Artemis Fowl II could not have asked for a more perfect evening. It began at sunset, which was a stunningly beautiful mix or red, violet, and pink. The full moon had soon risen high in the star-laden sky. The flowers’ sweet scent permeated the air, which carried a soft, warm breeze. The oak tree stood, tall and proud as the river gurgled past, flowing over the rocks to create a soothing sound. Somewhere in the surrounding wood, a bird began its loving song, only adding to sweet ambiance of the night.

Beside him sat Holly Short, looking stunning in a summer dress. Her hair had grown out over the years so that it was now waist length. The tips of her auburn locks danced in the breeze and her skin glowed with a warm radiance. Her eyes shone bright in the light of the full moon.

For this night, there was no stress; no goblins shooting at them, no lemurs to catch, no snow to tramp through, and no criminal deeds to be performed. So much had gone into planning this blissful night, and it had gone off without a hitch. All their troubles had been forgotten. All they could feel was happiness and peace; nothing seemed that it could go wrong.

As they walked back to the tree from a particularly pleasant stroll through the nearby meadow, the candles they had lit into view, filling the area with a golden light. Holly reached for Artemis’s hand, and he took it, holding it gently in his.

They sat down amongst the ring of candles, facing each other. Neither said a word, but they both knew what the other was thinking. Artemis leaned in as Holly closed her eyes. She knew what was coming; she had dreamed of this moment for many weeks now. She could almost feel Artemis’s lips upon hers. She waited for them to come, but they never did. Something changed in his mood, and she could sense it. She opened her eyes to see that his were wide in shock. He was not breathing, growing paler by the moment.

Artemis felt himself fall backwards. Everything was slipping out of focus. He saw Holly’s face, her mouth shouting his name, but hearing not a word. Tears shone in her eyes, her hair falling over her face. His eyes turned skyward, locking on the stars above.

Some other stories by Забравена душа:

• Artemis meets Eragon
• What Have I Done?