“I’m not leaving.”
“It wasn’t an offer, Soren,” Hadiden said, squaring his shoulders back and lifting his chin. If he had to claim the role as Herald, he was going to do so and make sure that everyone else was safe. He had caused this mess, had caused Haven to be attacked. He wasn’t going to let innocents die.Outside the Haven Chantry, the sounds of marching and a dragon overhead rang out. It was loud, loud enough that even the stone walls of the building couldn’t hide the fate that awaited the elf. He was going to have to lead the front, stand his ground, and make a distraction to allow people to escape. It was his job, his duty, Hadiden thought. He wasn’t one for karma, not like those he knew back home, but he would have to pay a price for the Conclave. If this was the price the Creators wanted, it was what he would pay. “I am not offering you to go, I am telling you,” he demanded. “You are leaving Haven and that is final.”The blond turned on his heels, walking away from the redhead and so many emotions. His time in Haven, the nights drinking with Soren, Wicked Grace and running a muck in the snow had been heaven. He was able to relax, to feel some sense of home as he dealt with humans and the Breach. It reminded him that not all things were bad, but he couldn’t allow for that ounce of sunshine to die. He wasn’t going to allow for Soren to be buried under the snow with him, facing down certain death because he wanted to be by Hadiden’s side. Hadiden, whether he lived or died, would not be able to carry that burden with him. This was his punishment, his price. It was his deed to equal out the world again. “Commander,” Hadiden said, walking towards Cullen. “Take the rest of Haven, follow where the Chancellor leads. And by the Creators, make sure Soren leaves.” There was a pause as the blond glanced back at the other man. “I will not have innocents die here tonight if I have any say.”
