Page 182 of Warlord's Plaything

I have to protect her.

Not when this is the only way.

"Protect them,"I say.

I love you, the words remain unsaid as my heart bleeds for a love that can never be.

For a future that can’t come.

Her brow creases, something breaking in her expression.

"Xyron—"

"Swear it."

"No."

"Swear it, Hira."

Her hands curl into fists.

Her body shakes with something bigger than rage.

Bigger than war.

But I do not wait for an answer.

I cannot.

Kaelith is already moving.

And I have seconds left.

I step toward the altar.

And I do what must be done.

I raise my blade.

I turn it inward.

And I drive it into my chest.

The pain is instant.

White-hot.

Blinding.

But I do not scream.

I do not fall.

I feel it working.

I feel the temple shudder.

I feel Kaelith’s power waver.

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