This collection of my experiences addresses your questions. I can't address everything between us. When you activated and broke my arm, my "leash" stopped refilling. Emotional and physical trauma damages me without restitution. Revisiting my memories of Xelan cost me three days already.

My end is inevitable.

I knew that when I looked into your Atramentous eyes. Li captured in that gaze. You're not the reincarnation of Celindria. You're the reincarnation of Elden. A force he placed in this galaxy to deliver his justice.

And you will.

On me. On the Tritans. On anyone that hurt you or those you love. Elden, help them.

I've watched you a while now as you find sanctuary in Xelan's stronghold. By your desperate measures to increase it, I suspect your time limitation is shorter than mine. But Rites, Rayne? My father--of all people--outlawed them long ago as sadistic torture implements. I know my brother. He affixed a placard with exactly that written on whatever case you found those in.

Don't martyr yourself. I pray to Elden at least one anecdote in this memoir helps you find another way.

Today, you called your army across the country like a beacon of hope. Korac watches me as I finish this last page. He'll deliver it to my brother's stronghold without harm.

I ask that you spare him. In his love for Sagan, he's found a peace that I hope he enjoys for a lifetime. You'll never find a warrior more loyal for your side. More loyal to the cause of good than you might believe.

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We try for those we love.

I stared at your image so long. The image of a strong and beautiful woman, capable of reducing everything around her to dust. Your eyes, so wide with fear, spilled lonely tears.

I wanted to make you strong. I protected Xelan too much from the horrors of this world. I wouldn't make the same mistake with you.

No.

I introduced you to the monster from the start. You had to know what I could do to you. And, eventually, what I wanted to do to you.

Now the Tritans can't surprise you with their demands and underhanded negotiations. Their punishments.

Keep the Tantamount. The Tritans need Earth like all their other planets. When the time comes, do what you must.

I have many regrets. And forgive me, for I have no one else to share them with.

When I think back on your tears spilling onto Elden's throne... I realize in my brutish satisfaction that I'd become no better than my father. No matter the reasons I gave and the measures I've taken since, I am the monster I was always meant to be.

You won't believe this

There's no way

I've nothing left to say that you'll want to hear.

I'm certain you'll send me to eternity in two days. More certain am I that you'll be beautiful in your execution of me. Because that is the light you were always meant to be.

After six million plus years of existence, I can't imagine falling to anyone other than you. I know you'll cry. Just as I know you'll cry reading this. Your heart is more vast than the entire Collective.

Don't waste your tears on me, Rayne.

I trust you to finish the work I started. Protect that heart I tried so hard to break. Caution in your solitude that you don't become me. You're strong, but even one as strong as you can lose oneself to isolation and contact starvation. I worry about your self-torment. That, in your need to hurt yourself instead of others, you'll drive yourself mad.

In your weakest moments, remember this:

You've slain the monster in the night. You're a warrior. You're a leader. You're capable of more than you can imagine.

For whatever it might be worth, I believe in you.

Goodbye, Rayne.