley Lancaster. I’m Elektra’s lawyer. We have so much to discuss about, please take a seat.”

Hearing the word lawyer, Georgina’s face went ashen. “It’s Mrs Potter to you…and I don’t want to talk.” She spoke quickly. “If you excuse me, I would really appreciate if you leave my house.”

“I’m sorry, madam but this is not your house.” Hadley replied. His face remained expressionless but Elektra– well, – she couldn’t help but to smirk.

She saw Georgina’s throat bobbed and the twins looked at each other confused. “Excuse me?” Georgina breathed.

“This is not your house, Miss Georgina. It’s Elektra’s. It’s stated so in the will Mr Potter had written.”

“What?”

“In fact, everything you had bought with Mr Potter’s money is hers.” Hadley explained.

The look on Georgina’s face and her daughters were priceless. Elektra wanted to laugh so hard and take a picture of their faces. However, she only smirked while holding Darcy’s hand in hers.

It took a while for Georgina to understand what was going on. She was absolutely in denial as Hadley explained to her and her daughters about the will her father had written. However, Hadley’s arguments were strong and the evidence was unchangeable. Georgina finally gave up and accepted whatever Hadley was telling her. Her father only left them an amount of money – that’s probably enough for them and but knowing their crazy shopping ways, they wouldn’t even last one month with it– and an apartment out of town for them to live in. The girls were hysterical and Georgina was sombre. Elektra almost felt sad for them but then, she remembered the things she did to her, to Darcy, the money that their father left for her and how they use it. It made her think that her father was being too kind on them. However, she was fine with it. They were going away forever as soon as possible and she would have this house to herself, Darcy, her family.

Finally, they were getting what was theirs.

****************************

Everything was going well, so well that she had to pinch herself sometimes to make sure that what was happening wasn’t a dream or an illusion. Her stepmother and stepsisters left the house. Georgina and Reina bid her farewell rather coldly. However, Riley’s farewell was unexpected. She was actually nice.

“I’m sorry for everything we’ve ever done to you.” Riley spoke softly.

Shocked, Elektra stared at her. Riley’s cheeks went flushed as she gazed down at her shoes.

“I know that we haven’t really been great to you…cut that, we’ve been horrible and I really feel horrible about treating you like that. It’s like…so not fair.” She said as she rolled her eyes.  Elektra couldn’t help but to chuckle in response.

“I don’t know how you stay so strong…and I admire that,” Riley smiled softly. “I really do hope you can forgive me.”

Smiling softly, Elektra gave her a gentle squeeze on Riley’s shoulder. “I forgive you, Riley and your family… and I wish you all the best.” She meant her words. She forgave them. She was happy now and everything was okay. She didn’t want to hold grudges anymore.

A flash of relief and gratefulness appeared in Riley’s eyes before she gave her a nod and turned on her heels as she got in the taxi with her family, off to a new start.

Just like she was and everything was going amazing. Two months after Georgina and her daughters left the house, she rearranged the house back to what it was when her mother was still alive. She unboxed the family pictures that Georgina had kept away and hung them on walls and placed them on tables. How ecstatic she was to be able to see pictures of her parents in their home.

She sold the things Georgina and twins bought that she found unnecessary. The twins’ car was bargained and she got a normal Ford instead. She saved the extra money from the sale in the bank, for Darcy and her to use in the future.

Her wounds were healing and she was able to visit the families of those who had died helping her in the war. The trip to Alfred’s grave was emotional. Henry and Angela were there with her, giving the support that she needed as she visited the Elf who had saved her life.

She was able to spend more time with Darcy since the school didn’t start anytime soon. Not to mention that she was able to hang out with her friends and her boyfriend. She managed to live a normal life by day and do her duty at night. The monsters she fought weren’t as hard to defeat and they weren’t’ a lot of monsters going berserk. It was usually small problems and fights that she could manage without getting horribly injured.

Her loved ones were safe. She was alive and she was happy.

Everything was just wonderful.

Here she was in the arms of the man of her dreams, swaying to their song on the gazebo in his mansion’s garden wearing the dress Angela had given her and the same pair of glass slippers that she wore to prom.

She never thought she would ever reach here.

Blake’s father organized a small party on occasion of his birthday. Blake, of course, invited her to be his plus one. She hesitated to go since Blake’s father wasn’t really a fan of her but the cute face that he made when he ask her ceased her on going.

As she arrived at his mansion, Blake took her arm in his as he introduced him to his father. It wasn’t a surprise to see Mr Conrad’s cold demeanour towards her. He did thank her for the gift she’s given to him, albeit it came out forcefully.

She also managed to meet his mother. Surprisingly, his mother was nice to her. She asked her the common questions and smiled. She even told her to have a good time. Elektra could only nod in a daze at Blake’s astonishing mother.

During the party, she had a chance to see what Blake’s life was usually like and she realized how out of place she was. Everyone was perfect and polished. She was just awkward and a lowlife. She even killed monster. God knows how that would freak people out. Nevertheless, there were people who were nice and polite to her. She realized that where you ranked didn’t define a person. Her boyfriend was a strong proof of that and she could handle these high-class’ gatherings. She slayed monsters, didn’t she? She sure was able to handle a high society’s party.

That, however, didn’t make her any less awkward.

Sensing her distress, Blake took her hand and they ran to the garden like the teenagers they were and here they were, dancing slowly to the soft music playing from the distance accompanied by the pretty lights in the garden. Her head resting on his chest, his chin placed on her head. Both of them alone together, as if time had stopped and the stars were shinning just for them.

“I never really thought that I would be here,” She spoke, breaking the deafening silence as she lifted her head and stare at those bewitching brown eyes. “With you.”

He smiled at her, his eyes sparkling as he responded, “Well, you always managed to do the impossible– The impossible girl.”

“Quoting Doctor Who, how romantic. Besides, Clara’s way more impossible.” She chuckled as she played with the lapels of his black tux.

“Don’t ruin the moment.” He chided while the corner of his mouth rose. “Honestly, I’m trying to not to make this sound so freaking cheesy but– we are meant to be together. The string of fate had brought us together through all the tangles and difficulties. You are the best thing that ever happened to me and I don’t wish for one moment to be apart from you.”

She felt her eyes start to water from his words as she looked at him in awe and with love. The smile on her face grew wider as she broke out a small chuckle. “Not to be apart for a moment…a little bit clingy, don’t you think?”

Blake rolled his eyes and sighed dejectedly. “Ruining the moment there, Ela.”

She laughed wanly as she pulled him down and kissed him. Her stomach fluttered and her heart rate increased. Breaking the kiss, she rested her forehead on his. His eyes met hers as she caressed his stubble jaw. “Words couldn’t do justice to what I feel about you. You are every beautiful word created and every happy day in children’s lives.”

Blake looked at her like the way she first declared that she loved him. He smiled and kissed her again. That kiss made them both lost in their own world that they didn’t realize Henry arriving and leaning against the gazebo’s pillar.

Um…sorry.” He broke in, clearing his throat. The couple pulled apart but Blake’s arms were still around her. Blake groaned while Elektra glared at Henry with her face flushed in embarrassment.

“Worst timing ever, I know,” Henry cringed. “Sorry to break you apart but Ela, duty calls.”

“What is it?” She inquired, finally stepping out of Blake’s arms.

“The dwarves are at it again.”

Rolling her eyes, she asked, “Great. Who did they steal from this time?”

“The goblins.”

Groaning, she turned to Blake and gave him an apologetic look, which he returned with a soft smile. “Go. I’ll wait for you in the lair.” He spoke with an understanding look.

She smiled at him as he placed a longing kiss on her soft lips.

She pulled away and turned on her heels. Just as she was about to leave the gazebo, his hand grabbed hers firmly.  Her eyes met his and she once again found it hard to tear her eyes away his enchanting eyes.

“Come back to me?”

Smiling, she answered him with words that he knew he would always be able to rely on.

“I always will."

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*clap for finishing this book* Thank you so much for this wonderful journey. i hope you guys liked the ending. Tell me you thoughts, I would love to hear them and click the like button if you like this chapter. You guys have been fantastic! There's no Epilogue, sadly. New book coming out soon hopefully. Hope you guys keep in touch and I wish you guys the best and I thank you for reading this book and for your wonderful support!

DFTBA guys! DFTBA!

<3