Rifted
Rifted
Episode 12: Ambush
Twitter: @Riftedpodcast
Cast:
Aurora: Justice Hart
Daniel: Karma
Rowena: Elizabeth Plant
Harriet: Mimi Brown
Elizabeth: Valerie Rose Lohman
Wren: Dea Elizabeth
Aazyra Collins: Ken Rou
Zayne Crossvale: Adrian Garcia
Jackson/Silas: Aubrey Poppletron
Emery: Scottye
Dianna: Tiffany Witcher
Josephine: Anarosa Butler
Narrated by: Justice Hart
Script Doctoring: Cc Lilford
Sound design and editing by: SlyCoreyVA
Campfire music:
Trygve Larsen
Extras:
Rambunctious.vo
you
SPEAKER_05:Al, you were saying something? Silas blinked down to where Emery was draped over his lap, nodding apologetically as Josephine shifted against his shoulder. Nothing important. Who's that for? Making a pair for that bounty hunter and his companion. Figure if we've all got them, they should too. What, something funny?
SPEAKER_02:They have names, should know that by now. Most everyone else does.
SPEAKER_05:Just because you know something about everybody doesn't mean you get to gripe at me for not knowing things. Only decent to know their names. Hey, didn't that bounty hunter shoot you, Allie? Seems to me like you of all people shouldn't be blaming me for not remembering. Azira and Zane. There. Happy now? I know their names and-
SPEAKER_00:Be glad your tent isn't right next to theirs.
SPEAKER_05:He had spotted her shadow first, looming over the three of them where they sat in the sun. Nestled in the warmth of the grass and the weeds that grow just out of reach of the tree line.
SPEAKER_02:Where have you been all day? Not that it wasn't important, I'm sure it was, but we just haven't
SPEAKER_00:seen you. Talking to Ben, mostly. Goodness, you two, give the man some space. Just got back this morning, you're already smothering him. They probably asked already, but how did it go? It
SPEAKER_04:went as well as it could. The clan is... A little less, no, right? But they're surviving.
SPEAKER_00:Talked to Ben a little, but he didn't say much about what you two talked about. I know we're doing the best we can, but if she goes over there again for another attack, I'm just not sure we can do much about it. Sorry, that's dark, isn't it? I'm glad you got to go back, but I'm sure it's changed since.
SPEAKER_04:The same. Some of it. I saw
SPEAKER_05:Scry... It was good to see them. Climbing back to her feet, Diana stretched an arm over her head.
SPEAKER_00:Well, I'm glad it's all right. Come by if you need anything. I'll be there. Almost forgot. You coming along?
SPEAKER_05:No, I'm not. Yes, he is. Hmm. I think we're all going. Us, at least. Four of us. Five. I don't know anymore, but I'm going and Josephine's going.
UNKNOWN:Hmm.
SPEAKER_05:Ben really thinks that whatever Brathmore's up to is going to change much?
SPEAKER_00:Don't know, but I hope he's got something.
SPEAKER_05:Me too.
SPEAKER_00:Forty.
SPEAKER_05:Not a deal. Fifty. Don't you worry, Allie. When I win, I'll let you know.
SPEAKER_02:No you won't, considering you're about to lose.
SPEAKER_05:We'll see, won't we?
SPEAKER_02:Just like that?
SPEAKER_05:Mm-hmm.
SPEAKER_02:Would have thought it would take more than a few words from Alikeo to stop it.
SPEAKER_05:It wasn't exactly an attack. We surprised a hunting party, that's all. Though, if you ask Daniel, he was nearly skewered by an arrow. Certain death just ahead.
SPEAKER_02:Was he hit? I didn't hear about that.
SPEAKER_05:Raised. He's fine.
SPEAKER_02:That seems dangerous.
SPEAKER_05:What does?
SPEAKER_02:Going east at all. Show your pretty face around Earth's over the world. Quick way to get yourself killed, if you ask me.
SPEAKER_05:Our relationship is rather complicated. He skimmed a hand down over his belly, fingers nodding in the fabric above the bullet scar. What she thinks about me, or my pretty face, doesn't matter to me.
SPEAKER_02:But if she caught you, then...
SPEAKER_05:And that is exactly why I prefer not to be caught. Daniel, she liked him. I'm sure she'd leave him alive. But I don't think that's any kinder.
SPEAKER_02:You've known him for a long time.
SPEAKER_05:Daniel?
SPEAKER_02:Complicated. You used that word earlier when talking about Rowena, but I think it fits better with him, doesn't it? Just curious. I heard he was... Well, I know he was loyal to the Dravara a lot longer than you were. Not that some of us weren't loyal for a while, too, and it's nothing against him, but...
SPEAKER_05:I like to think the blame doesn't entirely fall on him. Some of it, yes. But I know... Rowena had a hold on him. And to what extent they were involved, I don't know. I know she used him, and he knows that too. So, I guess...
SPEAKER_02:I understand what you mean. You two share a tent.
SPEAKER_05:We do. We practically shared a room back with the Dravara. Mostly slept on his floor, though.
SPEAKER_02:Sharing tents like that? Is this for lovers?
SPEAKER_05:Did Elizabeth put you up to this?
SPEAKER_02:No. No, it's just a joke we have around camp. Didn't mean anything by it.
SPEAKER_05:It's nothing intimate. Well, has it been?
SPEAKER_02:But you want it to be. I
SPEAKER_05:didn't say that. I sleep better that way, beside him. It was a problem for me in the past. Sleeping, I mean.
SPEAKER_02:I'm glad you found something that works for you. Nightmares. Troubled sleep. I get it. Having someone beside you at night is grounding. I
SPEAKER_05:suppose that's my sister for you.
SPEAKER_02:It is. Does he know?
SPEAKER_05:No.
SPEAKER_02:You love him?
SPEAKER_05:Of course he does, but I'm not sure if he... We're both pretty piss poor at being transparent with each other about it.
SPEAKER_02:Have you told him?
SPEAKER_05:Not in plain words, not exactly.
SPEAKER_02:I could tell him for you. Tempting. If you want someone else to ask him about it, I'm pretty good at getting people to talk. Not... Not in a bad way, I just end up talking to all sorts around here, but if you want, I could try.
SPEAKER_05:While I do appreciate the offer, I can't accept it. After all he's done for me, I'd never press. If I'm not the right one, the right type to love him the way he wants, I'd never want to do that to him.
SPEAKER_02:What are you so afraid of?
SPEAKER_05:Right now, the way things are, I don't have to know rejection. Being told I'm not enough, not the right one. This limbo, the grey area, it hurts, but...
SPEAKER_02:Aurora, you're allowed to be happy.
SPEAKER_05:I've been told, yes.
SPEAKER_02:You almost had me there, selfless thing you had going. Just talk to him about it before someone else does it for you.
SPEAKER_05:Are you threatening me?
SPEAKER_02:Why not just do it and get it over with?
SPEAKER_05:I don't know.
SPEAKER_02:You could do it today.
SPEAKER_05:Absolutely not.
SPEAKER_02:Tomorrow then?
SPEAKER_05:Tomorrow. Possibly. I need some time to, well, to think about it. Like I said.
SPEAKER_02:What's with the hat? I've been dying to ask.
SPEAKER_05:Well, my hat.
SPEAKER_02:Yeah.
SPEAKER_05:Oh, it was a gift. From Elizabeth, actually. When we were younger, she gave it to me as a joke, I suppose. And I just got attached. Much like the name, too. But that really came from Silas. Or his compass, anyway.
SPEAKER_02:I've seen it. Seems like everything to carry around your neck.
SPEAKER_05:I don't notice it much anymore.
SPEAKER_02:So, it's a comfort object, then?
SPEAKER_05:What?
SPEAKER_02:The hat.
SPEAKER_05:No, no, it's just a hat.
SPEAKER_02:That makes you comfortable when you wear it?
SPEAKER_05:If I'm being honest with you, I'm almost always at least moderately uncomfortable. Yes, I guess it's something like that, but really...
SPEAKER_02:We all have them. There's nothing wrong with it. I mean, lots of people have them anyway. Maybe not everyone, and for some it might not be an object, but maybe a companion, a pet, an idea, or a goal, or
SPEAKER_05:a person. If this is another ploy to get me to talk to Daniel, it's not going to work.
SPEAKER_02:No, I was just curious about the hat. That's all. All right, a little bit. Just do me a favor, talk to him soon.
SPEAKER_05:I will.
SPEAKER_02:Like, today, or...? No,
SPEAKER_05:not today. Tomorrow, maybe. I don't know.
SPEAKER_01:Josephine, are you over here? Here. Ben's looking for you. Me? No, my brother. Glad I caught you before he did. Did Ben talk to you about going to the other camp?
SPEAKER_05:Other camp.
SPEAKER_01:Oh, is he coming?
SPEAKER_05:Can we stop talking in riddles?
SPEAKER_01:Ben's taking a group to meet with Brathmore. Apparently he got word that... Well, I don't know what, but it's important.
SPEAKER_05:What does this have to do with me?
SPEAKER_01:You were invited. Why?
SPEAKER_05:I
SPEAKER_01:don't know. I just don't think it's a good idea. He'll be fine. I know, but I want you to try telling Silas that.
SPEAKER_02:Because it's Brassmore.
SPEAKER_01:I guess. I don't know, but I don't want this turning into some big event. Do me a favor. Stay behind. I
SPEAKER_05:don't understand why this is so important.
SPEAKER_01:It's not, I promise. It's really not. I just hate seeing Silas get worked up about this is all.
SPEAKER_05:Josephine leaned over her, pressing affectionately into Elizabeth's side.
SPEAKER_02:I'm sure Emery can talk him down. They've done it half a dozen times before.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, I'm overthinking, I know.
SPEAKER_05:Afternoon, you three. Could I borrow you for a moment? Yeah. Elizabeth's hand caught his sleeve. I'll be right there.
UNKNOWN:Thank you.
SPEAKER_05:The stars seemed endless that night. Someone shifted at the fire nearby, sending a cloud of sparks upward where they climbed towards the stars above, only to disappear. Aurora propped himself on his elbows, glancing over to where Emery and a few others talked quietly. Yes? How do you know it was me? Lucky guess. Can I join you? Of course. Be my guest. What a night. Beautiful. Could stand to be a little warmer. Aurora turned his head to the side before he rolled over, slinging an arm across Daniel's chest contently. Did you need something? Daniel's hand ran across his shoulder, tapping nervous patterns into the fabric of his coat. No, not really. I just felt anxious, needlessly worrying, or something. I just needed company, I think. That sounds more like my job. Worrying? Being anxious? Switch with me a minute, then. It's exhausting being put together all the time. The closer we go, the worse it gets. Closer to what? I don't know. And I think that's part of the problem. Aurora, I think we need to dance. Of course, why don't we do that? Do you even like to dance, or know how? No, if I'm being honest. Never really had the chance to learn, and you? A little, yes. There were events for officers in the Jabara occasionally, and I danced then, otherwise I don't know much. Yes, absolutely. Give us something to dance to, won't you? Don't go throwing around demands now. Not a vexing orchestra. Please, you bastards. Any better. That's better. Still want me to show you? Yes. Daniel seemed to hesitate then. He reached out, one hand sliding behind to rest at Aurora's back. Where... Where do I put mine? Oh, take that one and put it on my shoulder. And then the other, hold mine. Just like that. Wait, this is what you meant, right? About what? When you said you wanted to dance. Oh, oh, yes. Don't worry, you're wonderful. I'm just teaching
SPEAKER_03:you how to dance.
SPEAKER_05:Aurora watched the shape of his lips, the flash of a smile that came with every misstep or clumsy bump of their boots. There was no discernible pattern despite Daniel's encouragement to follow. Just laughter. Just warmth. Are you the one leading? Yes. Are you even trying to follow? Yes. It's difficult. Feeling a bit distracted is all. We can stop if you'd like. Here, try for a twirl. Wanting to see the other side of me. All you had to do was ask. You're doing alright for this being your first real try. Aurora let his head drop to Daniel's shoulder, eyes closing as they moved in a gentle sway. Is something wrong? After all this ends, will you stay with me? What? What do you mean? I'm not sure what life would be like without you. And I don't think I'd know what to do with myself. I'm not exactly in a rush to go anywhere. I've been thinking. A dangerous path to go down. Aurora, let me finish. About what you said. Wanting me to stay. I will. But I want to... have a name for it. For this. For this? For what we are, or aren't. Am I making sense? I don't know. I don't think I have words for it. But what I do know is I'd like to... I would really like to... Daniel... I don't know how to say that I would really like to kiss you now. Oh. Oh. Oh? Then... do. Aurora's hand was grabbing for the front of his shirt, cutting him off before any fumbling could follow. A kiss at all was a gift in itself, but to have it returned, hot and feverishly against his mouth, was a very different story entirely.
UNKNOWN:Okay. Okay.
SPEAKER_05:Aurora, breathe. I... I... Yes. Sorry. I... I don't know a lot right now between what's going to happen and where anything is going. But I know that I love you. That's all I know. That's all I've known for as long as I can remember. And... And what I mean by that isn't... the way you would love a brother or a friend. And I know that was likely obvious from the kiss, but I needed to be clear. Why did you all stop playing? Song's over. We can do another one. Aurora? I'm sorry, Daniel. I'm... You have nothing to be sorry for. Well... Have a good night, you lot. Gotta find Josephine. Collected debt she owes me. Aurora swiped his jacket sleeve over his eyes, turning to find Silas standing there, looming and silent. Also, I was going to say that your brother was here. Follow me.
SPEAKER_04:Something wrong?
SPEAKER_05:Did you need something? If not, I'd like to find the nearest high ledge and pitch myself off it.
SPEAKER_04:Tomorrow? Are you going to the other camp?
SPEAKER_05:Fine. A distraction, sure. I'm not sure. But I was invited, yes. Benjamin said something about his friend being excited to meet me. Imagine that. If we can do this another time, I really don't want to talk.
SPEAKER_04:You should stay.
SPEAKER_05:What? Stay where?
SPEAKER_04:Here.
SPEAKER_05:In camp, you mean. Not trying to have all the fun without me, are you?
SPEAKER_04:No, but stay. Stay here. I
SPEAKER_05:don't exactly care for the fact that you're robbing me of my agency here. What's wrong? Think I'll...
SPEAKER_04:Not you. Just don't trust Rathmore. He's... difficult.
SPEAKER_05:Don't trust him? I can handle it, Silas. I've survived this long.
SPEAKER_04:Barely.
SPEAKER_05:Barely?
SPEAKER_04:Fire away. Selfish.
SPEAKER_05:What are you talking about?
SPEAKER_04:Just another escape. Tell me it wasn't them. Look at me and tell me you weren't trying to get yourself killed.
SPEAKER_05:It wasn't.
SPEAKER_04:Lawyer. Tell me you weren't hoping she'd kill you.
SPEAKER_05:And you wouldn't have to deal with anything. Any of us. That was different. A different time, different me.
SPEAKER_04:No expert in self-preservation.
SPEAKER_05:Like you're any better.
SPEAKER_04:Everything I do, have done, was to protect you from the Ravara. You are staying here. No more. I can't lose you. Not now.
SPEAKER_05:Protect me from the Dravara. Look at where we are, Silas. Some job you did when we were both standing in the middle of a resistance camp with the Dravara halfway up our asses. Silas's eyes bore holes through the smugness on Aurora's face. Though tired and overshadowed by a clear hurt.
SPEAKER_04:You're angry. That's fine. Take it out on me. Decision is the same.
SPEAKER_05:No, no. We aren't done here. I never forgive myself if something happened to you again. I'm so tired of people putting the guilt, their own bullshit on me. This isn't my problem, Silas. It's yours. I looked up to you all my life. Why can't you trust me enough to let me stand at your side here? I want to help. And I think I owe that to you. And to the Resistance. Even Daniel. Daniel. It shouldn't be about him. It has nothing to do with him. Not what we're talking. You. Your infatuation.
SPEAKER_04:That's what really matters to you.
SPEAKER_05:Infatuation? I'm beginning to think this isn't about me going tomorrow, is it? Go on, then. Spit it out. What else am I doing wrong, Silas? Tell me! Piss off, then. If you're not going to say anything else... Selfish. What? And I said it. You asked. What else I had to say? And I said it. You think... Right. Like I didn't give up my life just as much as anyone else tangled up in this mess. With us. With Liz. Six
SPEAKER_04:years without you. I stained. Cleaned up your mess. Your mistake. You didn't think. How badly that hurt us.
SPEAKER_05:You can be angry at me for my relations with Daniel. And for disregarding what you're telling me to do. But... But not that. Not again. I'm done talking, Silas. You won't face it. Face anything. Because it hurts you. When was the last time you thought how it hurts us, too? Alacao. Leader of a revolution, hailed as a hero by the Feloran. You know, when I heard that, I wasn't expecting... Enough. Stop. You. Complacent, shaking like a shitting dog. Son of... Don't say another fucking word. The second blow was straight to his gut while he still reeled from the one to his jaw. Coward! Aurora's retaliation was brief, blocked partially due to Silas' reach when he tried to hit back. Silas caught him by the wrist, shoving him aside, but not before Aurora's knee drove up into his brother's side. Shit! Silas, I'm sorry! Aurora's knees buckled, and he found himself crouched beside Silas on the ground.
SPEAKER_04:Get off me. Get away from
SPEAKER_05:me. He was shoved backwards by Diana, managing only to stay upright when Emery's hand steadied him. What happened?
SPEAKER_00:Stop moving. Take a breath.
SPEAKER_05:I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to hurt him.
SPEAKER_00:Just how much of an idiot are you?
SPEAKER_05:My fault. I started... I started it. Don't blame him.
SPEAKER_00:Piss poor job of that, huh?
SPEAKER_05:Wait. Send Aurora with me. I'll take him back to the tent.
SPEAKER_00:Oh no, I want an explanation. And you'll get one tomorrow after they both sleep this off. Fine. Get him cleaned up. Of course. Come on.
SPEAKER_05:Aurora allowed himself to be led, only flinching when Daniel's hands brushed over his scuffed knuckles. Is Silas okay? Are you hurt? I didn't mean to hurt him. Aurora, are you hurt? Aurora shook his head. What was that? The fight? I've never seen you two. It doesn't matter. It's done. You and Silas get into a physical fight in the middle of camp? And it's just... fine? I don't want to talk anymore. Alright. At least let me get a look at your face. I didn't mean to hurt him. I know. I know you didn't. I was told you weren't coming. Who told you that? I don't remember. But I'm glad to be given the chance to ride with you again. Well... I should hope no one will be shot or tied to their horses this time. Or should I bind my hands now? Save us all the trouble. Sorry, I was tasteless. Are you an... Were you going to ask something? Happened to have a rough morning. Seems you bit your lip. And your buttons are done up wrong. I... Oh, and I noticed the limp. If I can offer some advice, there are some stretches I find useful. It keeps the stiffness to a minimum. Doesn't have you walking all crooked for a day after. Even after a particularly rough morning. If you understand me.
SPEAKER_03:Any more graphic than that and he'll combust.
SPEAKER_05:I tried to keep it tame.
SPEAKER_03:You're acting awfully friendly now. Didn't think you were done throwing a fit about us being there.
SPEAKER_05:Well, we share an enemy, don't we?
SPEAKER_03:And that makes us friends.
SPEAKER_05:Apologies. Did you want something formal? If you'd like, I could shake your hand. Do it properly.
SPEAKER_03:Touch me, and I'll break that skinny wrist, hat bastard.
SPEAKER_05:Of course. My mistake.
UNKNOWN:Good night. Have a moment.
SPEAKER_03:Yeah, we were. Just headed over there, actually.
SPEAKER_05:We would? Mm-hmm. I don't want to talk about this.
SPEAKER_04:Then don't talk. I will. I'm sorry for what I said. I was angry. It wasn't true.
SPEAKER_05:An apology works better if you don't lie.
SPEAKER_04:You're right. I was angry. I'm sorry. I just won't. That's when you're safe and alive. You and Liz are... all I have.
SPEAKER_05:I shouldn't have hit you. That was stupid.
SPEAKER_04:Deserved it, I think.
SPEAKER_05:You're not coming with us?
SPEAKER_04:No, staying back. Elizabeth's request.
SPEAKER_05:Demand, you mean? I think she's avoiding me.
SPEAKER_04:Yes, demanded. She's upset is all. Be safe. See you soon.
SPEAKER_05:Yeah, you... you too. There's no hurry to understand it. And your feelings are... Your personal feelings are more important than being potentially mutual towards me. Vex'ral, this isn't working.
SPEAKER_02:You're looking sprightly this morning.
SPEAKER_05:Huh? Sprightly? I
SPEAKER_02:didn't mean to startle you. I just meant that you were smiling and, well, I'm sure you smiled,
SPEAKER_05:but... No, no. I was just thinking, that's all.
SPEAKER_02:Out loud?
SPEAKER_05:I was being quiet, wasn't I?
SPEAKER_02:Mumbling, sure. Couldn't hear what you were saying. Any luck with talking it out yet?
SPEAKER_05:Last night didn't exactly involve much talking between Daniel and I.
SPEAKER_02:That's great! Oh... I'm sorry. I think I misunderstood. Well, camp's right up ahead. I'll leave you alone for a minute.
SPEAKER_05:Aurora pulled his horse back slowly, eyes flitting from the tops of canvas to the small crowd that was gathered to greet them. The man in the middle was easiest to distinguish and, truly, would have looked remarkably ordinary had it not been for the almost uncomfortable grin on his face. You've made it! You say that like you doubted we'd show up. They embraced warmly, obviously familiar. I'm afraid we lack the room in my tent to fit all of you, but please, make yourselves at home. We've got stew from this morning, if any of you are up for it.
SPEAKER_00:You had an injured man. I'll take a look if I can.
SPEAKER_05:Yes, of course. I could have someone show you to him. We send someone into town, but supply runs are a risky business, as you know. So where do we go? With Benjamin, I suppose? About last night. Please, not right now. I've had just about enough meaningful conversations for one morning. You talked to Xylus? A bit. Aurora flinched when Daniel's hand reached for his. We can wait. You two are coming with us, then? Yes, sir. I think we are. Sir, I haven't been called that in a while. I'm sorry, you must be so overwhelmed. Meeting everyone and coming out this way to see us. It's a pleasure to meet you two as well. Glad we've got that handled. Percy, I don't mean to rush. Right, I know. I told you I'd be quick. It's right this way. Rathmore pushed the tent flap aside. A smile flickered over his lips, teeth catching in the lanterns and pool of sunlight that bled through a hole in the top of the tent. Breathmore immediately turned his attention to a table strewn with papers. What did Silas say? Nothing. He's fine. He stayed back with my sister. Just a moment. I need to find something. I'm sorry. I've never been the most organized and, well, things are a bit chaotic right now, aren't they? They have tables. Seems a little heavy for a group traveling life, doesn't it? They've got wagons. Could just be left over from something else that was already here. Always so busy, aren't we, Benji? I'm sorry about this. I really am. Look out! Aurora's knee gave out when Daniel stepped in sharply and took them both to the ground. The floor was slick with it already. Stained and slippery under the scrambling of Aurora's boots. It flowed outward, confusing trails he couldn't follow easily. Save for one. Not a trail, though. A crimson pool. Get to Benjamin! Trying. Are you hit? Are you alright? Don't touch that gun! Stay there! I'm... I'm so sorry. I know. I'm sorry. Just hold on. It flowed too quickly for Aurora to pinpoint the exact origin of the blood from where it had already come to soak the breast of his shirt. You... you're hit. What? No, I'm fine. We're all fine. Your arm. Get it... Look, Dad, okay? Yeah, yes, I will. It doesn't hurt.
SPEAKER_04:Yet. It will.
SPEAKER_05:Here. Lighter. Get it. Hardly the time to light up another one. Should I find you the one you dropped instead? Get it. Give it to the kid. Bounty hunter kid. Zane, make sure you give him that. Want him to have it. You want me to... Please, get it to him. Aurora didn't get a moment to fight him before he found himself lifted up to his feet, tugged away from Benjamin. Percy, leave. Leave him alone. Don't move. I've got you. Please, just listen to me. You have every right to be angry with me. And if you raise that gun again, I'll shoot him right now! Daniel's shaking arm lowered, eyes flashing up to Aurora's with the same shared look of terror. You have to understand, if I didn't... If I didn't get to him first, she... Please, please, understand its mercy. I can't protect him anymore, and if she gets him... We need help in here! Shut up! Just shut up! Stop
SPEAKER_03:talking.
SPEAKER_05:Just listen to me. The gun pressed hard against Aurora's spine. Don't move. Didn't you hear me? I said don't fucking move! He's not! He's not gonna do anything! Please! We don't want anyone to get hurt! You fucking bastard! Pat! Giving up your friends like this, calling it mercy. I'm saving him! I'm saving him from what she'd do if she got to him. I couldn't... I can't think about it. I can't. I did it quick, and that's what I owe him, alright? I owe him that much in this fucking war. You are letting all of this happen. Don't you understand that? The resistance is the only chance anyone has against stopping her right now. You're a coward. And that doesn't justify shit. We went too far. Benjamin wanted to have her killed long ago when he realized he was too late to fix it. He tried, but he couldn't do it. I was there when the resistance really started. When people started to believe there was actually something to fight for. But understand me when I say that. This is mercy. Aurora's hand felt numb as he brushed over the hilt of the knife in his belt, watching as Daniel's eyes widened at the sight. The only movement he could manage without disrupting Brathmore's death grip on his other arm. Don't! Just! Don't even try it! You just can't make this easy, can you? Just stop it! You got what you wanted. Just let him go. Do it then. Kill me. You're dancing around it, so do it already. I'm getting bored. Let him go. It was different than the bullet had been. The knife bit deep, just below his ribs.