From the last chapter:

The Phoenix began to speak again. "However, to remove your curse, first you must prove that you are worthy of being free of it."

"Please, I'll do anything," I gasped. I could feel him deliberating.

"I want you to give me what you love the most."

Chapter 15

Ella POV

The breath left my body in a rush of air. I had known when I had first set off on my journey that it would not be easy to overcome my curse. I had struggled, I had fought, and now my salvation was within reach.

It was such a simple request.

All I had to do was hand him what I loved the most, and I would be free of the curse I had carried with me for my entire life. Free to do as I pleased, free of the fear of being used as a weapon against those I loved.

It was such a difficult request.

There was no question about what, or rather, who I loved the most. It was Char. It had always been Char, would always be Char. I loved him more than any silly trinket, more than any person I had ever known. Living a life without him would be a curse in its own right.

It was an impossible request.

I couldn't give him Char. I was not so selfish that I would offer the life of another to achieve my own goals. I could be happy if I left and lived in some foreign land, away from all that I knew, knowing that Char was safe and happy in his palace.

And I knew my answer to his requested payment for the reversal of my curse was the only answer I could have given.

"No."

The silence in the cave was deafening. Char- still oblivious to the conversation, being unable to hear the words imbued with magic- was still standing off to the side, not wanting to interrupt what he couldn't understand. Eisloene still slumped under the heavy weight of the ancient magic floating around us, and Noirin was watching our exchange with unreadable eyes. I took a deep breath, steadying my nerves.

"Thank you for your generous offer, but I'm afraid that is a price I cannot pay," I said. I could feel the nature god's consciousness shifting, but he said nothing. I stepped back from the stone again, facing away from Char. I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. I had been so close. So close, only to be told an impossible price. But I would not cry. I had made the right choice, and so I would hold my head with pride. "I am sorry to have taken up your time, but as I cannot offer you what you have asked of me, I do not think we can reach an agreement." The Phoenix was quiet, and for a moment I was afraid that I had offended him. But then he began to laugh.

It began as a chuckle, which quickly grew into a voracious roar of mirth. The magical stone burst into golden light, and I could only stare at it, startled. Eventually, the laughter died down, and I heard a happy sigh.

"It has been a while since I have seen a love as pure as yours," the god rumbled. "Your decision was made completely and totally unselfishly. You would willingly choose a difficult life alone rather than make one as a free woman. Humans never fail to surprise me." He hummed contentedly, the stone returning to its swirling colors. "Seeing the beauty and purity of your heart is the payment I will take from you. Go, live your life freely." He chuckled again, and then he was gone from my mind. I blinked, stunned. I was…free? I didn't feel any different, and a quick glance down ensured me that I didn't look any different. Dazed, I turned to my companions.

"Order to me do something," I said. Char wrinkled his brow, confused, while Noirin appeared thoughtful.

"Drop to the ground," Noirin commanded. I braced myself, ready for the impact, but it never came. I stood there staring dumbly at the ground before bringing my gaze back up to my companions.

"I'm free," I whispered. I felt as though I couldn't move, couldn't breathe. Free. For so long I had dreamed of being rid of the wretched curse. I felt the tears rise back up, and I held back a sob. Free! If only Mother could see me, free, finally free. No longer would I have to be afraid for those I loved, or what I might be forced to do. A giggle escaped my lips, and then another, and another until I was doubled over with laughter, tears streaking down my face. I could go home to Kyrria, I could see Mandy and Father again.

Grinning, I looked up at Char, who was staring at me warily- he probably thought I had gone quite mad. Char! I was no longer a danger to his family, to his country, to him! I strode to him, happier than I had ever felt in my entire life. I walked to him, feeling happier than I had ever felt in my entire life. He took me into his arms, looking down at me quizzically. "Is everything alright?" he asked. I beamed up at him.

"Let's start fresh," I said. "Hello, my name is Ella of Frell. When I was born, my fairy godmother cursed me with obedience. I am not married, I am done running, I am finally, finally free from my curse, and" I leaned in towards him, gazing into his eyes, "I am in love with you." And with that, I pressed my lips to his.

A/N: It's been a while, hasn't it? A lot has changed since I started this story; for one, my writing style, which was one of the reasons it was so hard to write a new chapter for this story. I've also changed a lot- I started this story when I was in middle school, and I am now in college. I always wanted to return to this story- I read all the reviews and messages that were sent to me, but I just couldn't figure out how to write it. But after all these years, I decided that Ella, and whoever is still reading this story, deserves a happy ending. So, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and if you're a reader returning to this story, I'm sorry I made you wait so long for it.

-phoenixcurse

Edit: Thank you to The Hufflepuff Bookworm for letting me know there was a problem viewing this chapter.