The world was closing in on me.
I had shut my eyes, surrendering to the inevitability of death. The chains screamed toward me, cold and merciless. My lips trembled, but I forced them shut. To fight was useless. To hope was cruel.
So this is the end… so this is where I fall.
A single tear betrayed me, slipping from the corner of my eye and trailing down my cheek. I tried to steady my breath, but it came ragged, shallow. In that darkness, I whispered silently—
My only personal motive. The only thing I wanted to do for myself. For which I did everything in my Power. Would I never be able to find you in this lifetime… Mother?
I waited for the bite of steel. For the searing agony. For oblivion.
But… nothing came.
My brows knit together. Slowly, hesitantly, I opened my eyes.
And then—I forgot to breathe.
