Breathing heavily, he turned back to her.
“I’m sorry— I just— I was afraid that you’ll shift—”
“I have been terrified that this day would come but I thought I was stronger, as strong as I was in your Realm. I knew I would be lacking the moment I saw that annoying thing healing your ankle with his flames,” he laughed, the sound dry of humour as he swept his hand over his hair, pushing it back. “At that moment, I knew there were many things that I lacked, many skills, so many things. I might have been a King there but here, I am like a child. I’m not better than any of those dragon shifters. I’m useless.”
“You are not.”
With a huff, he sat down next to her, feeling exhausted. “My pretense to know what I am doing can no longer save me. I’m fighting a lost war, Nightshade and you can see it.”
He turned to her, to find her shaking her head. “Don't lie to me.”
“I’m not.”
“Alaris—”
“Don't try to inspire me, it won't work.”
