Be Strong

Zelda

I heard footsteps approaching, and my heart leapt into my throat. A guard appeared, a limp body slung over his shoulder. He dropped the body on the floor, and I held my breath, dreading what I would see. The guard stood back, his face pale.

“He's dead,” he said, his voice flat.

I forced myself to take a step forward, my knees shaking. I knelt beside the body, my hands trembling as I reached out to touch it. I pulled back the blood-stained cloak, revealing the face of Jake.

“Jake, the Fierce,” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “Don't do this. You can't leave like this.” I reached out to touch his cold cheek, my hands shaking. I looked down at him, my heartbreaking as I took in his broken body. “Please… please don't go.” I cradled his body in my arms, my tears falling like rain.

My mother rushed to my side, her arms wrapping around me. “Shh, my dear. Be strong,” she murmured.

Drake stood in front of me, his eyes hard and unyielding. His arms were crossed behind his back, hi