"Because it's not nothing," Nicholas said quietly. "It's everything. Lilith is everything. And if my death brings her back, if trading my life for hers means she gets to live, then it's worth it."
"Nicholas, please..." Sebastian said.
"This isn't a debate," Nicholas interrupted. His voice was firm. Final. "I'm the eldest. I'm the Alpha Prime. And I'm making this decision. I will be the anchor. I will go into the Veil. I will bring Lilith back. And you will both accept this and support it because it's what needs to happen."
"I won't accept it," Lucian said. "I refuse. We'll find another way. We'll...."
"There is no other way," Victoria said quietly. "I asked Thalia. I searched for alternatives. This is the only option. One of you must sacrifice yourselves or Lilith stays dead."
"Then I'll do it," Sebastian said immediately. "I'll be the anchor. Not Nicholas. Me."
"No," Nicholas said.
"Why not?" Sebastian challenged. "Why does it have to be you? Why can't it be me or Lucian?"
