39 Shhh (1/2)

With those words, he slips back into unconsciousness. I start to sob, but nothing is bringing him back now. This beautiful, powerful, masterful man has been destroyed by the death I brought to this part of the world. This is my fault. This is...

”Trissa. Come over here. You need to eat.”

I refuse. I will not eat. I will not drink. I will not do anything until the inevitable happens. I will stay right here. I will be by his side as he passes. Because that is all I can do now, and I will damn well do it.

The day is long. The others try to cajole me away several times, but I will not move. I cling to Tore, watching every labored, shallow breath he takes until finally exhaustion draws me down.

* * *

The next day is verymuch the same. Tore is weak, and growing weaker. I overhear conversations nobody should ever have to hear, let alone have.

”...him out of his misery,” I hear Silver murmur to Alexios.

”No.” Alexios shakes his head. ”He may recover.”

”He's bleeding out,” Silver rumbles softly. ”There's the slow death and the quick one. I know which one I'd rather have.”

”He has her,” Alexios whispers, flicking his eyes to where I lie, cuddled up with Tore. ”Let him have her as long as he can.”

That ends the conversation, or at least, what I can hear of it.

I am devoid of hope. I am numb with misery. I never wanted to be sold to these men, and now they have laid down their lives for me. Tore has me by his side, but Keanau, Cowboy, Zen, they died holding off the invaders. They died to keep me safe. I owe them a debt I will never, ever be able to repay.

Weak fingers curl around my hand. It's Tore.

He looks into my eyes. I look into his, as best I can through the welling tears.

”I... was always... going to die,” he breathes. ”But... I... had... you... first.”

”I am so sorry,” I sob, my hot tears making his pale skin all wet.

I see a spark of light blaze in those stunning blue eyes.