It was most likely she would need to let him go again. She'd already watched him go and chose not to stop him. In the aftermath of so much pain, she couldn't ask it of Kell. He'd wanted to go home, to take Rhy out of Asora, and she understood that. She wouldn't have wanted him to stay. But she wouldn't lie or bite her tongue and say she hadn't missed him. That it hadn't hurt when he had gone, or when Hakkyuu had disappeared.

Neria knew of sacrifice. She was ready to give everything and more for the world, for the people she loved. But she wanted to stay, wanted to be beside Kell again. If nothing else, even if she lost him, at least she could say she tried.

He didn't fight her declaration. Didn't tell her it was foolish, didn't give voice to the doubt she felt.

I want to be selfish, if only for a moment.

Kell's lips were warm. Neria closed her eyes and pressed close to him. Her fingers found his jacket and tightened there.