Fantasy AU The Threads of Time and Fate (Kastellanos)

[FaeWhisperer]

Penelope hung on every word of his, knowing what he was saying he would try, she believed in him that he could actually achieve what he spoke on. She reached for his hand as he seemed worried about not thing able to do anything at first, and her cheeks stained a little pink when he mentioned she would be returned to her father tomorrow.

Even as she had saw that glimmer in his eyes and opening his voice, of course she was worried. If he left her…what would happen? She chewed on her lip nervously at that idea and she then asked him a simple question. “Why…can’t I go with you?”

Although that in itself wasn’t a simple question nor would it receive a simple answer. But Hart would be able to already realize what she wanted. She didn’t want to go back to her father, she wanted to stay with her mate, go on that journey with him, and never leave his side. But this could prove a problem, with her condition worsening over time…

But still, if he left her and she succumbed to her illness when he wasn’t around- perhaps he would never forgive himself. Penelope on the other hand didn’t want to be separated for that exact reason. She didn’t want to leave this world without seeing Hart for the final time, and not having him there when she…it honestly frightened her.

 

[Kastellanos]

“Penelope…” Hart began, voice low, almost reverent, “You have no idea how badly I want to say yes.” He brought her hand to his chest, pressing it over the slow, steady thrum of his heartbeat. “You ask why you can’t come with me, and the truth is... there’s no part of me that wants to leave you behind. Not for a single day, not for a single mile, not even for a moment do I want to be away from my mate.”

Hart's eyes searched hers, filled with worry, the glimmer of pain at the mere thought of leaving her behind. “But this journey I’m setting out on… I don’t know what lies ahead or the dangers that we would have to face. There are places I’ll have to go, people I may have to face... Men or monsters who wouldn’t hesitate to harm me or anyone who is with me... I don’t know the dangers yet, but I know they’ll come, and I don't want you to get hurt. I would never forgive myself if that happened.”

Hart paused, voice filled with something unspoken. “You’re already fighting a battle within your own body, and I...” His words caught in his throat. He swallowed it down and forced himself to continue. “I couldn’t bear the thought of you being caught in another one. Not if I had the power to prevent it...”

Hart leaned in closer, his forehead nearly brushing hers. “But if you did come… I’d want you to be safe. In places I’ve cleared. Inns, quiet camps. Somewhere I could return to you, knowing you were waiting, not worrying if you’d vanished the moment I turned my back... If that would be more acceptable to you?”

He gently cupped her face, thumb tracing along her cheek with a reverence that felt almost like mourning. “I’m not pushing you away, Pen. I’m trying to keep you alive, to keep you safe. I need to know that if something were to happen out there… I wouldn’t come back and find the world emptier without you in it, I'd rather spend as much time with you as I can.”


He closed his eyes briefly, as though steeling himself against the ache in his chest. “When I said you’d go back to your father, it wasn’t because I wanted it. It was because I thought it was safe. But if there’s another way… if we can find one…” Hart opened his eyes, steady and full of something fierce, something unshakable, a silent promise that he didn't dare to air out in this moment.