THE CHOICE The smoke was starting to clear, leaving behind a cold, gray light. Esmeralda stood up slowly, her legs shaking. She left Finn’s body where it lay; she couldn't carry him yet. She had one more thing to do.

In the corner of the room, slumped against the base of a fallen statue, was Demetrius. He was holding his side, his fingers laced through a dark, spreading stain on his tunic. He looked up as her boots clicked on the stone floor. He looked pale, but his eyes were still ...