"I need you both to promise me something," Nicholas said.
"Anything," Sebastian whispered.
"Take care of each other," Nicholas said. "When I'm gone, you'll only have each other. Don't let grief destroy that. Don't let my death drive a wedge between you. Stay together. Stay strong. Be the brothers I know you are."
"We promise," Lucian said.
"And take care of Lilith," Nicholas continued. "Love her the way I would have loved her if I had more time. Protect her. Support her. Help her navigate whatever changes resurrection brings. Make sure she knows she's not alone. That she has both of you. Always."
"We will," Sebastian said.
Nicholas stood and walked around the desk.
He pulled Sebastian to his feet and wrapped him in a tight embrace.
Sebastian broke completely. Sobbing into Nicholas's shoulder like a child.
"I can't lose you," Sebastian whispered. "I can't. We've been together since before we were born. How am I supposed to exist in a world where you don't?"
