Nathan's brow furrowed, a frown on his face that he could only hope hid the way it felt as though his heart was cleaving in two in his chest.

"I have too much to live for to be empty," he replied. "There's too much worth saving in the world for me to allow you to end it. Too much life."

Life in every breath. He pulled in a slow, steady breath of his own, to keep his composure. His hand moved to rest on the hilt of his sword.

"Please, Mina. Don't do this."

Don't make him do this.