He grabs my arms, and I can feel my hold on Tali slipping. “I love you, foroureternity. Never any less than that.” He pulls me into one final kiss in this life. “I’m yours—every version of me. Across every lifetime…” His smilebreaksme. “I’ll be waiting for you to find me this time.”
When I blink, I see our first kiss, how when it happened all I could think was how much I hated him, but in truth, it was hatred for how much I wanted more.
To the time he sat across me at the diner and howrightit feltto be stared at by him.
To the far too few early mornings waking up with him smiling at me.
I’ve not had enough time with him and being happy. This can’t be the last time I feel his touch.
“I love you, Kai… I’ll come find you. I promise.”
He spins me and I stare down at the woman that will be takingeverythingfrom me.
“Tali.” My voice waivers, but I continue as though someone is controllingme. “Aim for my head. Cut clean… and don’t hesitate.”
Understanding washes over her, but I don’t allow for her to contemplate the action. I pull on my blood through her, and tear apart any restraint she may have had.
She’s up on her feet, and I close my eyes.
Unwilling to see how cruel fate has been to me.
A gust of wind accompanies liquid splattering across my face.
As if a rubber band snaps my heart, agony rips through my entire body. I didn’t know pain until this moment. It’s as though every part of me shatters—hot, liquid knives slicing through my veins.
When duel thumps hit the floor, I whimper and fall to my knees.
I peel my eyes open, the world a blur as I see Kai’s back. His body lay flat on the ground in front of me, and he doesn’t move.
My shoulders shake as my being catches in its wake.
Tali’s scream shatters the fragments of my reality.
Before she can run, I command, “Get down on your knees.” My Amoro is consuming me, and I swear I’m about to lose every ounce of control.
But I can’t. I can’t be reckless. I have to see this through. I can’t…
He’s…
I can’t…
He’s…
My eyes slowly turn up to her, and the look of pure defeat laces her expression.
The tears streaking my face feel too cold.
The world feels… cold… empty…
“Proserpina.” I speak the singular name, and Tali drops her shoulders. Her eyes are wide, so much so, that I could swear they are ready to fall out.
The sound of metal screeching together comes from my left, a gate opening, but I don’t look to see what I know is happening.
I struggle to swallow.
“Tali.” Proserpina speaks as she comes to stand beside me.
I’m unwilling to allow myself to look down at Kai again. Not right now. I can’t see his…
