Prologue

*-*-*-*-*

Mel is screaming her dismay when Alistair delivers the killing blow from the Dragon's neck. She didn't have the time to stop him; didn't move fast enough to keep him from this final sacrifice. She almost doesn't understand. Comprehend. When his body jerks backwards and he howls with pain. His very being is tearing apart in front of her.

That is why I love you.

He gave her his heart and she is unable to save his soul.

Despair, thick and wet with the sight of the man she loves, wraps around her throat. She chokes. His body, lifeless, rolls off the dragon's back as the reptile collapses and breathes what should be it's dying breath.

Alistair's last breath is much quieter yet she can hear it. Even over her sobs. Over her thudding heart beats. She gasps in time to her grief and her feet are moving beneath her shaking body, carrying her past the dragon and to him. Her love; whether he wanted her anymore or not.

She must reach him. You cannot sacrifice yourself Alistair. This is insanity. She must-

With a final roar, the dragon lifts it's head and snaps at her as she vainly runs to Alistair's aid. The blow back from the roar almost sends her off her feet with surprise but the last eight months have kept her wits sharper than they have ever been. Constant battle has kept her on her toes for anything. Everything. Except love.

Mel does not think. She does not process. This is the sanest thing I've ever done.

She thrusts her sword, her family sword and her birthright, straight up in to the roaring mouth. Teeth dig in to her forearm. She feels her bones shatter and she screams for all that she is worth as she thrusts the weapon farther in to this evil in front of her.

I hope you like heroes.

It is moments later, when she hears Alistair's faint cry of alarm at her predicament, that Mel understands what she's done. She has killed the Arch Demon.

She feels the death shudders rip through the dragon. They vibrate through the sword as well as the teeth buried deep in the flesh of her arm.

Moments.

Scattered moments are all she has ever had in this life as a Grey Warden.

"I cannot let you die." Her words are soft and her eyes are turned to Alistair who is struggling to his feet with horror written on his face. "My King." My love.

The pain is greater than anything she could have ever expected and it slams in to the back of her spine with the ferocity of the demon behind it. Tearing upwards along her vertebrae, Mel is wishing for death when it takes her. She is wishing that she could see Alistair smile at her one more time. Once before it's over.

One more moment.

Maker take me. I have completed my duty.