The nightmares again. There were always nightmares disturbing any chance of a peaceful sleep. The Inquisitor made them better, less frequent. But nothing she did could make them any less terrifying for Cullen. He shot up in bed, sweat running down his face and his breath heavy.
"Maker," he murmured.
He looked to his left, where Lavellan was sleeping, only to find her sitting up as well. Her feet over the edge of the bed, she was crouched and holding her arms to her stomach.
"Lavellan, what is it? Are you alright?" Cullen asked.
"Yes, yes I'm fine. I'm sorry I woke you," She said.
Concern furrowed his brow. He didn't buy that for a minute. He put a hand on her shoulder and glanced at her arms, noticing the faint green light emanating from her middle.
"Your hand. It's bothering you isn't it?"
Lavellan couldn't answer. Her mark flashed suddenly in a violent torrent of light. The Inquisitor gasped and slid off the bed to the floor. Her teeth clenched, she looked as if she could curl into herself.
"Lavellan!" Cullen yelled as he jumped over the bed to her side.
He gathered her up in his arms and held her tight, watching as her face contorted with pain.
"Maker curse this mark! Lavellan, my darling, can you hear me?"
Just like that, the mark faded, almost unnoticeable now. Lavellan let out a deep breath. Her body was clammy and cold.
"There's something I need to tell you," she whispered to Cullen.
"Yes, anything," he replied.
"When we found Solas at the Eluvians, he told me something. Cullen, my mark is killing me. Thanks to Solas, slowly, but it will still eventually take me."
Cullen's heart dropped. No, this couldn't be. His Lavellan, the Inquisitor. To be taken out by the very thing that helped them save the world. It wasn't fair. The one good thing to happen in his life, snuffed out just like that.
She continued.
"But, there is something we can do. You're not going to like it."
"If it can save you, I'll do anything." Cullen brushed her hair, wet from sweat, out of her eyes.
"My arm. I need you to take it."
His eyes widened as he realized what she was asking him to do. Take her arm? Did he have the power within him to do that? To mutilate his wife? But if it was the only way to save her… A tear escaped his eye and he bundled her closer.
"I don't want to lose you," he whispered into her hair.
Lavellan wrapped her arms around Cullen's neck, breathing in the scent. He was always so comforting. A presence that never left her feeling in doubt.
"I know this is a lot to ask of you. An almost impossible thing, but I know you can do it."
Cullen said nothing for a while. He tipped his head back and closed his eyes. He had to do this. He had to save his wife, no matter what the means.
"I will. I will do it for you."