The Unexpected

Chapter 7 - Don't You Dare!

Hellooooooooo! Another update! Bit of drama for you now, as if there wasn't already enough! Let me know what you think!

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I can't believe what I'm about to do. I'm going to do it, I'm actually going to do it. Sure, I've thought about it in the past, when times were particularly hard. This time it's different. This time, it's for real.

I slowly step out of the shadows; raise the dagger high above my chest.

I shudder, whispering fervent prayers to the Gods, pleading for them to be merciful. I meet Ajax's eyes for one last time. Those eyes. Even wide with fear, they are stunning - they draw me in and threaten to unhinge me. I lose myself in those eyes for a moment, then reluctantly break the contact, look away before my resolve falters. His gaze breaks me, all but kills me. There is obvious pain on his face, whether from battle injuries or my actions, I can't tell.

I regret his pain, I really do. I never wanted to hurt him. That is the last thing I wanted. But this is the only way, and he can't change my mind. This is my choice, my life. And I won't let him stop me.

He shakes his head, pleading. Atropos is all but forgotten, it's just me and my beloved, that's all that exists for me now. If I'm going to do this, I'll do it my way - looking into the eyes of the only man I have ever loved, the only man I will ever love. Gazing on his handsome face, his devotion evident in his every motion. I can only hope that my feelings are reflected in his, that he knows how precious he is to me. He is my everything. And I will do all I can to leave this world with his face engraved into my every thought, imprinted on my mind.

No, please, no! Don't leave me! Don't do this. What are you thinking!? I can see the words silently forming on his lips, panic colouring his every feature. I hesitate, delaying the moment from where there is no return.

I have to do this. Can't you see? I have to! I'm doing this for you, and for my father. I mouth back. I can feel the sharp prickle of tears forming in my eyes. I want, so badly, to stay strong, for both his sake and mine; every breath is shaky, hitching as I struggle against the surge of tears that are welling. But the loss on his face is too much for me to bear, knowing that I have caused his pain, and I can't help but waver. I let the tears spill, clinging to my lashes and staining my cheeks, silent but filled with unrelenting sorrow, an intangible muddle of pure, undiluted emotion. I let those tears pour, blurring my vision, not bothering to blink them away. I allow myself, for the first time, to feel self-pity, to mourn all that I am about to lose.

I can barely see Ajax through the tears, but I can hear him clear as crystal when he finally manages to find his words.

"NO!" he shouts, his voice rising in pitch with despair. "No! Don't you dare! You don't get to do this! DON'T YOU DARE LEAVE ME!"