Chapter Twenty-One

Wyn

“Are you ready for this?” I ask.

Kaitlyn nods, but I can see the tension and nervousness on her face. Ashley is standing next to her, holding her hand, looking absolutely reluctant to let her go.

We're all gathered in the large basement beneath the training house, standing just outside the chamber that houses the Dragon Door. Everybody is saying their goodbyes to one another and there are plenty of tears flowing.

Before I know what's even happening, Ashley is embracing me, clinging to me tightly. Awkwardly, I put my arms around her and hug her in return – feeling like an absolute idiot. Kaitlyn stands nearby, smiling to herself.

Ashley steps back and wipes the tears from her face. “You better take care of her, Wyn,” she says. “I mean that. You bring her back in one piece or I swear to God I'll hunt you down, cut your dick off, and feed it to a stray dog.”

I don't want to point out the obvious – that if I don't bring Kaitlyn back alive and in one piece, it means something terrible happened, we lost the fight, and that both of our worlds are about to end. Instead, I take her hand and give it a reassuring squeeze.

“I'll bring her back,” I say. “Count on it.”

She wipes at her cheeks again and gives me an uncertain smile before stepping away and throwing her arms around Kaitlyn again. I feel Quint's large, brooding presence beside me, so I don't even bother turning to look.

“We will do what we can to keep the Ba’Chul here and occupied as long as we can,” he says softly. “But you know he's going to come for you sooner or later. Probably sooner.”

I nod. “I'm aware.”

“And you know he's going to make a beeline straight for the Riverlands.”

I nod again. “I expect it.”

“The magic of your people is strong,” he says. “You might be able to make use of it somehow. But it also means you need to do something he doesn't expect.”

“Such as?”

Quint turns to me and holds my gaze. “Being a Ranger means you have to make the difficult choices,” he says. “You sometimes have to do what's in the best interest of the all, rather than in the few.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means that sometimes, we have to make difficult sacrifices for the greater good.”

“Sacrifices?” I ask. “I don't understand.”

Quint's eyes narrow and a dark look passes across his face. “Nyro must never be able to claim her,” he says. “You must never allow her to fall into his hands. If you do, you're signing the death warrant for both Chondelai and the world of man – and everybody in both worlds.”

“Are you saying –”

“All I'm saying is to think of the many instead of the few,” he says. “And you must do whatever is necessary.”

He claps his hand on my shoulder and gives it a squeeze before giving me a tight smile and walks away, leaving me there to digest what he'd just said. And the only conclusion I can come to from everything he'd just said is that if Nyro gets close to taking her, I have to kill Kaitlyn. Sacrifice her for the greater good.

Think of the many, not the few. Those words reverberate through my head hard and leave a sinking, horrified feeling in my stomach. I know that if Nyro were to claim her, he would destroy two worlds. But at the same time, I don't know if I can ever bring myself to end her life. Even if it means saving those worlds.

I just don't think I can do it.

“Okay, everybody,” Quint calls. “It's time.”

There is another round of quite talking and quick hugs as everybody says their final goodbyes to everybody else. I turn around and find myself face to face with Ashley.

“Bring her back,” she says. “And come with her because you're good for her. You two are good together.”

I give her a small smile, trying to project an air of confidence. “We'll see you soon,” I say. “And at least I can say with certainty, that it won't be just after we boned on your couch.”

Ashley laughs and wipes away the fresh tears that are falling down her face. She embraces me one more time and then quickly lets me go, walking away with the group of people who are charged with keeping her safe. I'm glad to know that the Rangers staying behind – Quint and Glyn among them – will be keeping an eye on her.

And as we turn toward the chamber door and Kaitlyn takes my hand, I hear Quint's voice echoing through my mind again. Sacrifice. Think of the many, instead of the few. I give her a smile I hope looks confident – though, judging by the look on her face, I know I missed the mark.

“You okay?” she asks.

“Yeah,” I lie. “I'm fine.”

Two worlds. All those people. Think of the many, instead of the few. Sacrifice. Do what's necessary.

I want to scream, but manage to hold it in. I tighten my grip on her hand and try to lend her some strength – strength I'm not necessarily feeling in the moment.

But, it's time and I need to be at my best both mentally and physically.

The people in two worlds are depending on it.