Maya's POV
The wound in Maya's ribs was killing her.
She could feel the blood pooling inside. Could feel her body shutting down. Could feel death getting closer with every breath.
Kaden was holding her like he could keep her alive through sheer force of will.
The Sovereigns were watching with expressions that looked almost curious.
"You refuse ascension?" the lead Sovereign said. Its voice was layered and strange. Like multiple realities speaking at once.
"I refuse," Kaden said. His voice was steady. Certain. "Save her or I refuse everything."
"Then you condemn both yourself and her to destruction," the Sovereign said. "The Territory War victor must ascend. It is the rule."
"Then break the rule," Kaden said.
The Sovereigns went completely silent.
For a moment, nothing moved. Nothing breathed. The white space held its breath.
"Rules cannot be broken," a different Sovereign finally said. But its voice wavered.
