It had been years since he met the one he called a soulmate, or at least once he learned what the term meant. Souls bonded for life and lives after. He loved the idea of it, knowing that he was so comfortable with someone that he'd see them again in another life. But when it seemed like he was finally going to have to break off this life and wait for the next, he didn't seem to believe in it so much.

The air was thick with smoke as he cradled them in his arms. He could feel the life slipping away, each breath more labored than the last. His heart pounded with desperation, his eyes wide with fear as he tried to keep their gaze with his, grounding them to reality the best he could. "Please," he whispered, his voice cracking under the weight of his grief. "Please stay with me. Don't leave me..."

He had lost so many over the years, friends and allies, people he had sworn to protect. But now, holding the one person who meant everything to him, he couldn't take being stoic any longer. Tears streamed down his face, mingling with the dirt and sweat on his cheeks. His hands, usually so steady and sure, trembled as he held them close, feeling the faint, uneven beat of their heart against his own.

"I need you," he continued, his voice rising in desperation. "I can't do this without you! You– You promised we'd be together, remember? You said we'd see each other in the next life, but I can't wait that long. Not now. Not like this." His words were a frantic plea, each one a dagger to his heart as he realized how little time they had left.

Their eyes, once so bright and full of life, were now dull and unfocused, but he refused to let them slip away. "Look at me," he begged, his voice choked with emotion. "Stay with me. Just a little longer. You have to fight! You have to stay-!"