He takes a few labored breaths, staring into my soul as his shoulders heave and his breath mists into the air around us. Then he whispers, “I don’t want to do these things, Terra, but I have to.” He pauses, unblinking, as he takes another few deep breaths, regaining his composure. “I never wanted to be the villain, especially not yours, but what am I supposed to do? Do you know what happens if he gets out of control? I’ll tell you. I get sent to kill him. Even if I take back my heart and disobey Cein and the headmaster, what do you think happens to me? I’m the Assassin of Fernestia. I’m the
...more
