Love & Deceit

Chapter 29: Sacrifice

I put down the book. Giving both Moira and Jasper a grateful look.

"I appreciate everything you've done since you got here, thank you for having my back."

Jasper looked at me in a mix of pity and respect. Moira was still sulking, looking down at the ground with a sorrowful expression on her face. Jasper bowed his head gently.

"You, Raven, are a light that this world needs more of."

"...I could say the same about you guys."

"..."

I sighed, realizing the weight of what I was about to do. Today, I'm going to die, but I'll have died saving the dimensions.

"I was skeptical of you guys at first. I...thought I hit rock bottom, family-wise." I let out an awkward laugh, before continuing. "But, I'm very lucky to call you guys my family. And although I haven't known you long. You've more than proven yourselves. I..." I could feel my emotions start to bubble to the surface, but I forced them down. Giving Jasper a big smile.

"I love you guys."

Jasper walked towards me enveloping me in a tight hug.

"What you're doing is very brave. Such a shame..." He whispered in my ear. Before looking back at Moira, and sighing heavily.

"I'll give you two some privacy."

"Thanks Jasper..."

I approached Moira, and sat next to her on the bed.

"I meant what I said, you know. About being lucky to have you."

"Won't do you much good when you're dead."

"If you think this is hard for you. Imagine how I feel?"

She looked at me in shock, her face softening. Till she realized the playful expression on my face and I shocked a laugh out of her.

"You're making jokes at a time like this?"

"Someone once told me. If you can't find humor even in the darkest of situations, then all hope is truly lost."

"That person is very wise."

I pictured Masao's face; His narrow beautiful brown Asian eyes, harboring wisdom beyond their years, his slightly yellow skin, the slight stubble on his chiseled jaw, his strong bone structure.

"He really is..."

She simply smiled back at me, sky blue eyes twinkling, in the room's slightly fluorescent light.

"I wish you wouldn't have to do this, Raven."

I gave her a sad smile.

"I wish I didn't either. But it is my duty and my honor, as a Senior Plight member, as daughter of one of the founding members..." I winked at her before continuing. "...Also as part of the reason why all this is happening. To give my life for our cause."

Moira's eyes looked deeply into mine, as if trying to memorize the structure of my face, before I leave to my inevitable doom. I could see a light sheen of tears forming in her iridescent eyes.

"I never did get to express how sorry I am, at everything you're going through."

"You have nothing to be sorry for, Moira. I understand why you made all of those decisions. And I don't blame you for them."

"...Thank you, Raven."

"It's just a shame that I won't get to know you more..."

"Also that you won't get to spend the rest of your life with blonde hunky man out there."