Page 89 of Morning's Light

I choose you.

She could do nothing more than close her eyes and wait for the end to come. She shuddered and reached out to clasp Astix’s hand one final time.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“No.” Tears leaked out and were lost. “Aisanna, don’t.”

Facing her fate, she turned toward Darkness with chest puffed out.

“Fine. I’ll do it, okay? You win.” Fog closed in around her, cold, full of voices. Tendrils reached for her and made her want to run. She could feel them, trailing along the lines of her pants, teasing her skin. “I’ll take your place. But you must leave my family alone.”

Perfect.

A lightning bolt of energy lanced out from Darkness, stretching across the space dividing them. Aisanna watched it in slow motion, seeing the dark web of energy intent on sealing her fate, feeling the gravitational pull of the woman she was now and, in some far corner of the universe, would always be even once she turned. Knocked completely out of orbit.

She saw more than heard the scream of protest. Her brain refused to process what her eyes beheld. Her heart seized up.

Karsia, racing toward them. Karsia, holding her hands up in front of her as she barreled forward. Mouthing words of consent.

Karsia, stepping in front of them. Absorbing the blow.

---