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An ugly screech echoed through the heavens Calliope Panic seized me, but before it had time to set in, Henry and Milo appeared I threwwith relief "You’re safe"

"As are you" Henry pressed his lips to my forehead, but our reunion didn’t last o back"

"You--what?"

Henry held Milo out for me, and I froze The baby’s blue eyes ide open, and he waved his little fists, watchingfor me to finally take him I ached to hold him, but the moment I touched hiain And we had a war to win

"Go on," said Henry quietly, and I shookmy hands behind my back "He needs you"

"So do you," I said thickly RefusingI’d ever done, but I had to "I’aze, and I refused to back down Whether or not he wanted to ad to end And we didn’t have tihed, and a cradle appeared between us Without looking away fro his blanket around hi it with a crushing grip "I’ clash of the battle raged below us, and every second he wasn’t there was another second we ht lose "Kate, I must"

"If you go, I go"

"I cannot risk you"

"And I can’t risk you We’re a teaets left behind, and no one does so the other first"

A o back, Calliope will do everything in her power to kill you"

"I know" I squared my shoulders and summoned every last shred of bravery I had left "I was bornto die, and I’ you I am terrified of eternity without you"

"And I you," he said quietly "Milo--"

"If so happens to me, then you’ll co happens to you, I’ll do the same I promise He won’t be alone"

Henry hesitated, and the sounds of the battle grew louder We didn’t have ti your per you to tell me what I can do to help"

He opened his ain

"Besides staying here"