The bridge is nothing like the ones at home. It shines like a million tiny fireflies, floating in the air. Their shimmer can only bring delight to the viewers - and I am mesmerized. The air turns warm, like a summer late evening, encapsulating all the childish joy and thrill. I look at the sea and can’t stop myself from smiling. If only life was as beautiful as this place.
Yes, it reeks of danger, and there will be Fae controlling the border, but I feel no fear. There can be none, when you face such a mythical thing. I glance at Kaytus, who is slowing down the vehicle. We are soon to meet our fate. Are we to fight our way through, spend every last drop of energy we possess, or shall we pass, free as the birds above us?
His nose scrunches as we approach and I clench my fists; I am ready for whatever. I need to get home, and once I am in Malachite, I will fight for my freedom, and I will fight for everything that I hold dear. After West, what do I even care about? Money? Power? Glory? I care for beauty, most of all, and this place is a beauty incarnate. It will change things in Malachite just as it changed me.
I can’t stop looking at him, even if the only thing I feel is fury. I feel devastation, and hostility, and skepticism, but revulsion is what I feel most. I will never forgive him for what he did, yes, but I can't stop looking. I just can’t. I don’t look up or down at him, I just watch as his hand turns the steering wheel, as his chest rises when he takes a breath of sea air, as his lips pout when he notices the guards, controlling the entrance to the bridge.
“Nobody talks.” He demands, not even looking at us. We, girls, stay in place, acting as if we’re bored out of our minds. He completely stops the vehicle.
A Fae walks up to us. A pair of translucent wings slide on the ground behind them. I try not to gape at the legendary creature. I’ve never seen a winged Fae. They are magnificent.
“Passage document?” His voice is a mix between a mourning dove’s morning song and an eagle’s raspy war cry. I cannot pinpoint where the human ends and Fae begins. His legs are like ours, except for the skin. White, like fresh snow, with tiny feathers poking from time to time. His arms are thin, like a skeleton, but he feels strong still. His face is long, wrinkled naturally, I suppose.
Kaytus hands out a note, which was hidden in his pocket. The guard looks at it, his lush eyelashes fluttering. Are all Fae this beautiful? He looks like someone from Seelie Court, unlike the ogre creature we’ve encountered and killed.
“Happy travels, Peregrine.” He nods and waves at the other guard to let us pass. My eyes widen, as I realize.
“You’ve taken their papers? When?”
Kaytus slides his gaze to me and scowls. “Does it matter?”
“I’m curious, can’t I be?”
“No. We pass this bridge, we get rid of the nymph and we’re out.” He explains, speeding up. My hair gets caught up in the wind and blinds me. I try to put it in place, but it keeps getting away.
I feel a hand on my shoulder and when I turn around, the nymph smiles. I’m taken aback, but smile back. I feel bad for her. I don’t understand why I feel so strongly about her safety.
“Thank you for getting me out of there,”
“I couldn’t just leave you there.”
“That’s not what you said at first.” Kaytus chuckles and I hit him on the arm.
“Whatever. I was scared and tired.” I turn to face her. She’s beaming. “I’m glad you’ll be home very soon.”
“I must somehow repay you…” she starts but I hush her.
“There’s no need. I have everything I need, truly.”
“Is there nothing you want? A necklace carved from the bluest jewels in the lake? Or maybe a dagger enchanted to be sharp as the first day of its creation?”
I blush at the possibilities but refuse. “I only need your name.”
She looks away, but answers, “Nesrin.”
“Happy to meet you, Nesrin. I’m Norella.”
“Yeah, you said that already.” Kaytus adds and I roll my eyes.
“Keep your eyes and ears on the road, please, for the spirits sake.”
Twenty minute drive and we see land. Behind us is the large canal, part of the sea separating the Otherworld from the human continent. It was dark and shimmering, while the Seelie Court land was enlightened with the sun’s rays I’ve missed so much. As we drive on land, there is no one at the border to check us. We are free, for now, and I sigh in relief.
Nesrin informs us there is a fishermen village not far from here, that would be happy to give us shelter to rest for a bit before continuing the road. Kaytus refuses to stop longer than the time we need to change clothes and eat a hot meal. I agree. There is no time to lose, spirits know what could have happened in my absence. The nymph must understand my worry, as she doesn’t press further.
Suddenly, the vehicle stops abruptly.
“Why did you stop?” I instinctively ask. Kaytus throws me an annoyed look.
“Does it look like we’ve stopped because I wished to?”
I raise my eyebrows and look outside. There are fumes surrounding the truck. The core engine must have died. I don’t know such magic, and Nesrin’s silence indicates she doesn’t either. I sigh and get out of the car.
“Let’s continue on foot.” The man states, grabbing the bag with provisions. The medicine inside could be very useful even in the Seelie Court. We are still strangers, and being in the presence of one nymph might not save us from prejudice. As I discover that I know less and less about the world, I start seeing enemies everywhere. Maybe it was always this way and Father did indeed shelter me. I’ll add this to the list of unforgivable things he had done to me.
In front of us lies an old structure. Broken pillars and a huge solar clock. We pass around it and Nesrin does a sign with her hands, as if she was praying. I want to ask, but choose not to disturb her quiet. She isn’t the talking type, but again, I cannot demand her joy after what she has been through. A few hours is not enough to move on.
We hike through the hills and see a village. Small wooden houses, built so harmoniously with nature they’re almost invisible. Trees and stumps hide the perimeter well. We approach the village and I see Fae doing all kinds of work. Some sell clothes, food and accessories in a market, the others clean the streets, or hammer planks into the house walls.
We look like outsiders. There are no humans here. Only pure Fae, tall and small, some winged, some not. All of them have different skin colors, some the ones I recognize: chocolate, pale as ivory, some a mix of both. We approach the road leading inside.
The population throws us looks of disdain and skepticism, as if we were still in the Unseelie Isles. I walk, embarrassed of my own nature, while Kaytus and Nesrin seem completely confident. He looks at her, leading the way into the center. Her azure hair comes across as alien in these parts too, as everyone’s hair colors resemble human natural ones.
She points at a tavern. It looks like a good place to rest for a moment. We could have bought new clothes if only I had sepha on me. Do they even use our currency here? I was taught that it was universal, but who knows?
“Demus?”
He hums.
“Do you perhaps have money that you took from Peregrine?”
He looks at me and throws me the bag. I look inside, and I find a sack, filled with sepha. Coins and paper. I stifle a laugh. Nesrin is already at the door.
“You go in, I’ll buy us some new clothes with this.” I announce, turning around.
“I’m not letting you out of sight.” The spy’s voice makes me stop.
“I’ll be fine.”
“I’m not taking any chances.”
Nesrin sighs, opening the door and going inside.
“Alright. You’ll help me choose.” I sigh, defeated. No dealing with him. Stubborn bastard.
The market people’s eyes follow us, but they keep their distance. They whisper in their native language, knowing very well I cannot understand them. Kaytus keeps steady eye-contact with the pedestrians, as if threatening them to stay away.
We come to a stall, with lines of tunics, dresses, pants and shoes. All look enough for a quick trip. I greet the vendor in my language, Calla, and hope for the best. The tiny man greets me back, talking perfectly well. No accent either.
I picked an oversized white blouse and pants, with another pair of shoes. My slippers are done for. Dirty and torn apart. Kaytus takes a blouse resembling mine, black pants his size. In the end, I grab a nice dress for Nesrin, thinking it might do her some good to be dressed in something a little less revealing.
“It’s crazy to think I’m willingly going with you to be kidnapped.”
“It is not kidnapping then.”
“You understand what I mean. I can’t escape. Even if I could physically outsmart you and run away, I’d still end up stranded here. But if I stay with you, I’m probably signing my death sentence.” I remark.
We head back to the tavern, holding the clothes to our chests. “The information you’ll provide will be valuable. You will most certainly live.”
“So what’s the plan? You’ll just interrogate me on some castle affairs, maybe secret dealings of Father’s and then what? You’ll kill all of us if you have the chance.” I add snarkily.
He doesn’t answer at first. We enter the tavern and inside, Nesrin is waiting with keys in her hand. “We have a temporary room. To dress up, eat and bathe, then we’ll need to go.”
I thank her, smiling, and glance at Kaytus, still awaiting his answer. Maybe silence was the answer. It must have been. He has never shown mercy before. Why would he show mercy to those he hates the most?
As we go up the wooden stairs, surrounded by hanging dried herbs and floating candles, he grabs my hand.
“I only want justice for those in need, princess. I never wanted blood. But some things had to be done.”
It isn’t the words that male me cry, it’s the tenderness of his voice. Tears well up in my eyes as I pull my hand away. “He didn’t have to die.”
----------------------------------------
Changed, clean and warm, we can finally get a move on. I can’t stand being in his presence any longer. The faster we end this charade, the faster I can come home and… do what, exactly? Return to my old duties? Studying? Walking around the gardens picking flowers for my empty vase? How can I do those things when the whole meaning is no longer present? Not only West, but the crown too. I’ve been preparing my whole life to take this burden and now, when I discover things that are worth fighting for, it is taken away from me by my own father.
Can I honestly wish for a normal life after all that I’ve experienced? Can I go back home and forgive them all? Kaytus, the revolution, my father and mother, my own brother, accepting the burden of the crown like a birthday gift. How can I forgive them after what they put me through?
I cry in silence, as we leave the tavern. I sniff softly, to keep the spy and Nesrin unaware. They walk side by side, appearing to have accepted each other. I look at the nymph and feel deep longing. I desperately need friends, someone to hold when my thoughts become unbearable, but she is just a random Fae we’ve saved from certain death, or worse, perpetual state of being used. She’s no friend of mine, and never shall be. There are too many variables, too many things that prove this cannot work.
Once outside, I quickly wipe away my tears.
“Do you wish to join us?” Kaytus asks the nymph. She looks around and shakes her head.
“I am quite far from home but I will be no burden anymore. I will return to my river alone.”
And here it is. The variable to consider. Lives that are already in motion, that cannot be overturned.
“Norella,” she smiles at me and holds my hands. “Thank you for saving me. And thank you for the new clothes. You’ve helped me, and if chance lets us meet again, I will help you.”
I nod, looking anywhere but her eyes. “Yes, if chance permits.”
And that’s how she leaves. There are no other words spoken. Her blue hair turns bleaker the farther she goes. She disappears into the hills and I cannot bring myself to move. Kaytus looks at me, inquisitively.
“Let’s try to find a new engine for the truck.” I say, coldly.
There were none. We have to search further.
It’s so much more comfortable walking in boots and pants, even though they are a little tight. I am deep in my thoughts, not reacting when Kaytus throws glances at me. I don’t know what I’m doing. I should have fought more. I should fight right now. I’ve eaten and bathed, I’ve regained magical energy. I should attack him right now, I should make him pay. I should… I should. And yet I can’t bring myself to raise my arm and slam a weapon into his chest, right through his heart.
I trust him with his mental map. He knows where to go, and I have no reason for distrust. He has brought me so far already. And this trust is what eats at me. Every second by his side is painful, sometimes it hides under adrenaline fueled trials, but returns at last, stronger than before.
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How can you trust the man who killed the one you spent your life with?
I flinch at the thought.
How can you trust someone who destroyed your home?
I don’t know.
How can you trust the man who took your innocence from you?
I stop in my tracks. Kaytus stops too, nor far from me. He doesn’t turn around, waiting. My eyes are full with tears as I summon a blade. My thoughts take control of my rational mind. I let emotions pour like a tidal wave, swallowing me whole. I can barely breathe as I rush towards him.
I jump on his back, striking the knife into his shoulder. He cries out in pain. But instead of turning around, or trying to get me off him, he falls on me, pining me under his back. I groan, trying to get him off, but he keeps me in place. My hands and feet are under him, and as I try to wiggle out, he brings his hand to the wound, takes out the knife and holds it dangerously close to my face. He doesn’t see what he’s doing, but I know his movements are calculated.
I breathe shakily as I try to move away.
“You have some guts!” He roars, finally getting off of me. Before I can regain sense of my limbs, he is on top of me, his shoulder bleeding. He doesn’t care. His eyes don’t show fear. There is nothing in there but unadulterated will for destruction. His hands pine my wrists down, while still holding the knife. “Is this your revenge? Stabbing me?”
“Do you wish I’d killed you? What’s wrong with you?!”
“You are capable of murdering others for your survival, and yet, you can’t inflict a deadly wound when I’m vulnerable.” He hisses in my face.
I squeeze my eyes, shrieking into his. “Damn you! Damn you, murderer!”
He lets go of me and stands up, looking down. For a moment, his eyes show more than judgment. I ignore it completely.
“You took everything from me, everything I’ve ever held dear is gone because of you!” I get up too, hitting him in the chest. He doesn’t budge.
“Thousands of people say the same thing about you, so what makes you so different? Huh? What makes you special, Norella?”
I close my mouth, my lips turned downward, as I watch him close his.
“You’re right. I’m not special. I lived my whole life thinking people loved us because we were good monarchs. One day, on a beautiful autumn, I lose my lover,” I bite my lip to stop the upcoming tears. “And learn that people hate us! For crimes I have not committed. For things I was not aware of. The next month I lose my crown, the thing I’ve worked my entire life for. I was bred for it, spent weeks not sleeping to study magic, royal rules, traditions and school material at the same time!
“Your hate for my family forced me to take up arms too. Your movement forced me to become someone I didn’t want to be - a murderer. If only you would have talked, I would have helped you! I would have made it so you have audiences with the king, so he would listen for your pleas and demands.
“I would have let your peasants have what they want, change the whole economy if needed be. But you decided to bomb us, burn our knowledge, kill an innocent man, whose services were a gift from Astral, the queen of the land we stand in right now.
“No, I’m not different, I’m not special, but spirits know, you aren’t either. My pain is valid because my life is not inferior to yours. I have not even lived my life yet. I have not made mistakes you blame me for. If only I had the crown, I would have changed things for the better, I only wished for friends and love. But now, the attacks have broken my family, my paranoid father gave the crown to the boy who seeks violence more than anything in the world.
“Now, you took away any chance of peace. Because you made me cruel. Hate me all you want, as I will hate you. But do not diminish my experience and pain because I was born rich.”
I exhale, letting my sore hands fall to my sides. The word ‘rich’ still burns in my mouth. I am so much more, but he doesn’t see that. The revolution will never see me as anything but the privileged eldest daughter of a cruel monarch.
Kaytus looks at me, lips slightly parted. His eyelids are half down, as he studies me. His eyebrows curve upward, as he tilts his head.
“I lied.”
I don’t bother asking about what. Right now, I may accept anything coming my way. I’m too exhausted.
“August, our leader, did not ask for you.” He says. “I persuaded him to use you, for you to have a chance to live.”
My eyes widen at the revelation. I don’t know what to say, so I stay silent. I lower my head and kneel in front of the bag he let go of. I take a poultice and pass it to the man. My whole body and mind feel numb as I continue walking.
“I want to see your wretched revolution burn.”
“And I for the monarchy to die out.”
We look at each other, a silent agreement signed. We shall forever hate each other, because prejudice and ignorance are more powerful than any magic out there.
An hour later we find another town, bigger, where we manage to find a bureau that works as long distance messengers. My letter is short.
This is Norella Seagrave, princess of Malachite. I’ve been kidnapped by the human trafficking organization, Peregrine. I am now in the Seelie Court, alone.
Please, save me.
Here is the map of my whereabouts.
When the message is sent, we sit on a bench, with a lot of space between us. We wait. The Fae inside looked like goblins, tiny and wrinkly all over, dressed in sophisticated vests, pants, and shoes. They’ve informed us the message is to be sent immediately, and the response to come back soon. A mere ten minutes later, a female goblin runs towards us, with a paper in hand. She waves it up in the air, calling for us.
“They are on their way. You are to meet at the port.”
“But it’s so far from here,” I quake.
Kaytus puts his face in his palms, stretching his cheeks and bags under his eyes. “Aren’t you their princess? Why can’t they come get you here?”
I don’t answer him, deciding there is no point in talking. I’ll do my best to keep the promise I made.
The port in question is to the west. It must be a day’s long drive, and if we don’t find the engine core for the vehicle, we might as well be stuck here forever. This is incomprehensible. How can they treat me like a nuisance? They should be traveling with the speed of light to come get me where I am. Not make me travel through the whole island to meet them halfway. This is ridiculous.
So, we got to searching for a seller. No machinery like this in these parts. Fae were nature’s children, its first and favorite. They did not need such technologies. They used their strong legs, created for these lands. Their borders have never changed, not before First Yule, not after.
We, humans, passionately tried to take their place and gain Nature’s favor at first. Nowadays, we wish to exert ourselves from It. We developed technology, but as we well know, the technology is partially magic. Nature’s magic. It all came full circle and now we pay the price.
Human travelers in the Otherworld are silently persecuted for their distortion of Nature's gift. So, we are utterly fucked.
“How can we make it on foot?” I ask, mostly myself. I look at the map on the bench, kneeling. My elbows on the red wood planks. I sigh in despair. “There is no way we’re making this on foot. Do they have horses we can lend here?”
I get up, leave the map there and walk around the town, searching for stables. How do these people live without transportation? Always on foot? Don’t they ever get tired? I understand the wings and muscular legs with a different bone issue, filled with magic to the brim, but even their magic is finite. Otherwise we would have not lasted so long during the World War. They are mortal, like us, their life span is simply longer. Their magic and bodies cannot withstand all of that labor without any kind of transportation. I don’t even see carriages with horses leading them. There is nothing on wheels. I can’t believe my eyes.
“I found something.” Kaytus speaks behind me, startling me.
“Really?” I exclaim, and immediately put my hands over my mouth. “I’m not speaking to you.”
“You won’t. Follow me, we’ll get to the port in no time.”
This sounds too good to be true, but I have no choice. Time is pressing, I need to get back to Malachite. And let’s not forget, after we cross the sea, small as it is, we’ll still have to pass through Kammer. The world’s largest military and protected country. At least with Malachite’s guards and some of the king's consultants we’ll make it in no time.
“First, conjure a pan.”
I can’t stop myself from laughing. “What for? You’re making eggs?”
“Be serious. A pan, now.”
I close my eyes and imagine the shiniest, new pan. It floats in front of me, begging to be used for eggs and bacon. I pass it to him. He puts it on the grass and takes a sack of something from his pants.
He turns around and starts moving his hands. I do not see what he’s doing and patiently wait for him to finish. What, is he preparing spices for a meal?
Then he turns around, takes the pan with two hands. Kaytus swings it without hesitation. Everything turns black.
----------------------------------------
I open my eyes and groan loudly, feeling the bump on my skull. It hurts a lot, but I’m not bleeding. I look around and to my surprise, I’m in a forest. Not any forest, though, I recognize the pines beside the royal city. Uphill, I see the southern wing, the back of my home.
Kaytus is nowhere to be seen. I get up from the cold earth, feeling dizzy. I’m dressed in the same clothes as before, my hair is a mess, tangled, dirty, the roots greasy. Why did he hit me? Nothing makes sense. It’s nighttime, but I can see the rays of dawn on the horizon, behind those pine trees.
“You’re finally awake.” That filthy voice is right behind me. I slowly turn around, and let out an animalistic growl.
“Why did you knock me out?” I hug myself in a feeble attempt to warm myself up. I’ve lost count of days, but from the freezing night, I understand we’re near the end of Samhain. Winter will be knocking on Malachite’s door soon.
“Because I wanted to.”
“How did we get here? Why don’t I remember the whole trip?”
He doesn’t answer.
“This is getting ridiculous. Did we arrive at the port? Did they come by boat? Did they bring us here?”
“Anyways, I’m bringing you to the headquarters, setting up a meeting with August, and you’ll act as leverage, and informant. The king surely wants you back. He will give us what we want.”
“He will never give up his crown for me.”
The man bites his lip.
“If I am to work with you, I need to know how we got here, understand?”
“I’m a spy, first and foremost. I don’t reveal my ways easily. Understand?”
The cold wind stings my neck and hands. The sound of our steps is hidden beneath the noise of the city near us. Even at dawn, it is lively. There is a beautiful yellowstone wall separating the forest from the capital. I always liked it. I felt protected from whatever wild animals might crawl. Especially at night. I felt safe with West by my side, but now, he isn’t here.
Near the entrance of Argenis, I notice a horse waiting. It’s tied to a fence with the reins. Kaytus lifts me up and puts me on its back. I struggle to keep my balance, but he swiftly sits in front of me and tells me to hold onto him. I have no choice but to obey. I will not die by breaking my neck, falling off a horse.
We ride until the sun is nearly at its zenith. My stomach gurgles incessantly. Sometimes I wish I was Fae, taller, stronger and more magically potent to conjure a hot meal. I can try but I will fall on the ground as soon as my hands leave Kaytus’s slim waist.
Finally, we come to a full stop. Kaytus gets off the horse and helps me down too. I smell hot metal, firewood and mud. Maybe it’s the nerves, but I feel death surrounding me. I feel eyes watching me, even though there is no one around us.
We stand in front of an abandoned building, lost to the vines and tall grass. We’re in the middle of nowhere, for certain. I do not recognize the place. I have no clue where we are, but I know we rode to the east, towards the rising sun.
We go inside, and there is no sound. The spy leads me up the stairs, then a corridor, then he opens a door. He pushes me inside. More violently than before. He should work on his mood swings.
Taking off the vest, putting it on a clothing hanger. The room I’m being held hostage in is small with little to no furniture. Looks very much like a normal office, but the wallpapers are old and it smells of cigarettes. A kind gift from Abrayam. The desk, the center of their operations, I suppose, is cluttered with scrolls and gadgets I have no knowledge of. The windows are shut, no light or air enters the room. I feel like coughing due to the heavy fumes.
“Commander.” Kaytus speaks, standing by my side. That's new. Commander? I turn to where he spoke, and I see him. The leader of the revolution, the mastermind behind the monarchy’s fall from grace, August.
He’s standing in a dark corner, smoking his pipe dramatically and throws a curious look at me. I shiver not from the cold, but from his intense gaze. The leader takes a few steps towards us and his eyes travel from my face down to my feet. He seems unimpressed.
“Why is she here?”
“Yeah why?” I parrot, looking at Kaytus, intending to put him further into the coffin. However, August only clicks his tongue.
“Leverage? Information?” It’s not really a question, but Kaytus nods. “Smart. I thought you might pull something like this off after our last spat.”
August is wearing simple clothes, a blouse and pants with high boots, just like Kaytus’s, but his thigh is adorned with several knives. At the corner lies a sword, as tall as me. He was really a commander once, I’m sure of it. It can’t be just a hierarchy title.
“We were slowed by Peregrine.” Kaytus says, strolling towards the desk. August seems not to mind. “But that’s dealt with.”
“Of course,” August looks at me, putting his pipe in the ashtray.. “Let me take a look at you.”
I don’t move, aware of how weak I must seem. I must stay calm. The thing is, I don’t wish to save myself only, I wish for my family to be safe too. Even if it hurts my pride.
The commander is in front of me and traces my face with his fingers. They’re cold, but I do not budge. “I can see your father in you. Disgusting.”
“I am his daughter.” I say, trying to look anything but powerless. August doesn’t care.
“No shit,” Kaytus says, not even looking up at me.
“We contact the crown, ask to stop the public executions.”
“What?” Kaytus asks, his hands half-way to a cup.
“Didn’t you receive the report?”
The spy looks uneasy. “I told you we were slowed by Peregrine.”
August rolls his eyes, which makes him look much more human than before. Otherwise, he’s just a cruel creature behind the palace’s demise. And if I am to negotiate, I must know what to negotiate about. If he was a machine, the emotion part would be difficult. “The king is killing people out in the open, mostly innocents.”
That can’t be true. Father would never do something like that. “We use her in the bargain. He will want his daughter back, no matter the heir situation.”
“That remains to be seen.” Kaytus adds.
“Kaytus, you wouldn’t have brought her here not believing the king will want to talk to ys.”
August grabs Kaytus’s face and I see his fingernails dug into the skin. It must hurt, but Kaytus doesn't budge. “She is not crown princess anymore. She’s nor worth much now that her brother is the rightful heir.”
August dugs his fingers deeper. One of the fingers enters Kaytus’s mouth. “The king can change the law whenever. You should have brought Rigel, as you’re aware of the situation. You were at the banquet before the bombs were planted. But… I suppose we can use her nonetheless.” He lets go of the spy and walks to me.
“What do you day, sweetheart? Will you play along and get your king to stop the executions?”
“He’s your king too,” I stare. “But yes, I’ll do anything to stop the murders.”
There’s a heavy silence. The agent looks at me, his eyes telling me he knows what I mean. Murderers. All of them, not just Kaytus. But Kaytus made it personal.
“How can I trust you with my safety? What if I talk to the king and he decides I’m not worth it. What if he doesn’t stop the executions?” I must know what they’re planning. I must search for the possibility of me being left unharmed. I refuse to be hurt. Not by their hand and not in their building. I’ll fight my way out if I must - even though, chances are, I’ll die trying.
Kaytus’s words are hard to believe. That he wants me to have a chance at surviving this. There is no gray in such stories, it’s black and white. They are enemies of the state, thus my enemies. I am partly the reason they’re fighting. There is no me living, when my family is dead. And vice versa.
“We kill you.”