After a close call, Shadow, Amy, and Isabelle met in the queen's chambers. Even though Shadow hadn't been involved in the decision, he still worried for Amy's safety. "I thought your plan was to poison him?" Shadow spoke.

"It was but then Sonic changed our minds," Isabelle responded. "I sent a guard to retrieve the poisoned wine but Phillip killed him before he could grab it."

"My father didn't drink it then?" he asked.

She shook her head. "No, and of course now Phillip is interrogating Sonic for clues."

Amy fiddled with her fingers. "I'm worried Sonic may crack under pressure. He has a very good heart, and he didn't want us to go through with this in the first place."

"That may be true but he also wouldn't want to see any of us be put to death," Isabelle argued.

"She's right," Shadow added.

"Sonic's a smart boy. He'll shift the trail elsewhere."

•~•

At the crack of dawn all of the servants and guests of the castle were told to meet in the courtyard. Amy and Shadow were still in their nightwear attire along with the rest of the castle staff. Amy draped a warm robe over her nightgown as she and Shadow made their outside.

Shadow made his way to one of the guards standing post. "What's going on? Is the castle under attack?"

The guard shook his head. "No, but the king has summoned everyone to the courtyard. Urgently."

With still no clear answer, Shadow and Amy came outside where they saw Phillip talking to some of his guards in front. Sonic stood with them and talked to his father in private. The couple stood beside Isabelle who waited patiently among the other servants. "What's going on?" Shadow whispered.

"I don't know, but I fear the worst," she mumbled back quietly. Sonic looked over his shoulder and shot the three a troubled look.

The king turned to face everyone while his three guards and Sonic stood behind him. "One of you here or more, my friends, my family, my subjects…tried to kill me." He paused. "You see my new men," he said pointing to them behind him. "They're loyal only to me. But I know more needs to be done. With the guilty unrevealed, this night…in a vision, Chaos told me how to reveal them. My oath to him: this sword," he said brandishing his weapon. He walked down the line of people standing in front. "It will not be sheathed till it has taken a life."

People standing in front cowered back worried they may be slaughtered as an example. Shadow, Amy, and Isabelle watched cautiously as the king made his way down the line towards them with his sword extended.

"As the sun rises, this sword will cast a shadow. When that shadow touches the guilty, I'll know," he explained.

Isabelle and Amy exchanged looks while Shadow watched his father intently. Phillip held his sword out and the shadow casted down on some of his subjects. Some of the people bowed their head and closed their eyes, as they were passed. Phillip watched his people carefully as he came towards the end of the line. Suddenly out of nowhere the silver and black hedgehog appeared and touched the side of his sword lowering it. "Not now," he spoke. "Give them time to tell their sins and due penance," he said.

The king watched with his mouth agape as he listened. Everyone else watched as the king looked completely out of his mind staring off into space.

The silver hedgehog faded away slowly. "Let their souls be wiped clean; Chaos likes that best. Everyone wants to confess," he finished.

The king put a hand to his head as he cleared his mind. "Who here made their confessions yesterday?"

Someone stepped up from the crowd. "I did." A raccoon standing beside Shadow said. Phillip focused his attention on him. "Secretary to Lord Bellamy," the raccoon introduced.

"Did you fornicate last night?" the king asked stepping closer.

He shook his head, a bit baffled by the question. "Of course not, my lord…"

The king stared at him without blinking an eye. "We should all be as ready as you..." In a swift movement he stabbed the secretary in the stomach and pulled his sword out. Females screamed as they watched the poor subject collapse to the floor, dead. Isabelle covered her mouth in horror as she watched the male bleed out into the cobblestone. Amy linked her arm with her husband and looked away.

Sonic also watched in horror not expecting his father's sudden action. The king walked away from the deceased male and handed his bloody sword to one of his guards. "Be off," he stated to his subjects. "Don your finest clothing. The celebrations of our victory for the borders will happen today." The king exited the courtyard leaving everyone terrified and confused.

Sonic came over to his family and bowed his head in shame. "I was wrong," he finally admitted. "…He is lost," he confessed.

•~•

Later that morning, Shadow, Sonic, Amy and Isabelle formed a meeting in Sonic's room. Sonic stared out the window. "When I was growing up, I saw him as the man I wanted to become."

Amy came up from behind him and put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry, Sonic."

Sonic sighed. "It's too late for an assassination; we'd never get near him now." He looked over to Shadow sitting by his desk. "He must be removed from the throne by a superior force."

"Like a coup?" Isabelle piped in. "It's deadly for us if we lose and dangerous if we win. A coup puts power in the hands of the military."

Sonic sighed. "It's our only choice, mother."

"But how?" Shadow questioned. "What can I offer to the generals to back me, rather than father?"

Amy's ears perked as a thought came to mind. "Remember, some generals were dismissed before you went to war. Surely some of them feel betrayed by their king. And each one of them is a noble with a territory and men of their own to command."

It would take some convincing. "…It could work," the ebony hedgehog replied.

"But if we win, if we seize power, what happens to Phillip?" Isabelle inquired.

"He'll be imprisoned, see the finest doctors and either regain his senses in time, or will die a natural death, but… he can never be king again. His time will be over."

•~•

Meanwhile, in the throne room, Phillip sat alone on his throne. "Your majesty," a meek male servant spoke entering the room. "I've done as you asked. I added the additional spice to Prince Shadow's plate. Are you sure haven't you changed your mind?"

He smiled in sinister content. "No. I want it done at tonight's feast."

The servant seemed upset by what he was being forced to do, but Phillip could read his doubts. "Don't be concerned about the sin. I reconciled with Chaos for us both. See his plate is piled high with meats." He tapped his fingers together. "To those watching it will look as if Shadow choked to death…"

The servant nodded. "Yes, my lord."

Phillip stood from his seat. "Good." He began to make his exit until he stopped by the doors. "Oh, and tell them to leave the garlands up," he said gesturing to the beautiful roses all around the throne room. "I'm planning a wedding here… in the near future."

•~•

Amy and Shadow made their way down the halls of the castle together. "If I can sway the generals to my side I shall return with them and their men beside me."

"Do you think it'll be enough?" Amy inquired as the two headed down the corridors together.

"I-"

"-Well!" a familiar voice said from in front of them. Phillip and Isabelle approached them.

Phillip smiled at the two. "Two happy couples on a happy day, hmm?" Shadow and Amy forced on fake smiles in unison. Then the king focused his attention on Amy. "Amy, aren't you coming to see the joust and the navel spectacle today?"

Amy blinked in befuddlement. "Uh, spectacle?"

"Two ships in mock combat," he explained. "It will be a wonder, and you're the guest of honor," he gestured.

"Me?" she said slightly surprised.

Isabelle nodded. "Oh, Phillip insists, my dear."

Amy went with it, not wanting to deny his requests. "Oh, of course, I'm honored."

"I regret we haven't been as close as we should. I may have been a bit judgmental in your behavior with my sons, and about your lack of heirs… with Shadow," he said shooting a glare Shadow's way. "As it turns out, Chaos' plan may be for the best."

Shadow held back his outrage but knew he needed to get out before he lashed at him any second. "I should go," he interrupted.

Phillip turned his attention to his son. "But, you can't. You're not just a hero of war, you led the invasion."

"I realize that, but I'm looking in at some of the injured soldiers who couldn't be here today," he lied.

"But you will be back for the feast tonight, right?"

He nodded. "Of course." Shadow walked past his father and Isabelle, leaving the three alone. Phillip glanced over to Amy then extended out his right arm for her to link with his. "Shall we get going then?"

Amy hesitantly looked at his arm before shooting a look over at Isabelle. Isabelle exchanged a look for her to proceed to not make anything look suspicious. Amy linked arms with the king and he led her off down the hall.

•~•

Outside a few miles away from the castle, tents were set up along the shoreline. A stage was also set up for the royals to view all the excitement of the celebration. A jousting station was set up in front of the stage, and two naval ships were off in the ocean preparing for their mock combat battle. Plenty of subjects, servants, noblemen, and women were already in attendance for the celebration. Out in the fields, there was food, music, and games for all to enjoy.

A trumpet rang out as a carriage approached. "His majesty, King Phillip of Mobius."

The king marched up to the stage where three seats were set up for the royals to view the fun. Phillip sat in the middle seat. The announcer announced the next royal making her way to the stage. "Her Majesty, Amy, Queen of Mercia." Amy made her way up the stairs to the stage and her eyes met the kings.

Phillip patted the seat beside him for Amy to sit in. She looked down at it, cautiously before sitting beside him. For the past twenty minutes, Amy had felt uncomfortable with all the kind treatment he had been giving to her today.

The announcer announced the final royal to make way to the stage. "Her Majesty, Isabelle, Queen of Mobius."

Besides Amy, Isabelle had also felt something was off with the attention Phillip had been giving Amy today. She recognized it as the kind he once gave her when he was completely in love with her. Isabelle sat on the other side of Phillip and stared at him with narrowed eyes.

"Turn your eyes on a display of Mobian might. A spectacle to honor the heroes of war," the king shouted for all his subjects. Everyone standing near the shorelines cheered, excited for the event to start.

"Each ship is full of soldiers just returned from our victory," the king explained to Amy. He looked to her with excitement in his eyes. "Just wait till you see the fireworks."

Amy kept her eyes looking straight ahead trying to avoid giving him any more attention than needed. Phillip couldn't help but stare at her beautifully dressed in her a royal gown. He placed his hand on top of hers, startling her. "Is there anything I can get you, my dear?" he asked a little bit too enthusiastically. "Maybe some warm mulled wine?"

Isabelle watched the whole display happen before her, and couldn't help but feel sick in her stomach. Amy glanced over at Phillip as he leaned in closer to her. "No, thank you," she smiled sheepishly while gently moving her hand away from his.

The king looked over his shoulder and grabbed a fur fleece from behind the chairs they sat in. Even though the snow had melted away it was still quite cold out. He unfolded the fleece and gently draped it across Amy's lap to keep her warm. Isabelle gave Phillip the stink eye even though he continued to ignore her existence beside him. In that moment, Amy didn't really know what to do, and instead folded her hands over her lap.

Isabelle tried to distract Phillip from his obsession with impressing Amy. "Look, Phillip, they're firing the cannons," she pointed.

"Yes, it appears they are," he replied dryly and uninterested.

The two ships fired what appeared to be blank cannon shots. People watching the spectacle near the shore clapped and cheered. Amy found it a little strange as she realized they were actually using real cannons for the mock combat. "I thought they were using fireworks," she thought to herself.

Phillip watched for a moment before returning his attention to Amy. "The sound of victory. The sound of Mobius." His hand slid under the fur fleece while she wasn't looking at him. "Doesn't that excite you?" he said seductively, giving her thigh a gentle squeeze.

Amy felt him feel her up under the fleece and turned, taken aback by his action. The king noticed her frightened expression and backed off, but continued to stare at her in fascination. Isabelle had noticed his apparent pass at Amy but avoided making a scene. She knew she'd have a word about it with Amy later. Amy on the other hand swallowed the lump in her throat and tried her best to watch the spectacle hoping Phillip would do the same.

Suddenly out of nowhere, one of the ships in the ocean blew into smithereens. Everyone including Phillip was shocked. People screamed out in horror and concern as the people on the ship were killed in front of their very eyes.

Phillip growled in frustration. "I told them to fire with care! Who's manning the guns, sheep?"

"You actually told them to fire with real cannons?" Amy asked surprised by the risk.

"What kind of spectacle would mere fireworks be?" he said aggressively. He stopped himself when he realized he was slipping into his more aggressive side. He calmed himself believing he was losing his good impression on her. "Well, never mind. I refuse to have you disappointed, Amy." He gestured to the shoreline. "This... is all for you, you know."

Amy looked away from him again. What was the king up to? He noticed her sadden countenance. "There'll be another chance later this afternoon..."

"Later?" Isabelle gawked in astonishment.

He shot her an angered look. "Yes, when we'll do it again. Properly this time!" he shouted. He got up from his seat and stormed off.

In the crowd, another individual had witnessed everything that had happened between the king and Amy. Discreetly, they slunk back into the crowd to relay this information to another.

•~•

In another part of the kingdom, Shadow rode to the shorelines close to the tournament. He was surprised when he saw wounded males washed up on the shoreline. He watched as other soldiers helped carried some of the fallen ones from the tragic show. Shadow dismounted his horse and rushed over to one of the lieutenants. "You there, what's this? Speak freely."

"The greatest naval spectacle of all time, my lord," he said sarcastically. "That is until the ship exploded."

"The king replaced the fireworks with gunpowder. Can you believe they survived the war for this?" another soldier standing nearby piped in.

"These soldiers are from the war?" he asked in surprise. He looked down in a wagon recognizing some of the deceased males.

"There'll be twice as many later this afternoon when they do it, again," the lieutenant said.

"What?" he barked. "No one would be idiotic enough to do this again."

"You would think no one would do it the first time," the other soldier replied.

"Who else was on that ship? Any generals?" Shadow asked.

"General Antoine, General Arthur, and General Bark," he listed.

"Where are they?" Shadow questioned.

"Dead, my lord."

Shadow closed his eyes and heaved a heavy sigh. "Chaos..." The coup plan had flown out the window.

•~•

Back in the bedroom, Amy sat on the edge of her bed with Isabelle after the disaster at the naval spectacle. Shadow was still away and Amy only had Isabelle to talk to about the latest events. Amy closed her eyes. "A hundred males dead just like that."

"Amy, there's something you should know…" She looked up waiting for her to continue. "Phillip asked for an annulment." Amy looked surprised but remained quiet. "It can only mean he wishes to end our marriage, and turn to someone else. You," she said matter of factly.

Amy shook her head in disbelief. "…No."

She remained stern. "I saw what he did to you today."

"That came out of nowhere…" she said recalling the king trying to feel her up earlier. "He's never shown the slightest bit of interest in me."

"-When he had his hands on you, he had his hands on the Dragon kingdom."

"So, he decides to wed me then keep all three crowns for himself?" she questioned in disgust.

"Thus his sudden generous acceptance of the fact that you are not pregnant…yet." Isabelle's eyes widened, realization hitting hard. "…He wants to give you an heir himself."

Amy felt so sick. It all made sense, and the thought absolutely revolted her. "And the spectacle, the carnage..?"

"—A botched display of his prowess," Isabelle added.

"Does he honestly think Shadow and I would agree to have our marriage annulled? That's ludicrous!" She paused as the pieces were starting to come together. Her face laced with horror. "Unless..."

Isabelle crossed her arms as she realized it too. "He's going to kill his own son…"

•~•

On the same beach later that afternoon, jousters battled it out in front of the royal family. Isabelle clapped sarcastically as she rolled her eyes. "Ah, Lord Montgomery takes out yet another opponent," she droned. Lord Montgomery always won the battles. He was unbeatable and it made the competition quite boring and predictable to most of the audience.

After hearing another round of unenthusiastic clapping, Phillip noticed his subjects seemed uninterested and quiet as they watched the event. "Why are they all so melancholy? They're at a joust, not a funeral," he scoffed.

"Many of them lost loved ones in your mock battle, Phillip," Isabelle quipped with annoyance.

Phillip was about to lash out at his wife but was interrupted by a trumpet. The trumpet blew again announcing the arrival of a royal. Isabelle and Phillip looked to their left to see a carriage pull up. "All hail, Queen Amy of Mercia."

Amy stepped out of her carriage wearing a beautiful red long sleeved dress with gold detailing. She had her hair up in a bun and wore her beautiful gold tiara crown. Trailing her backside was a long gold flowing cape. Some of the subjects sitting on the benches perked up when they saw her step out. "Queen Amy!" a subject chimed happily.

"She looks beautiful," another said.

Amy made her way towards the stage walking elegantly with regal grace. Her adoring subjects stood, clapped, and cheered for her. Amy walked up the stairs and sat next to Phillip, while the king couldn't take his eyes off of her. She looked stunning but also looked like a powerful queen ready to take on anything. He stood from his seat and crouched down by her side. "You're ready, aren't you?" Amy remained quiet with an expressionless face. Phillip smirked and stroked the side of her cheek with the back of his hand. "It's like we dreamed the same dream. Now the throne can finally be ours," he whispered. She flinched from his touch, shutting her eyes tight and causing him to stop.

Phillip walked down the steps of the stage. "Halt the competition! I am going to joust Lord Montgomery," he proclaimed dignified.

Amy stared at the king, confused by his thinking. "What?"

"Gamekeeper!" he called.

The gamekeeper approached the sovereign. "But, your Majesty, his armor's damaged, he'll need a fresh horse."

He smirked. "Then you have much to attend to." The king walked off heading to one of the tents to change.

Isabelle sat down next to Amy in the king's seat. "How you've changed since you've arrived at court." She crossed her arms over her chest. "I miss the girl you once were."

Amy glanced over at the queen with a poker expression. "Many will." She looked back ahead towards the jousters. "She was easier to kill," she added.

•~•

"His Majesty and Lord Montgomery!" an announcer stated. King Phillip came riding out on a black horse adorning the color green. Lord Montgomery rode a brown horse with the color red. Both men wore the traditional knight armor and stood at opposite ends of the court waiting to start.

The gamekeeper signaled for the men to start and the two competitors charged down the track with their lance outwards in front of them with one hand, while using their other hand to hold their shield. The two men collided with Phillip's lance knocking Lord Montgomery back a bit, but not letting him fall from his steed.

The subjects clapped as King Phillip was winning this battle so far. Isabelle clapped along with Amy as they watched. "I guess that's good comeuppance for Lord Montgomery. He will have to take the blows since it's bad business to outshine the king," Isabelle explained.

Amy knew exactly what she meant. No one was allowed to win against the king. The two men went back to the opposite ends of the court and waited for the next round. The gamekeeper signaled for them to go and the two started trotting down their lanes.

The two men aimed their lances out as they neared. As Phillip got closer he was sure he would finally knock his opponent off his horse. But before his lance could touch the other knight, Lord Montgomery's lance impacted Phillip's visor allowing his lance to splinter off and impale him through the left eye. Everyone gasped in horror as they watched the king fall from his horse and roll onto the ground.

Isabelle was completely shocked as she watched her husband lay motionless. Amy put a hand over her mouth as she wondered what the condition was of the king. "Is the king all right?" Isabelle cried out as she stood from her seat.

The gamekeeper rushed to the king's side. "Your Majesty? Your Majesty!" he called out hoping for a response. They rolled him over on his side and gasped in shock as a large wooden shard stood a few inches out from his eye. The gamekeeper turned to the guards. "The king has been gravely injured! Where is the physician?"

Lord Montgomery dismounted his horse and snuck off while everyone else was busy attending to the king. He snuck into a nearby tent panting and trying to catch his breath. But alas, lying on the floor of the tent was the REAL Lord Montgomery, knocked out unconscious.

The imposter knight standing in the tent took off his helmet revealing himself to be Shadow! Shadow tossed his helmet to the side as he stared at the real knight lying on the floor starting to stir. He had just made one of the riskiest moves in his reign and felt no remorse doing so.

•~•

Later that evening, the castle bells rang ominously signaling the rest of Mobius that the king was not well. Amy, Sonic, and Isabelle sat outside his chambers as medics worked on fixing the king's injuries. Shadow came walking down the hall out of breath acting like he had just heard the horrible news. "Is he getting better?" the ebony hedgehog questioned.

"He lingers," Amy said softly.

"Is he going to make it?" he asked further.

"He won't survive because there are pieces of the lance stuck in his brain." Amy, Sonic, and Shadow all looked to the floor sadly, all conflicted with how they felt.

"Is this what we wanted?" Isabelle chimed in.

"It isn't," Amy answered. "Phillip's fall was out of our hands completely. Is that not Chaos' will?" Shadow looked away, hiding the truth of the matter from the rest. "Now no more blood needs to be spilled," she finished.

"None but my father's…" Sonic added sadly.

Isabelle put her hand on her son's shoulder. "We should say goodbye."

The two boys and Isabelle headed into Phillip's bedroom, while Amy remained outside the doors allowing privacy for their family.

•~•

Inside the bedroom, the king rested in his bed while his advisors stood around him discussing final matters. Phillip had a bandage wrapped around the side of his head covering his injured eye. The cloth was still damp with blood from the bleeding.

Isabelle and Sonic sat by Phillip's bedside while Shadow stood at the foot of his father's bed and looked on. Isabelle reached out and held Phillip's hand. "In spite of our differences, I've always tried to do what is best for, Sonic, for you, and for Mobius," she said truthfully.

Phillip shushed her softly. "Shh…there are no more regrets," he spoke quietly. "I just want to let you know that I have always loved you."

Isabelle placed a hand on his shoulder. This was the old Phillip she had once loved greatly. "You are the love of my life," she whispered back. "Oh, and to see your kindness return…" she stroked the side of his cheek.

He cracked a small smile. "Yours must be as well. It's in you still my sweet, Isabella."

Isabelle smiled lovingly at her husband. She loved the way her name sounded rolling off his tongue. "Rest now, Phillip. Rest long."

He nodded. "Before I do, I want to talk to my sons. In private," he added.

Isabelle respected his wishes and left along with the advisors leaving only Sonic and Shadow in the room with him. Sonic was already on the other side of the bed kneeling by his father and Shadow slowly approached the other side of the bed. He gulped as he kneeled by his father's bedside. Phillip turned his head slightly towards his eldest son. "Shadow, what have you come to say to me?"

"I'm not sure what you mean, father."

Phillip tilted his head towards Sonic before looking back to Shadow. "Did I tell you boys that I named Shadow after my eldest brother?" The two boys shook their heads. Shadow was slightly surprised. He never knew much about his father's family.

"He was to be king, but he feared the job. You know, the giving and taking of lives to a cause." The king smiled at his sons. "You remind me of him, Shadow. I once thought he was weak." Shadow watched his father as he continued his story. "I knew I'd be a better king. It was a competition all along. Such games we play against those we love, but I won it all."

Sonic raised a brow confused. "What do you mean, father?"

Phillip closed his good eye as he conjured the courage to admit a dark secret. "I killed him in a 'hunting' accident."

"…You killed your own brother?" Sonic questioned.

Phillip started to tear up out of guilt. "No one ever knew…"

Sonic looked over to Shadow starting to realize something. "Now I know why you warned me against Shadow. You tried to turn us against each other."

"Betraying someone you love blackens your soul. It's a weight you carry all of your days." Phillip looked at the foot of his bed where the black and silver hedgehog stood. Now known as the ghost of his brother. "Can I let it go now?" the king asked his spirit

His brother's ghost extended his hand out. "You can let go now."

Sonic and Shadow watched as their father's breathing slowed and his right eye began to close. Sonic's head bowed and he felt himself crying, as he held onto his father's hand. Shadow remained stoic not allowing himself to get upset in front of his brother. He quickly got up and walked away from the bed not wanting to have to look anymore. "Chaos, forgive me," he whispered under his breath as he left the room.

As Shadow exited the room, the medics announced the monarch's death. The guards standing post outside his door declared it throughout the castle. "The king is dead!" guards chanted.

"Long live the king!" they chanted.

Shadow walked down the halls holding his head high. He knew what he did was wrong, but he only did it because it was what was right for his people. At that moment, he knew he would carry a heavy burden just like his father did for the rest of his life.

•~•

Amy awoke when her bedroom door opened. She sat up realizing Shadow had never made it to bed that night. It was early in the morning and she sat up. In bed. "Shadow, you haven't slept?" she said slightly groggy.

Shadow closed the door behind him. "The nobles and my father's advisors were in my ear all night."

Amy grabbed her nearby robe and wrapped it around herself while approaching him by the sofa. "So, what now?"

"I am the king of Mobius."

Amy smiled slightly. "Yes, you are."

Shadow closed his eyes and sighed. "I never wanted it to happen this way." He looked to the floor with a solemn expression. "Fearing my own father, hating him at the end."

Amy sat herself down on the sofa in front of him.

"I saw the bodies of those men that drowned in those boats. Heroes carelessly killed for the show," he said in annoyance.

"I'm sorry, Shadow. I know you knew many of those men that fought alongside you."

Shadow looked up from the floor towards her with a serious and angered expression. "I saw him touch your face and the way he looked at you."

Amy blinked in surprised. "Wait, you were at the tournament?"

He gulped. "Amy, I know you said my father's death was Chaos' will but…"

"-Shadow, it was," she said cutting him off.

"But it wasn't, Amy." Amy stared at him bewildered. "Espio told me what my father did to you yesterday. He told me everything. That's when I knew it needed to be done."

"What needed to be done?"

"Do you remember what my father's words of advice were to us?" She shook her head not recalling what he was talking about. "When you see a threat, cut it down before it cuts you. I did just that yesterday."

Amy's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. She slowly stood to her feet. It all made sense to her now. "That was you..?" she said referring to the 'accident'.

He walked closer to her putting his hands gently on her shoulders. "Amy, I told you that I was not like my brother once. I said I would do unimaginable things just to keep you safe. I even told you I was willing to cut down my father if he ever became a threat. I kept all those promises."

Amy stared into his eyes and could see he was telling her the truth. She lowered her ears. "I can already feel myself changing and not for the better. Every choice I have made to protect Mobius, Mercia, even you, for all of them there is a reckoning." She closed her eyes. "I worry that one day I'll turn into someone who you won't love."

Shadow sat her down sitting beside her on the couch. "My father told me before he died that he carried a burden all his life. I don't want to deal with the same thing. He cupped her face and made her look at him. "Tell me your darkest secrets and I'll tell you mine, so we do not harden over time."

She stared at him with a smile. "Shadow, what you did…" she struggled with the right thing to say. "Thank you." She leaned in and kissed him. He kissed her back feeling better that she accepted the horrendous thing he had done. The two parted from each other and Shadow smiled at her with a half-lidded gaze. "I promised you I would protect you." He put his hand over hers. "I intend to keep that promise."