Nora

“All of the stars in the sky are not as bright as my love for you.”
― Scarlett St. Clair, King of Battle and Blood

“I'm sorry, for... not... protecting you.'

His face blurred as I stared at him. 'The blood wasn't pouring from the wound as freely now. 'You have protected me. You still will.'

'I... didn't.' His gaze trekked over my shoulder to where Lord Mazeen stood. 'I... failed you... as a man. Forgive me.'

'There's nothing to forgive you for,' I cried. 'You've done nothing wrong.'

His dulling eyes fixed on me. 'Please.'

'I forgive you.' I rocked forward, dropping my forehead to his. 'I forgive you. I do. I forgive you.'

Vikter shuddered.

'Please don't,' I whispered. 'Please don't leave me. lease. I can't. I can't do this without you. Please.'

His hand slipped from mine.

I drew in air, but it went nowhere as I lifted my head, looking down at him. I frantically searched his face. His eyes were open, his lips parted, but he didn't see me. He didn't see anything anymore.

'Vikter?' I pressed down on his chest, feeling for his heart, for just a beat. That's all I wanted to feel. Just a heartbeat. Please. 'Vikter?'

My name was whispered softly. It was Hawke. He placed his hand over mine. I looked at him and shook my head.

'No.'

'I'm sorry,' he said, gently lifting my hand. 'I'm so sorry.'

'No,' I repeated, my breath now coming in short, rapid pants. 'No.”
― Jennifer L. Armentrout, From Blood and Ash