The tears came without warning.
Sebastian had been holding them back for two days. Had been staying strong for Lucian and Nicholas. Had been functioning because someone needed to and crying would not save her.
But now, alone with her in the grey light of afternoon, the dam broke.
"You didn't ask for any of this," Sebastian said through his tears. "You came to us looking for help with your mother and we gave you three bond marks and a death curse instead. We ruined you. And I...." His voice cracked completely. "I would take it all back if I could. Would walk away from you the first day we met if it meant you got to live. But I can't. I can't take back the bonds or the curse or any of it. And now you're dying because of choices we made."
He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles gently.
