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I pushed through the curtains and entered into the Emperor’s chamber, the candles quietly burned low, the room was hazy with smoke, a pitiful attempt to hide the heavy scent of death.
SkekSo lay curled up on the bed, atop the blankets, his hands over his face, his breathing ragged. I stepped towards him, and he uncovered his eyes and looked at me, his pale blue eyes wide but filled with hate and disdain.
“I brought you essence, do not look at me like that.” I scold, and stroll over to his bedside. He sits up, glaring at me, and with shaking hands takes the bottle.
“All is well on the warfront, sire. The Scientist has set aside large quantities of essence for you alone.” I report, watching as he downs the entire bottle. He takes a deep breath, closing his eyes and muttering, “It won’t be enough…”
I tilt my head, “Oh?” But I knew that already, I know he refuses all my treatments, and yet I wonder how SkekSo knows?
“How so?” Asks my other voice.
“I had–” They pause to cough, “... A dream…” We are silent for a long moment, waiting for them to continue, “... I dreamt of… my shadow…” Hoarse twin voices reply. The light of the dying sun filters through the beaded-curtains and glitters off UrSu’s eyes, the crown of his soul encircling his head grows dim, its branches withering and falling as he speaks, “I saw Death.”. His eyes narrow, and the dim candlelight flickers, “It was… hideous…” SkekSo hisses, placing one bony hand over his snout, his claws digging into his skin.
Droplets of blue blood trickle down his face, his dark eyes drift down towards his hands, “I am afraid, UrIm…” UrSu whispers, “Thra has given us a destiny, but are we brave enough to meet it?” He asks, his eyes remain locked on his trembling hands. I reach out and brush a lock of hair from his face, and cup his head in my hands and assure him, “Yes, you are already brave. Braver than I.”
They meet our gaze, “Do you fear your shadow?” And we do not answer.