~ ZARA ~
David looked like he hardly dared hope. Intense and demanding he lifted his head towards her, his eyes blazing.
"Will this ever turn my head from her? Remove my heart—"
"Sire, this ties you together. Forever. To remove it now would… well, it could kill both of you."
"Wait, you're saying I've got it too?" I asked, hushed.
Gayner turned to me, shaking her head. "No, I mean… the bond that was placed on him, it twines with you, even in death. I don't understand it. I cannot explain it. I can only guess that you were not the subject of the original intention, yet somehow it… took you. And so the power was broken and fulfilled. I don't… I don't know how that can be. All I know is that the bond he was given has both broken—presumably for its original intent—and taken… with you."
We both gaped at her. My head was buzzing. But then David twitched.
"What the enemy intends for ill, God will use for good," he breathed, his voice awed.