"I know why you're here." Rien's gaze was fixed on his glass, watching the ice shift and clink together. He didn't have to look up. Didn't have to look his childhood friend in the eye. He knew, already, what his friend's expression would be. Knew that it would break his heart. "You can't save me. And the corruption won't let you kill me. So we're at an impasse, aren't we?"

He kept the usual placid smile on his face as he spoke, refusing to show his turmoil. All he'd ever wanted was to use his innate magical powers to make a positive difference in the world. As the charismatic leader of the resistance group he'd started with his friend, he'd managed it. For years, they'd worked to help the downtrodden, the weak, the vulnerable. They'd rescued abused women, men, and children; fought slavery rings, taken down corrupt leaders.

And then Rien had grown greedy, ruthless, and strayed too far from the path. His power had begun to twist, dark and sinister, consuming his dreams, his thoughts, his waking hours. In a moment of clarity, he'd made a decision. He'd goaded his friend into an argument, the two had fought, and parted ways for what he'd hoped would be forever. Rien had abandoned the resistance, leaving his friend in charge, and set off on a journey to try and find a way to end his curse.

After two years of searching, the solution he'd found was a magical prison, where his curse could safely take control. Where he would stay until nothing of him remained but sulfur and ash. He'd bury himself alive to protect those around him from the monster he was bound to become. He'd made his decision, and he'd been ready.

Until, that is, his friend, the love of his life, his entire world, found him.

"Please," Rien said, finally glancing up, an uncharacteristic hint of desperation in his tone. "Just go. Leave. Live your life. You can finish what we started. Make the world a better place." He managed a weak smile. "I'm not the man you think I am. Not anymore."