---- "ss."" Thear her call my name and lower my gaze.


    Her dark hair.


    Her face, buried against my chest.


    You cant even look me in the eyes.


    Im tired.


    Im so exhausted." She confesses, her voice hoarse, filled with sorrow.


    Iwould give anything not to see her like this.


    I dont know how to fix it.


    The ck dagger vanishes from behind me.


    Then sleep.


    Rest, mydy.


    I will protect you.


    No one will harm you.


    ?Least of all, me? "Good...


    good," she murmurs, her trembling fist clutching at my shirt, hershes fanning softly against my skin.


    She drifts into an exhausted slumber.


    Sigrid seals away her magic.


    She leaves herselfpletely vulnerable.


    Are you testing me? I could hurt you right now.


    If you fear me so much...


    if you fear that name...


    then why do you surrender to me like this? I tighten my arms around her, but the fear never fades.


    The fear of losing her forever.


    Took up at the moon.


    I dont believe in the Goddess they worship.


    ---- To me, she was the most vile and despicable being of all.


    But now...


    Tm not so sure anymore.


    She created Lucrecia.


    But she also created Sigrid.


    I lower my head and stare at herobsessed.


    "Dont push me away, please, my love.


    I will do whatever you want.


    Iwill give you my life.


    But if I die...


    it will be at your side." T whisper, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.


    Then, I lift her into my arms.


    I''ve alreadymanded my specters to free all the ves from their prisons.


    I can feel them running, scattering into the forest.


    I hope they find another life.


    Though in this realm, safe havens are growing scarce.


    I close my eyes, exhale deeply, leaving part of my power to guard the estate as I call the rest back to me.


    Then, my massive wings unfurl.


    I take flight, rising into the sky, making sure she doesnt wake.


    Below, I watch the houses, the empty streets, the darkened mansion on the hill.


    She will decideter if she wants to stay here.


    But tonight I will make the choice for her.


    I ascend higher, shielding her with my power so the cold wont touch her, so the wind won''t disturb her sleep.


    ---- I slip between the clouds, soaring over valleys, cities, and forests.


    This sensationthisthe feeling of absolute freedom and power its intoxicating.


    My memories guide me.


    Toward the elemental vige in the mountains.


    The ce I was ripped away from.


    My home The ce I wish to live foreverwith my woman.