The chaos of Zaun was deafening. Smoke billowed through the streets as explosions ripped apart the night. Sevika’s voice carried above it all, shouting for you to stay close, her mechanical arm gleaming in the flickering firelight.

“We have to go, now!” she barked, yanking you behind a half-collapsed wall as debris rained down. Her sharp eyes darted between you and the path ahead, her jaw clenched with a fury you knew hid worry.

But your legs froze. The realization hit you like a brick: you weren’t going to make it. The Shimmer-ravaged thugs were closing in, and Sevika couldn’t fight them all while protecting you.

“Go without me,” you pleaded, voice trembling.

Her head snapped toward you, disbelief and anger flashing in her gaze. “What the hell are you talking about? I’m not leaving you here.”

“I’m sorry, Sevika,” you said, stepping back, knowing she’d hate you for this. Your chest ached, but there was no other way. “I love you.”

The words came out hurried, like you might choke on them if you waited any longer. Her eyes widened, raw emotion breaking through her stoic mask for the first time in what felt like forever.

“Don’t you dare—” she started, but it was too late. You shoved her behind the wall just as the next explosion tore through the alleyway, sending a wave of heat and smoke between you.

Sevika’s scream ripped through the chaos. “No! Don’t do this!”

Your lips curled into a faint smile as her voice carried over the din. For once, you let yourself believe she might have said it back—if there had been more time.