“I don’t know if you’re listening, and I won’t stay here long,” I murmur. “But I’ve changed. I swear I have. Whatever reward you promised to my guides—you must deliver it. I will show you the change in my heart—I’ll prove it to you, even if it takes years, decades… even if I have to do it alone…” Tears come at last, stinging my eyes, and I swallow a sob. “Just… don’t hurt them. Please. Don’t subject them to that terrible end, please. Let me perish in any number of miserable, painful ways, but spare them, I beg you. I beg you. I won’t keep praying, because I know you despise excess—but please.
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