The moonlit pools I saw her through could not mask her golden radiance. I heard her cries as she whirled amidst the ruffians who would kill her, though a symphony of steel, cold and ruthless, still shook my ears.
My unbeating heart seized up; had it been possible it would have hurt to breathe.
Why was she here? She should be safe, far away from this bloodbath. My careful plans were suddenly alight. It was to have been her whelp to die here tonight.
Dizzy with panic, I slipped in my fight. The explosions dazzled before my eyes; I couldn't tear them from her silhouette. So clever, so brave, so ravishing, she should not be here now.
I could not pay attention to the taunts and jeers I threw, my only concern now was ensuring she would live. So though I wanted him to die, and leave my love to me, I saved him as to save her, for both would live or both would die.
A slice to my hand, I felt the hot rush of blood, my battle nearly done. I watched the glint of gold through air, watched my brilliant plans fall apart as the two red-gold coins clinked.
An explosion from the gun barrel, my adversary dead, I turned to see my lovely one with worship in her eyes.
Her adoration was not meant for me, should not have been meant for him. The most precious gift in the world, all the gold you could carry paled in comparison to her; her beauty all encompassing, I could only watch her give her devotion to another, my heart cracking apart to see it.
But he was far too polite, too concerned with propriety and honor; he let her slip through his fingers like rum from a bottle.
I cursed her silently for leaving the ship, forcing my plans to this cruel conclusion; he was to die, as was her fiancée; I was for her.
But I could not hate her; I could only watch my beautiful girl return to her world, though she should have stayed with me.
Once she was gone, it suddenly became evident that the paths I'd taken had left me stranded; I was now to die. But the only thing I truly wanted would always be safe, and that was all I needed.
I had not expected the whelp to save me, his honor forcing his hand. Her, on the other hand, I should have anticipated.
Like a tide she turned, broke her word to choose the man she loved. And though my heart was breaking as she gave me my freedom, I took it, knowing only that my golden angel was safe from harm, though she'd never be with me.
And so I flew, a Sparrow from the nest, my only regret that I had to leave behind my Swann.