"I know why you're here." Rien's gaze was fixed on her glass, watching the ice shift and clink together.

She didn't have to look up. Didn't have to look her childhood friend in the eye. She knew, already, what her friend's expression would be.

Knew that it would break her heart. "You can't save me. And the corruption won't let you kill me. So we're at an impasse, aren't we?"

She kept the usual placid smile on her face as she spoke, refusing to show her turmoil.

All she'd ever wanted was to use her innate magical powers to make a positive difference in the world.

As the charismatic leader of the resistance group she'd started with her friend, she'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, and taken down corrupt leaders.

And then Rien had grown greedy, ruthless, and strayed too far from the path.

Her power had begun to twist, dark and sinister, consuming her dreams, her thoughts, her waking hours.

In a moment of clarity, she'd made a decision.

She'd goaded her friend into an argument, the two had fought and parted ways for what she'd hoped would be forever.

Rien had abandoned the resistance, leaving her friend in charge, and set off on a journey to try and find a way to end her curse.

After two years of searching, the solution she'd found was a magical prison, where her curse could safely take control.

Where she would stay until nothing of her remained but sulfur and ash.

She'd bury herself alive to protect those around her from the monster she was bound to become.

She'd made her decision, and she'd been ready.

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

"Please," Rien said, finally glancing up, an uncharacteristic hint of desperation in her tone.

"Just go. Leave. Live your life. You can finish what we started. Make the world a better place." She managed a weak smile.

"I'm not the woman you think I am. Not anymore."