Botan POV
I stare after her brokenly as Akio follows and I have no choice but to let her go. Akio was righ. Nothing I say can undo what had been long done and trying to keep her would only deepen her despise. But the grief coils in me, a living thing, clawing to escape.
I wrench myself free of the guards' grip, but one of them makes the mistake of holding on too tightly. Rage bursts loose and I slam his arm away, his hand reflexively flying to his holster, but I'm faster. I rip the weapon from him and drive him to the ground with savage blows. The crunch of his nose splitting under my fists satiates a thirst that has gone unquenched for too long. Blood spurts, painting my knuckles, and I nearly lose myself to the chaos—until I hear his voice.
"Botan!"
