Tenebris whispered, "For the last few weeks… it's been nothing but regret. And even now, they still haven't released them. I'm sorry… I failed you, my love."
Lilith shook her head, kneeling beside him, voice trembling. "You haven't failed anyone, Tenebris. I'm the one who should be sorry. Maybe—maybe we can still heal you."
He gave her a soft, broken smile. "That's impossible. My flesh is damaged beyond healing, and I've lost far too much blood. Even now, as I lay here… all I wish is that I could see Liebe one more time. Just once. I wanted to watch him grow up into a great man… someone who follows his heart."
Lilith's tears fell freely. "I'm so sorry… I killed you. And now Liebe… he's lost his father too. I'm sorry…"
Tenebris replied gently, "It's okay. I only wish… my son didn't have to grow up without a father."
"I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry…"
"You were just doing your job," Tenebris said, his voice weakening. "And I'm proud of you for that."
"But if it weren't for me… you'd still be alive…"
With the last of his strength, he lifted his only remaining arm and pulled Lilith onto his chest in a soft, final embrace.
"I'm sorry… this is all I can do for you now. I don't have much time left…"
He turned to Jewel. "Jewel… thank you. For everything. Please… watch over Liebe for me."
Jewel's voice cracked. "Understood. I'll protect him… no matter what."
Lilith cried harder. "What kind of person am I if I can't do anything right? This is all my fault. If only I had known…"
She sobbed into Tenebris's chest. "Is there anything… anything more I can do?"
Tenebris answered, "I have many regrets…"
"Please don't talk like that," Lilith begged. "It's all going to be okay… you'll be okay."
"I'm sorry," he said quietly, "but I can't agree."
Even Jewel shed a tear. The other knights had gathered silently, some with heads bowed, others too stunned to speak.
Tenebris looked into Lilith's eyes one last time. "I love you… more than you could ever know."
"Please… forgive me," Lilith whispered.
"But I already have," Tenebris said with a faint smile. "And please… love Liebe enough for the both of us. So that maybe… he never notices I'm gone. Maybe it's a blessing he loves you more. If he missed me too much… I wouldn't be able to rest in peace."
Then, gently, Tenebris leaned forward and kissed Lilith on the lips, holding her close in one last embrace.
"I'll always watch over you two," he whispered. "No matter what. I'll always be watching over Liebe. So please… love him enough for the both of us. Together."
Those… were the last words of Tenebris.
His eyes, once filled with warmth and love, began to lose their light.
"No, no… please stay!" Lilith sobbed. "I promise I'll do whatever you say… I won't break any more promises! I'll quit the knighthood—just to be with you and Liebe. Just please… don't leave me all alone!"
Tenebris managed a final, tearful smile. "And that's why I love you… most of all…"
He hugged her one last time against his chest and whispered:
"Goodbye… my dear Lili.
I love you."
And then… he was no more.