As Helen watched the boat leave the dock, she felt deep within her that Alexander would never be returning to her. She didn't know why she felt that he wouldn't, only that if he ever did come back he would never be the same. A trip to Cerulea was something that only a few people were ever privileged enough to take. It was a coincidence that Alexander was able to go in the first place. Who would have guessed that his sister had cast a ballot in the lottery with his name on it for his birthday? Even worse, who would have ever thought he would win the grand prize?
A cruise to the fabulous city of Cerulea, famous for their beautiful resorts and even more so for their incredible nightlife. It was said that in Cerulea, a person could walk outside at night, and the sky would show as many lights in the heavens as there were lights on buildings. The food was unrivaled, the entertainment there was fit for his royal majesty, King Feroas XXII.
Helen had heard a rumor that King Feroas XXII had ordered something to be done at Cerulea, in absolute secrecy. Naturally, anything done in absolute secrecy ended up having numerous rumors floating around about it for some time after. Helen feared for Alexander's well-being, but she could not convince him to stay with her. He only had one ticket, and this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, so she let him go. She didn't know whether she would regret it or not.
A month later, Helen had waited as long as she could. The cruise was not meant to be so long, nor was his stay supposed to be as lengthy as it had become. She had received a letter from him from a man who ran the cruise on the day he was supposed to have returned.
Dear Helen,
It is quite a marvel being in Cerulea at last! The beauty of this city is astounding. I have been enjoying my time here thoroughly, and wish you were by my side. In fact, I've missed you so much that I have longed to come back. Sadly, I cannot. There is business here that I must do before I can return. I cannot tell you any more, for risk of your safety, but know that my love for you crosses even the depths of the sea. Please, wait for me, for I shall return to you my darling.
Love always,
Alexander
Helen had waited, but it had now been 4 weeks since he should have returned, and she could do it no longer. Her tears flowed freely as she sat on the edge of the bay. The sun was beginning to set on the horizon, and the last ship would soon arrive. If Alexander was not on it, she would not wait for him. She couldn't let his absence in her life hold her back. On the distant sea, she could barely see a dark spot. The final ship arriving in port. Anticipation was welling up within her, even as she cried. She knew that the moment of truth was at hand.
When at last the ship arrived, the civilians aboard climbed out of the passenger bays, and hurried on their ways home before dark. Alexander was not among them. Helen began to weep openly. Her last chance to be with Alexander faded as a rose wilting from lack of sunlight. As she was turning to leave, she caught a glimpse of a tall man in a suit of armor.
"Alexander!" Helen cried out, as she ran to meet her long missing love. The men on the ship would not let her board, but Alexander and several other men clad in armor soon came clattering out on deck, and disembarked. Alexander paid no attention to Helen as he passed by her. Helen cried and grabbed at his arm, and Alexander stopped walking. He turned his head slowly toward her, but his eyes did not see her.
Helen looked deep into Alexander's eyes, and knew he was lost. His eyes were clouded with the arcane. She let go of hope, for she knew now what had happened. Alexander had been chosen, and now he would never return to her. Helen felt a tremendous sadness, for this had happened to her mother when she was young. Her father had been in service to the Royal Army, and had one night been summoned to a secret meeting. He never came back home. A week later, Helen's mother had received a letter stating that she was missed, and dearly loved. When Helen's mother went to see him that night, she came back crying. Her mother had never been the same afterward.
"Spellbound. You're a spellbound now" Helen stated as the tears in her eyes dried, "and I suppose that means you'll be marching to the front lines soon." Naturally, Alexander didn't reply. He could not reply, for the spellbound were incapable of emotion, incapable of remembering who they were before they had become changed. As such, he had no reason to answer to Helen. He wasn't asked a question, and he didn't know her.
Helen let go of his arm, and watched as he marched away with the other spellbound. The sun glinted off their armor as they marched into the distance and around the corner. As the sun finally rested for the day, Helen turned her back on the city and stood on the edge of the dock. A swift breeze came in from the sea: salty and cool. Helen reached into her pocket, and pulled out the letter she had received from Alexander. A letter, most likely the last thing he had written before becoming a spellbound. Now, Alexander was gone forever. This letter was all that was left of him. Clutching it to her chest, Helen cast herself off the pier and into the waters below. The war would be won, but sadly this battle had been lost.
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