And if he found her, if he freed her …
Rowan did not let himself think beyond that. To the other truth that they would face, the other burden.
Tell Rowan that I'm sorry I lied. But tell him it was all borrowed time anyway. Even before today, I knew it was all just borrowed time, but I still wish we'd had more of it.
He refused to accept that. Would never accept that she would be the ultimate cost to end this, to save their world
Rowan scanned the blanket of stars overhead.
While all other constellations had wheeled past, the Lord of the North remained, the immortal star between his antlers pointing the way home. To Terrasen.
Tell him he has to fight. He must save Terrasen, and remember the vows he made to me.
Time was not on their side, not with Maeve, not with the war unleashing itself back on their own continent. But he had no intention of returning without her, parting request or no, regardless of the oaths he'd sworn upon marrying her to guard and rule Terrasen.
And tell him thank you-for walking that dark path with me back to the light.
It had been his honor. From the very beginning, it had been his honor, the greatest of his immortal life.
An immortal life they would share together somehow. He'd allow no other alternative.
Rowan silently swore it to the stars. He could have sworn the Lord of the North flickered in response.
