The Broken Blades Trilogy, #3
Three Shattered Souls
by Mai Corland
Contents
Chapter Eighty-One
Overview
Aeri returns to Royo only as a flickering, untouchable presence after merging with the Dragon Lord. She bids him a final goodbye and disappears, leaving Royo shattered. Mikail offers quiet support, reminding Royo of Aeri’s choice and sacrifice. As they grieve, the opposing forces surrender on Charm Beach.
Summary
On Charm Beach, Royo reaches for Aeri as she appears flickering between solidity and translucence. Realizing she has merged with the Dragon Lord, Royo is unable to touch her and pleads for her not to leave. Aeri insists she came to say goodbye and urges Royo to go on.
Royo, devastated, argues that nothing matters without her. Aeri gently affirms his worth and love, then fades, promising love for “tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow.” She vanishes before he can respond, and Royo collapses in grief, overwhelmed by her absence.
Mikail approaches, rests a hand on Royo’s shoulder, and acknowledges Aeri’s sacrifice saved them all. Royo rejects the worth of the victory, but Mikail emphasizes it was Aeri’s choice. Mikail holds Royo’s hand in silence, offering presence rather than persuasion.
Together they witness the surrender unfolding on the beach, the war’s immediate crisis subsiding even as Royo faces a future without Aeri. Her ascension secures peace, but leaves a personal void that reshapes Royo’s purpose.
Who Appears
- RoyoNarrator; tries to hold Aeri’s flickering form, begs her to stay, collapses in grief, comforted by Mikail.
- AeriNow merged with the Dragon Lord; appears briefly to say goodbye to Royo, urges him to live on, then vanishes.
- MikailOffers empathetic support to Royo, affirms Aeri’s sacrifice, and remains with him during the enemy’s surrender.