Lyall's gaze bore into me, his voice strained. "Is this why you were talking about a will? About… something happening to you?"
His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken fear and concern. I met his eyes but remained silent, unwilling to answer right away.
I looked at him silently, without an answer.
Finally, I broke the stillness. "I don't plan on dying," I said softly, but my tone carried a steely resolve.
He looked at me, "But I can't guarantee that I'll come out unscathed so, when I do order you to leave, you must leave. Do you understand?"
His body seemed to grow tighter as I said that and I felt as if he would lash out but he simply got down to his knee with his hand over his heart.
"I shall follow any command you give me, Master." He spoke resolutely, "But this life of mine is yours, if I can't protect you then my life is useless."
He lifted his head to meet my eyes, I could see the determination burning in his eyes.
