Xerxes didn't expect that he will vocally say those words after so many years and while his soul is waning.
That he loved Mori. That headstrong bearer was originally held captive but managed to take down dozens of adult dragons who tried to mate with him. The same bearer who made him betray his only brother and the entire race that they rule. The reason why he didn't feel any bit of regret despite what they did.
With the pain intensifying, he smiled at the young man who almost looked like him. A strong and free child with almost infinite potential.
The decision that they made 20 years ago was worth it.
He didn't regret sacrificing himself just to protect the then-pregnant Mori because now, he got a chance to meet face-to-face with a promising young man.
"I-," he struggled once again to say the answer to Xagrien's question but the bite of the Oath of the Soul latched harder than before, making him groan in extreme pain.