"Please don't do this"

"So that's it?" I asked from my spot against the door frame, arms crossed over my chest as I watched Dimitri move about the room.

His eyes flicked to me and then back to the stake in his hand, slipping it into a pocket of his duster. "There's nothing to talk about."

I scoffed, "I can think of a bunch of things to talk about."

"Rose –"

"How about how it's a suicide mission?" I cut him off with a pointed look. Continuing when he opened his mouth again, "What about the fact that it isn't your responsibility?"

"It is." His eyes hardened, jaw set as he turned to me. I shook my head at him.

"No, it isn't."

We had been going back and forth for half an hour now, ever since we heard about a group of Strigoi that attacked Morois near Court. Now that news had spread that Dimitri was restored, those that once feared him were taunting him. Calling him out and killing until they got what they wanted.

Dimitri felt responsible, wanting to take revenge, but I knew that doing this will only make things worse.

I pushed away from the door, "You can't hold yourself responsible for this. It isn't your fault."

"Yes, it is!" His voice boomed through our small apartment. "They want me and will keep hurting others, so I have to kill them!"

"And what if they kill you! Do you think you can just go up against five Strigoi and be fine?" I demanded, marching up to him until I was in his face. "You're good, Dimitri, but you aren't that good."

It hurt me to admit it, to say those words that I once thought were impossible. In my eyes, he was once an untouchable god that could never fail, but then he was turned in the caves.

I could feel my eyes burning as tears of frustration built. "And what if you die?"

The corners of his eyes pinched, conflicting emotions in his eyes as he battled with himself. Finally, he dropped his eyes from mine, stepping around me. "I have to go."

My hand shot out, catching the crook of his arm, bringing him to a halt. Looking up at him, I dropped my anger, letting my fear for him show plainly, "Please don't do this."

His expression softened, his hand coming up to my cheek. "I have to."

My lip trembled, "What about me?"

I could see him breaking, dipping his head down to press his lips against my forehead, lingering there. "I love you, Roza."

A tear escaped and rolled down my cheek as Dimitri let go and walked to the front door. I couldn't look back at him, I couldn't watch him walk into his own death. "I won't forgive you," I warned him in a broken voice.

Whether it be because he is leaving or because he will die. Either way, I would never forgive him for choosing this.

"I know."

With those last words, Dimitri was gone.