Fyar’s hand was dropping slowly to his side. His lip curled. He said, “You bastard. You goddamn fucking —” He stopped. He looked away. It was so rare that Fyar was at a loss for words. His jaw worked. His voice came out quiet. “I’ve already killed one brother today, I’d rather not kill another.”
Killian was brought to his knees by the wildfire of pain that flashed across his body. Searing over every inch of his skin. He couldn’t breathe. He was choking. Burning.
It felt like he was dying. Hewantedto die to escape the pain.
And then…nothing.
It was gone.
Gulping down air, Killian blinked himself back to reality. The king stared down at him, expression open, showing Killian all the pain and the anger and the grief that Fyar was feeling.
Fyar said, “It’s polite to say thank you when you are given a gift.”
“A gift?”
Fyar only blinked at him.
The realization came slowly, and then Killian was clawing at the sleeves of his uniform. Yanking them up to expose skin.
Bare, unmarked skin, save for one simple band around hisleft wrist and the feel of it still on his tongue.
Theenilthat he had worn for a century was gone.
“What?” Killian rasped. His brain lagging. “Why?”
“I can’t have you speaking of what happened here,” said Fyar. “This will take care of that. Kade del Torau,” Kade flinched when he was addressed, “You will take a vow?”
Kade stuttered out, “I-I will.”
Fyar weaved the words carefully, making an ironclad vow that neither Kade could ever break. The same black band ofenilwas seared onto Kade’s tongue, and it was done.
“Now get out of my kingdom,” Fyar commanded. “Never come back.”
Kade let out a sigh of relief, but Killian ached.
“Why?”
Fyar glowered at him. “Fuck you, Killian. Why? Why? What do you mean why? I see no other way forward. I can’t kill you—fuck me, I can’t kill you. But you can’t stay here. So you have to go. Go settle in some tiny village where you’re nothing and no one. Never step foot in my kingdom again. Ever. I never want to see you again.”
“I—” Killian didn’t know what to say. The thought of never seeing Fyar again…
Killian’s eyes burned.
Fyar grimaced, his nose scrunching and his lip curling against his pain. “Now go, before I change my mind.”
Each step a stab to the heart, Killian collected his twin swords and limped towards Kade. He held out his hand and helped his love to his feet.
Together, they took a step towards the palace gates, towards freedom and a new life.
Killian stopped and turned back, helpless to do anything else. “And you? What will become of you?”
Fyar was silent a moment. “I am no longer your concern.”
“You’ll always be my concern,” said Killian. Then, “If you ever need me, I will come. No question.”
Fyar’s face twisted, and he turned away. When he spoke, his voice shook. Thick with emotion. “You are not mine to need anymore.”
Killian tried for a smile, but it broke. “Thank you, my friend. For everything.”
