She gulped down air, and Rowan wrapped her in his arms and pulled her onto his lap. “I am so tired,” she wept. “I am so, so tired, Rowan.” “I know.” He stroked her hair. “I know.” It was all there really was to say. Rowan held her until her weeping eased and she lay still, nestled against his chest. “I don’t know what to do,” she whispered. “You fight,” he said simply. “We fight. Until we can’t anymore. We fight.” She sat up, but remained on his lap, staring into his face with a rawness that destroyed him. Rowan laid a hand on her chest, right over that burning heart. “Fireheart.” A challenge
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