Maleficent(53)
With a sigh, Maleficent released Stefan, landing and taking a step back. She waited, wondering if this act of kindness would restore anything of the man she once cared for. But instead, he said, “I want you to know that I never loved you.”
Maleficent let out a bitter laugh. “Oh, Stefan,” she replied. “You never were a good liar.”
There was nothing left to be said or done. Maleficent turned and began to walk away. But hearing the sound of running footsteps, she whipped around just in time to see Stefan racing toward her, an iron knife gripped in his hand. A moment later, he slammed into her, and together, they fell off the bridge.
The moonlight silhouetted their bodies as Maleficent and Stefan plummeted toward the ground. Maleficent’s wings were cupped around them, almost like an opaque hammock, preventing those below from witnessing their fight. The king struggled against the wings as he tried to stab Maleficent. In turn, she ducked and wove to elude the weapon, causing their fall to take on an erratic pattern. But while she managed to avoid the knife, she wouldn’t be able to avoid the ground, which was rapidly approaching.
As Stefan raised the knife once more, Maleficent flipped over. The sudden movement caused the king to lose his grip, and before she could grab him, Stefan fell out of her arms.
A moment later, his body hit the ground and lay there, lifeless.
Opening her wings, Maleficent slowed her fall and rose into the air. Then, seeing Stefan on the ground, she swept low and landed next to him. Bowing her head, she closed her eyes, a myriad of emotions coursing through her.
The person lying on the ground next to her was the first person to have loved her. The first person she had loved. And for that, she felt grateful. For without any understanding of love, she could never have opened her heart to Aurora. But this person was also the first to have betrayed her and the reason she had closed her heart for so long. He had been her blessing and her curse. And now he was no more. She felt a deep sadness. But after a moment, she realized it was sadness not for her, but for Aurora. For the girl would never have the chance to know her father.
As Maleficent raised her head, her eyes met Aurora’s. The girl stood a bit away, her face pale. But meeting Maleficent’s gaze, she nodded. And in that nod, Maleficent knew that Aurora would be fine. She would forgive Maleficent for her part in this, and she would live a happy life, surrounded by beauty, nature, and loved ones. And Maleficent would be there to guide her and protect her…always. She had found her family once more. And it was in a kindred spirit. A human girl.
THE MOORS WERE ABUZZ WITH EXCITEMENT. The wallerbogs burbled and gurgled more mud. The dew faeries flew from leaf to leaf, leaving sparkling water shining like diamonds in their wake. In the streams, the water faeries preened more than usual. The rest of the Fair Folk headed straight for the Faerie Mound. Today was the big day, and they did not want to miss anything.
Maleficent stood in front of the throne on the Mound, smiling at the familiar faces around her. Diaval stood at her side. Nearby, Sweetpea winked at her, and Robin positively beamed. Maleficent felt so grateful they were all there. Her family.
A rustle in the brush alerted them that their guest of honor had arrived. Maleficent turned her head to see Aurora striding toward the Mound, a halo of sunlit hair glowing around her face. The flowers bloomed excitedly as Aurora passed them, and the hovering sparrows chirped happily. She stopped in front of Maleficent, grinning at her faerie godmother. Maleficent’s eyes welled with proud tears.
“Oh, there she is! Hurry up! They’re waiting!” Knotgrass’s shrill voice came from the other side of the Mound. The crowd turned to see Knotgrass and Flittle zigzagging toward them with a gleaming crown in tow.
“Wait for me!” Thistlewit called, trailing behind them.