He went cross eyed staring at the barrel of the gun she had placed between his temples. He felt a nervous sweat dampen the back of his neck where her other hand was placed. He slowly obeyed her command and dropped to his knees. Acutely aware that death lurked near, he begged her.
"You don't have to do this." He pleaded, trying to appeal to whatever little humanity she still retained.
He watched as tears formed in her eyes. He was shocked that they appeared at all, but he knew that they meant he had not succeeded. He watched as she took a deep breath. Her chest just inches away from his face, he could see the brand on her collarbone. He wasn't surprised that it was there. In fact he'd have been more shocked if it hadn't been. The brand marked her as theirs now. Even if he lived through this day, he would never be able to lay claim to her again.
He felt her body tense as she adjusted the gun. There was little he could do to save himself now. He sent a silent prayer up to the gods. He wasn't sure which one he was praying too he just hoped one would answer to assure him that even when his heart stopped beating in a few moments, there would be something for him beyond this life.
"You don't understand." She spoke, shocking him and even herself. He felt her body relax slightly and the gun slipped down his forehead slightly. He was able to lean back to look her in the eyes. Remarkably he saw remorse hidden there. She wasn't completely theirs yet. He didn't know wether to be horrified by that, or to take comfort in it. "I wish that were true, but I don't have a choice."
He watched as a single tear dripped down her face. Then he heard the fate click of a bullet sliding in place within the barrel. He closed his eyes and waited for the bullet that never came. Instead, he heard her scream. He opened his eyes in time to see her fall. His friends had come through for him. Yet, he couldn't help it as tears started to fall from his eyes. He clutched her bleeding body to his own and sobbed as the life slowly faded from her. When she was still, he placed a tender kiss on her forehead.
When she was still, he placed a tender kiss on her forehead. With gentle movements he slowly lowered her body to the ground. As he stood once more, a hardness set about his entire body. They would pay for this.