Blacktail Deer Plateau i can't escape the way i love you

She pushed her nose into his scruff, as was customary. Left it there, breathing deep, taking in the scent of him. So grounding—almost enough to make her forget the rest of it. Almost.

I think we should have your brother take all the children back to the Redhawks, she said. Her voice was muffled; she was afraid to look at him, to see the heartbreak in his eyes. Vesper, Peregrine. . .and Blueberry, too.

After a few heartbeats, Maegi pulled back, steeling herself for his expression. Before he could say anything, she rushed on, almost tripping over herself to get the words out.

I'm done, Mou, she whispered. Her gaze met his, searching, pleading. I want out. I want it all to end—and I want you to do it with me.

It was an outrageous question for anyone else, but he had been her companion for so long, with her through thick and thin, the best of times and the worst of times. They were the only ones who understood each other, who found commonality in their faults, fears and fuck-ups.

And she couldn't—she wouldn't—die without him.