Page 27 (1/2)

I knoe’ve gone our separate ways before, but this tiel world And when he does, he’ll forget all about that Daughter of Man he partnered up with for a few days He’s oodbye?’ I ask

He nods

We look into each other’s eyes As usual, I have no idea what he’s thinking I could uesses, but they’d be fantasy

He leans down, and his lips hover a hair’s breadth frole of anticipation

Then he presses his lips to mine His warmth spreads out from et about everything else – the apocalypse, ht

All I feel is the kiss

All I airl

Then he pulls back

He presses his forehead toof tears behind s back’ I s and talk fast before er, and they’ll follow you as their leader Then you’ll take the angels home, away froer, you’ll take them away from here, away froer, but yes, I’ll do what I can to take theone

I s

We stand there for a few

The wind picks up, and it feels like we’re the only living beings in the world

Then he straightens up, leaning away from me ‘It’s not about what I want or need My people, the entire fabric of my society is about to unravel I can’t let that happen’

‘I didn’t ask you to’ I slorap my arms around my middle ‘You’re the best hope for my people too, you know If you take control and take them back to where they came from, my world will be saved too’ But you won’t be with me

He shakes his head sadly at me ‘These are the rules we live by We are soldiers, Penryn Legendary warriors willing to endary sacrifices We do not ask We do not choose’ He says that like a e he’s said a thousand ti me aside

He brushes my hair out of my face, strokesit A half smile forms on his lips

Then he drops his hand, turns around, and leaps into the air

I puthis at my hair Dry leaves float by, lost and abandoned

25

I should go

Turn around and leave this place