Forever Destined To The Silver Shadow

Celestia's POV: 

Sacrifice! I always thought that this was a noble thing to do. If one sacrifices himself for the greater good, then it is considered the noblest act ever. That is one of the reasons why I willingly gave up myself to the Holy Fire in my last birth. But this sacred word can be used to murder people too?!

The expression of the warriors got darkened. The head of the warrior clan stepped forward and said, "Your highness, we have to be the sacrifice for a good cause?! But what is the cause?"

I wanted to get into the mirror and appreciate the boldness of the warrior. Even though he was aware that the King was asking him to die, he was boldly asking about the quest instead of refusing to do the deed. 

"The Dawn must sacrifice her life for the welfare of this realm. But she will never agree to do that in her right mind."

I was stunned by my father's words—and so were the warriors in the mirror. 

"The Dawn must die," one of them shouted. "We warriors are willing to give up our lives for this realm. But our Dawn has to live; she is our protector—"

"Yes, she is," the King agreed. "And that is why she has to die! Only the sacrifice of a pure-hearted Angel can save the force of light by diminishing entirely!"

Only after that, was I able to see the sadness in their faces. My heart melted when I realized that these warriors were not even worried about their own death—but when they heard that I had to die, they went bleak. My people really love me!

Father Oberon clapped his hands and said, "Listen, my warriors! This is a life or death situation for the realm of light. So you all must not hesitate to sacrifice your life for the realm. And the same goes for the Dawn! Are you all ready to be a part of the eternal sacrifice?!"

The warriors sadly nodded their heads. I bit my lower lip in frustration. My father would have never done something like this! He is not someone who gets his way through manipulation. 

I shuddered slightly when a couple of manticores came flying down to the spot. The fierce creatures started to breathe out fire at the helpless warriors. 

"Noooo… Stop…." I screamed. And right after that, the mirror stopped showing me that scene. It became blank again! 

My pulse rate became normal soon. Then I looked at Amelia and cried, "This is definitely not my father! I refuse to believe this—"

"Celestia, come on! I swore on the Moon Goddess that I would show you the truth."

Perhaps she showed me the truth! So my father really did this? Then it hit me! Theo can change his appearance into anyone. So he must have shapeshifted as my father and manipulated the warriors. 

"Oh my god, Celestia," Amelia sighed after hearing my thoughts. "You are a master in overthinking! Why do you refuse to believe that your father is the sinner?"

"Because he is my father, and I know that he is a righteous man. And Theo is a trickster! How can I trust him?!"

"Fine," she said and grabbed the mirror from my hand. "If you see this, then you might definitely change your mind about Theo. You will know how much Theo loves you and how deeply he desires you—"

The next scene the mirror played was a very familiar one to me. I was in the scene too! It was a little strange to see myself walking towards the burning Holy Fire in the forest of light. Very soon, I am going to be burned alive!

I turned my gaze to the silk pillow that was next to me. I can't watch this! Ever since I woke up from my vision, I have been trying to forget this moment. But I am supposed to watch this again?!

"Yes, you have to watch this," Amelia said. "Or else you will never know the truth—"

I didn't look in the mirror until I heard Theo's voice. While I was burning in the fire, he was speaking to me in my head and told me to step away from the fire. I can't watch this anymore! 

"Amelia, please shut this down!"

"Keep watching, dear," she replied while she had her eyes on the mirror. 

I stiffened up when I saw Theo appearing from the white fumes in the forest. He ran straight to the fire and dipped his hands into the burning fire as if it was just water. 

"Celestia…" he shouted and took out my half-burnt body from the fire. I expected myself to be burnt out, but I was normal. The fire didn't ruin my body at all. Even Theo's hands were not harmed by the fire. Perhaps the Holy Aiden was so much impressed by my sacrifice that he didn't let his flames harm my body! 

Even though my body wasn't harmed, I wasn't breathing at all. The light had already left my eyes minutes ago, and Theo was now just hugging my limp body. 

"My love, please don't leave me… I am begging you…." Theo started to weep. 

I was petrified! What is happening?! The people around Theo were just watching the scene normally. Even Father Oberon didn't seem to be very much upset. 

The only one who was crying out his eyes was Theo! He patted my cheek and shook my lifeless body in order to wake me up. But I was already gone! 

"My love, I am sorry that I didn't come here early. I am sorry for letting you down. Please wake up now! Just open your eyes and see me—"

My eyes welled up with tears. Theo did really love me! A teardrop fell on my lap when I saw him kiss my forehead. 

"I am really sorry, my love! Please forgive me for letting you down.. Please forgive me for leaving you alone…."