I stepped between them—between her fallen form and the shadow that wore my face.
His eyes narrowed, just slightly. Not in surprise. In disappointment.
The Queen's lips trembled. She was barely conscious, blood soaking through her robes, her breath shallow and broken.
I knelt beside her, brushing the hair from her face with trembling fingers.
"Liam…" she whispered, her voice like silk fraying. "Don't… lose yourself."
I looked up—past the tears welling in my vision. My hands burned with energy. My jaw locked.
"You want me to choose?" I rose slowly, my back to her. "Then let me show you what I choose."
I wasn't the same boy from before.
I had broken.
Twice.
Once when I thought I was weak.
Again when I realized I wasn't.
But now?
Now I knew the truth: power without purpose is just noise.
The Queen had taught me that.
With every scar she wore for me.
With every secret she held to protect me.
With every smile she gave while dying inside.
I wasn't going to sacrifice her.
