“You’ve formed a bond with the woman,” Brekka says, tone unreadable.
“I didn’t mean to.”
“But you did.”
Silence stretches. Long. Unkind.
Yorran speaks slowly. “You brought danger to our gates.”
“I protected this place for years.”
“And now you’re a risk.”
Brekka steps forward. “You know what must be done.”
My throat is dry. “You want me gone.”
“We cannot afford to gamble the Hollow’s survival on your guilt.”
“There’s no guarantee he’ll stop with me.”
“No,” Brekka agrees. “But we can’t take the chance that he’s coming for youbecauseof what you’ve done here.”
The judgment is already passed in their eyes.
“Leave by nightfall,” Yorran says. “You will not be pursued. But you will not return.”
I stand for a long moment, the air heavy in my lungs.
Then I bow, stiff and shallow.
And I leave.
I don’t go backto the cottage.
I want to. Gods, I want to see her one last time, just to explain, to put my hands on her shoulders and tell her that none of this is her fault. That loving her didn’t make me weak, it made me remember I was something more than a weapon. That I would give up every breath I have to keep her safe.
But if I see her face, I won’t leave. And if I don’t leave, she dies.
So I wait until they leave for town, and I write the note.
Just a few lines. Simple. Like ripping out my own tongue.
He’s here. It’s not safe. I’m gone. Protect her.
I leave it on her pillow.
The scent of her still lingers on the sheets.
When the sun sets,I pass the boundary lines for the last time.
The Hollow doesn't fight to keep me. It never does.
It just lets go.
Like it always knew I’d end up alone.
CHAPTER 17
