—torches blown out.
—abilities screaming in the air.
—and five men lying at Lilibet’s feet.
Her Faction.
My brothers.
Broken.
Dying.
Because of me.
I staggered back. “No—NO—I didn’t do this?—”
“Yes,” she said softly. “You did.”
A younger version of me—Kratos—kneeling in front of her, begging her to run.
Another flash—me raising a protective ability that wasn’t natural.
Another—the Ancestors screaming warnings I ignored.
Another—
A prophecy carved into the wall: “One life must be given to save the realm.”
Lilibet’s life.
The Ancients' balancing law required her sacrifice to prevent all Aurathions from losing their abilities.
The other five Faction brothers fought with me at first to change her mind, but then eventually gave in and chose to die with her.
They loved her, as I did, but the difference was that I refused to believe this was the only option.
The rest of the Aurathions in the realm could go fuck themselves as far as I cared. I wanted to live out my life with her now.
I loved her more than I loved the realm.
More than I loved fate.
More than I loved my own soul or those of my brothers.
More than she loved herself.
Kratos gripped her arms. “I won’t let you die.”
Lilibet cried softly. “Kratos… we were chosen for this together. Please—don’t fight it.”
I watched myself refuse.
Kratos cupped her face desperately. “I would burn the realms to keep you breathing.”
Then he used an ability that was forbidden, one that he’d kept hidden until this moment. He forged a shield meant to redirect the will of the Ancients and force it onto the Faction instead.
To save her.
