Just a little strength before you take my soul for eternity—
Caleb swung his sword with no particular strategy as his body faded by the moment. The sword kept missing Kane’s flesh, forcing the man to laugh at Caleb’s struggles.
Everything spun when I wrapped the fabric around the blade of my dagger.
I needed more time—
As though hearing my thoughts, Caleb threw himself atop Kane, the sword flying away from their fight.
“You—” Caleb shrieked, his fist meeting Kane’s jaw.
“You have mere seconds to live, son.” Kane deflected Caleb’s throw, planting his Royal steel dagger in Caleb’s shoulder. “You have done this to yourself!” Kane wrapped his arms around Caleb’s neck.
Please, Moon—
My shaking fingers fought with the lid of Francis’ canteen, forcing it to open.
“It’s all right, son.” Kane tightened his hold around Caleb’s throat. “It’s all right.”
Caleb’s eyes met mine one last time before they rolled backwards. The wound on his side bled no more.
I poured the contents onto the fabric, bringing the tip of the dagger to my dying torch—
The fire erupted within moments, barely missing my flesh.
Grabbing the hilt of the dagger, I readied it for a throw—
My Royal steel dagger flew through the space; the fire flew through the distance that separated us, erupting on Kane’s flesh in an instant.
A silent scream painted his face. His arms let go of Caleb’s limp body, which was soon to be turned into ash.
The flames traveled across Kane’s coat. The blackened bolts sprinted through his skin, swallowing his muffled cries.
Brian’s—Kane’s—eyes met mine, the fire illuminated the dark brown.
His mouth moved, yet I heard no sound.
The flames reached his throat, reached his face.
I watched the fire take the last of my blood family until nothing but ash was left.
The ground soaked in the men’s ashes, the ground dared me to join.
The last of my family burned on the cold soil by the palace. The last of my family was soon to meet the Moon.
And I was to meet the Moon alongside them, for the poison traveled up my body, nearing my heart.
