It’s been too long a war—I’m tired, and the end is in sight. For me, at least. In the end, what are we but soldiers on a sinking ship? It’s a war we can’t win, and I know it.

We fought for Violet Hill yesterday – a one-way trip for every one of my men. Myself included. I can feel the world blurring over, my heart beating traitorously, pumping my precious blood out onto the snow. But at least I’m here. I’m home.

It’s been too many years. And all this time, I’ve held firm to my love – taken it all the way to distant lands, and now, back home, to where it all began.

I drag my dying self nearer to where she is and sit in the snow. All that time, she was silent still. My breath mists before me as I say,

“If you loved me, why’d you let me go?”

Look what I’ve done to myself, to you, to us. If I hadn’t left, I might’ve saved you—

I touch the cold marble of her tombstone, even as I struggle to stay awake. As the darkness closes in, I feel my lips move one last time: “If you love me, won’t you let me know?”