The Fall of the Cursed
Chapter 23

Isobel looks between Daniel and Austin. "What do I need to do?"

"It's going to take a lot of magic. You need to perform creation magic to bind the tree back together."

She takes a deep breath, looking up into Austin's eyes. She loves him. She's known it for a while, but in this moment she knows she'll do anything she has to do to be with him. "Let's do it."

They make their way down to the tree, Isobel never letting go of Austin's hand. She walks up to the trunk of the massive Oak, touching the rough bark before opening her mind once more. She feels her magic swell as she imagines the tree coming back together as it was before the curse. She feels blood trickle down from her nose but she pushes harder.

"Isobel!" She can feel Austin trying to stop her.

"No! I need to keep going. I can't live without you Austin, I need to finish this."

Isobel feels movement and then feels warmth seep into her from her hand. She can feel Austin trying to help her. "Put your hand on the other end of the tree..."

She pushes harder when she feels his magic join hers. She knows she has blood coming out of several orifices at this point, but she also knows how close she is.

With a loud crack, the Oak comes back together to form one large tree.

Isobel smiles as she looks at Austin, "We did it..."

She suddenly feels very tired, "You weren't kidding when you said it would take a lot of magic... I think I should sit down..." Isobel collapses, the sound of Austin yelling her name the last thing she hears before it all goes black.

Austin

"Isobel! Please baby, wake up!" Austin frantically tries to get her to wake up, going so far as to slap her.

"Austin, we need to get her to a hospital."

He nods, throwing his keys at him. "You drive, I'll stay in the back with her." He picks Isobel up in his arms, thinking about how frail she suddenly feels. They get to his car and he lays her down in the back, cradling her head in his lap.

"Please don't leave me," he begs, pushing her hair out of her face. "I need you... I love you Isobel..."

They get to a hospital where they are able to stabilize her, but the doctors want to fly her to a hospital in London. Austin is barely aware of his surroundings; his only focus is on all of the tubes coming out of the love of his life.

Austin's and Isobel's parents are waiting for them at the London hospital. Austin never leaves Isobel's side, keeping her warm.

He wakes up to hear the news on the TV in their private room.

"Earlier today the fae Princess Isobel was flown into London via helicopter. She is in critical condition. We will update you with more news as we get it..."

Austin sighs, turning off the TV. He turns to Isobel, taking her cold hand in his. He warms it up, praying to every god and goddess out there to bring her back to him.