Chapter 11

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"For not coming sooner, for dragging you through all this pain... I'm so sorry. But I promise I'll get better. I swear to you that I'll get well and we can finally..." She paused and bit her lip. "We can finally leave."

His expression softened. Tears threatened to spill over his eyes. His eyes flickered from the ring on her finger, to her sparkling hazel eyes, then down to the silver band resting on her left hand. It had become a daily habit now. He almost hated wearing it, as if it represented something he no longer deserved to wear.

"Nyra," he spoke in a low, steady tone, as if trying to convince himself that he was truly speaking, "this isn't your fault. You don't need to apologize. We both know you couldn't have saved everyone. If anyone deserves to walk the earth freely, it's me." He took a deep breath.