"We'll find it," Nicholas promised, even though he had no idea if that was true.
Lilith nodded and then stood on shaking legs. "I need to shower. And eat. And process the fact that I'm apparently carrying a death curse inside me now."
"Take your time," Nicholas said. "We're not going anywhere."
Lilith walked toward the bathroom and then stopped at the door, looking back at him. "Nicholas?"
"Yes?"
"If we can't find another way," she said quietly. "If it really does come down to my death or your curse. Promise me you won't let me make a stupid heroic choice."
Nicholas felt his chest tighten. "Lilith...."
"Promise me," she interrupted. "Promise me you won't let me sacrifice myself. Because I'm scared that when the time comes, I'll try to be noble. And I need you to stop me."
Nicholas stood and crossed to her, pulling her into his arms one more time. "I promise. No noble sacrifices. No heroic deaths. We find another way or we face the curse together."
