A/N: Based on the calming prompt: "I believe in you." Why, yes, I do write angst.
Originally posted on tumblr and also found on AO3.
"No. NO!" Esther's voice rose as she sprinted across the grass and dropped to her knees beside the still form.
"Cullen!" She reached a glowing hand out to him but stopped herself. She had no formal training in healing and never had her weakness hit her harder. What if she made things worse?
He took her hand, slowly, painfully, as his eyes opened. His warm golden gaze, bright but already turning hazy, focused on her intently.
"Esther," he gasped weakly. "I-"
"No," she whispered. "It's going to be okay. Stay with me, Cullen. The others are on their way. Just a little longer. Dorian or Solas can help." The words were coming faster, tumbling over each other as she rambled and distracted herself from her struggles to stem the blood pouring from his wound.
"Esther," he repeated, a sad smile on his lips. "S-sorry."
She swallowed hard, feeling her eyes burn. "No. Don't you dare leave me," she demanded, leaning over him, her face inches from his. "Do you understand me?"
When he reached out a hand to brush her cheek gently, her strength broke. "Please," she breathed, her voice cracking. "Don't leave me, Cullen. I-I can't do this without you. I need you."
His reply was shaky, almost inaudible, but he smiled painfully as his eyes flickered to the sky, then back to her. "I believe in you. Esther, I love-"