“Destroy me then,” he says hoarsely. “Be my goddess of doom, of vengeance. Kill me, and set yourself free. They’ve tried to end me, you know. So many have tried, from my own kingdom and yours. I know what it is to be hunted. Every one who came against me failed. But I would let you suck me dry, little viper—I’d drink poison from your mouth, lick venom from your tongue.”
