Page 139 of The Edge of Dawn

With long, powerful strokes, he swam behind Tarak, moving through the water with ease.

His energy felt limitless.

Even Tarak’s big sword, strapped to his back, felt light.

As he descended, he reached for Jade. She was always with him now, a gentle presence at the edge of his consciousness. Sometimes, when he had to do grim, serious things, she faded into the background—seemingly aware that he was occupied.

But he always felt her, and he fervently prayed he always would.

You seem calmer. Her mindvoice penetrated the depths of his soul, just like it always did. Almost serene. Where are you?

Underwater, he replied, pleased at her innocence, at her sense of pleasant surprise. It’s cold and dark and quiet. I like this kind of environment.

You’re an interesting one, for sure. What are you doing underwater?

Dragek decided it was time to tell her the truth. He couldn’t bear to allow himself to think it, but there was a very small possibility that…

He wouldn’t…

No.

As long as they were together, as long as he had this chance to carve out a different existence, to be reborn anew…

He would not let the alternative come to pass.

For some inexplicable reason, Tarak and the Goddess had placed the entire fate of the Universe in his hands. It hardly made sense—after all, he was merely a trained killer, one who had come so close to destroying the life of one of Tarak’s prized humans.

They could have—should have—taken his head off there and then.

But at the same time, it made perfect sense, for Tarak and Ashrael had seen.

They’d known.

That he was trapped.

That he’d never been capable of making his own choices.

After all, they were all hewn from the same stone.

They’d held him until the Mistress was killed—until he was free.

What would have happened if they hadn’t been so benevolent? Would he have chosen this path?

Back then, he’d been at a turning point. He could have slipped so easily… becoming a cruel and vindictive being.

But deep down, he knew.

That she’d saved him.

Jade, I’m about to embark on another mission. It might turn out to be easy, but my instinct tells me it won’t. Just… no matter what, make sure you stay with me.

I… need you.

The entire fate of the Universe depended on his bond with a human, but Dragek didn’t care.

He was selfish like that.

I’m not going anywhere. At least, I don’t intend to. They gave me a thing… an ancient device that allows me to talk to you across this amazing distance. I don’t know how it works. I don’t even know how to use it, really. All I know is that I can talk with you right now, and that’s good enough for me. I really want to see you again, Dragek. I hope I will. Soon.

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