This is set post-key, in Ethan's POV but it starts in Matt's following the last chapter. I'm not sure where this story's going to go, but bear with be and please please please R&R!
Matt
The arrow in Ethan's hand slips from his fingers to the ground. 'No. Even revenge is too great an honour for you.'
As night falls and brings an end to this long day of darkness, Marduke inhales his last staggered breath and his body turns to stone.
Ethan straightens up then falls to the floor and sobs, heart-rending sobs of pain. Arkarian and I look at each other for a moment, neither of us speaking or thinking openly. I feel awkward, like I don't quite know what to do. I have been a leader all day, but war is so different to helping a friend in distress. Arkarian takes over and kneels by him to talk to and comfort him; but as we watch Ethan he uses his wings and disappears.This can't be good. Ethan has been powerful and long-successful Guard, but he has suffered so much. We can't leave him on his own: the pain could be too much for him. I leave these thoughts open to Arkarian, and he looks up, violet eyes full of concern. We have to find him.
Ethan
This is just too much to handle. My heart has been ripped out, roasted on a spit, stabbed with needles then returned to me on a plate. There's nothing left to drive me: Marduke is dead now and there's no other way I can avenge Rochelle's death. I couldn't even do that right when I had the chance to. Oh Rochelle –
"Ethan. Listen to me"
The heartache is so real, it hurts so deep inside my chest. I'm dimly aware of Arkarian's voice telling me how Marduke was gone, and how everything is going to be OK.
A rage explodes inside me. I want to get away from him and Matt so much. Using reserves of power I didn't know I had, I use my wings and disappear, heading to somewhere they won't look for me.
I rematerialise in the darkened back buildings of my school. The air is still and calm in the night. The school is empty, no one is here.
I am left alone with my thoughts: it's all over now. I collapse against a wall: I can sit and let the grief wash over me. A voice calls to me.
'Ethan.'
A soft, female voice. I bring my head up from my knees, and through my tear-blurred eyes I can see her golden skin glowing; her black hair shining; her brilliant green eyes, the ones that captured me from the first time I saw them, more than two years ago.
I smile and stand to greet her, grief forgotten.
'Ethan.' Rochelle repeats, and a small smile turns up the corners of her perfect mouth.