The day her world ended was a beautiful one. All the days in Erasima were beautiful. The sun was full and heavy in the afternoon sky with no clouds blocking its radiance. Malek was laughing at her side, a smile permanently etched onto his face. The happiness that had consumed her for the past years warmed her from the inside out, but there was a creeping dread that tapped at the back of her mind.

Her scarf, once so vibrant with magic, was a dull remnant of what it used to be. Her nerves frayed with the thread. The slow unraveling a constant worry. Sensing her declining mood, Malek asked, “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” Her short answer took Malek aback. She tried to smile as bright and wide as usual, but it fell short. Malek’s face drew tighter in concern.

“Are you sick? I’ve never seen you so pale.” 

She pointed to her arm, “I didn’t know snow could get any paler.”

“You know what I mean,” he sighed, “You look like the world’s ending.”

It was. She felt it crumbling beneath her feet. A voice counting down the seconds. “Sounds a little dramatic.”

Malek rolled his eyes, “You? Dramatic?”

A small smile curled her lips. “Never.”

“Seriously, Neve, what’s wrong? I can help.” Malek leaned across the table to grab one of her hands. His skin was smooth against the rough callouses of her palm and fingertips.

“You can’t.” Her voice cracked, and she wiped a hand across her face to catch unbidden tears. The background noise of the tavern muted until it was just her and him. “It’s over.”

“Don’t say that! We can figure something out. Just tell me what’s going on!”

“They’re coming.”

She didn’t need to elaborate as Malek knew. He knew everything. She wouldn’t be free any longer. He replied, “You said your scarf protected you from them.”

“Not anymore.”

“What happens when they come?”

“I go back.” Tear tracks dried onto her face. “I become a soldier again.”

Malek gripped her hand harder. “It’s not fair.”

“Story of my life,” she laughed.

“We could run. Go where they can’t find you.”

She laughed harder, “There’s no place they can’t find me.”

Malek’s eyes were shiny from unshed tears. When one fell, she reached over to wipe it away. She didn’t want him crying for her. As her fingers grazed the warmth of his cheek, she was overwhelmed with emotion. She loved him and didn’t that make her feel even more helpless.

“What?” Malek asked, pulling her hand from his face.

“I love you.”

“You do?” The incredulity in his question made her want to laugh again. 

“You don’t believe me? Why do you think I’m around you all the time? I even laugh at your terrible jokes.”

“I knew you liked me,” he floundered for a way to voice his thoughts, “But I didn’t think you were like that.”

“Like what? Capable of love?”

He looked away. “Perhaps.”

“For a long time, I thought that too. Guess I’ve changed for the better.” She pulled a face and quickly added, “I’m not in love with you or anything gross like that. You’re my best friend. My only friend.”

“You’re my only friend too.”

“Damn, we’re hopeless.”

Malek kicked her leg under the table. “At least we have each other.”

“I’m good with that.”

She grabbed his free hand, curling her fingers with his. They sat like that for hours. They had no idea if this would be the last time they saw each other. If there was anything she would remember for the rest of her life, it would be this moment. She basked in the sunlight that streamed through the tavern window. 

She knew her time was up when goosebumps erupted all over her skin. Raising her eyes to look behind Malek, she saw the sneering grin of Kenmel. His eyes bored into hers, the black depths unending. 

She whispered, “It’s time.” 

Her fingers slipped from Malek’s, and she stood. Her arms were limp at her side, her scarf unraveling from her neck. It fell to the floor without a sound. The sounds of the tavern suddenly too loud in her ears. Kenmel flashed his reuûn'oard at her, a familiar and silent threat.

“I’m sorry.” His raw honesty hurt her more than anything preciously said.

It took everything within her to smile. “Don’t be. It’s an honor to serve Zamsune.”