“I understand,” he rasps, a trail of smoke issuing from his lips. “You can’t face me after that. But I’d do it again—I’ll be the monster over and over until this is done, until our realm is saved, do you understand?” The green light in his eyes has faded; there’s only darkness in them now, and the glitter of tears. His voice is hoarse, fervent, violent. “I’ll do whatever it takes. Sacrifice anything and everyone. Myself. You.” He grips my shoulders, teeth bared.
