So this is the price of magic. I should've known.

He told me I'd be broken by the end of my journey. Told me I'd lose everything.

Why in the _world_ did I still go?

Marcus is gasping for air. He looks at me, eyes pleading. The hole in his chest is already too large. I watch my hands raise the sword again. I try to stop, but they don't listen to me anymore.

"Please..." My sword connects with his chest again. He screams. Again. He coughs, blood spewing everywhere. "Mirella, why?"

I feel a tear slip down my cheek. Please understand that this is not me! His light grows darker every second. My hands raise up again.

Enough. That's more than enough.

I drop the sword and fall to my knees, cradling his head in my hands.

"Oh Marcus," I say, "I'm so sorry! Please forgive me. It wasn't me, it was the magic-"

Marcus coughs again, then stares at me, peering into what is left of me as I peer into what's left of him. He smiles.

"Mirella... come here." He leans his head upwards as much as he can.

I lean forwards, our faces so close they could be touching. And then they are. He kisses me, hand grasping the back of my head, using the only strength he has left to communicate his love to me.

Our lips part, and I sob. My tears fall onto his blood-soaked body. I did this to him. And I will never forgive myself.

I pick up Marcus' lifeless body and continue my journey.