Constantine wavered, the aged flames in his eyes flickering as he looked at the companion before him.
At the sorrowful smile on her face.
As though using up a lifetime's strength, he forced down that stale breath.
Because he knew.
This was what he wanted, too.
"Two people. That's the limit."
His voice seemed to age all at once. In truth, he was already old enough, having lived through epoch after epoch. Had he not met the young man who gave him hope in this epoch, he might long since have died of old age.
"Dragging any third person into this would be the gravest crime against all of us. And if, by some misfortune, we really do both succumb to corruption..."
"Then only one will need to be killed."
The Dollhouse spoke softly.
"The other will die, too."
Amid the lapping waves, the two companions who had already lived so long stood at the bow, gazing together into the far distance. No further words were needed. In silence, they willingly shackled their own fates.
Like their tightly clasped hands, buffeted by the sea breeze and drifting rain.
Like that unspoken promise.
"My lord."
"Just call me Older Sister."
On the shore outside Dark Night City, along the boundless Black Coast near the North.
Azephala stared blankly at the figure sitting on the reef. Wave after wave crashed against the rocks. The former Seraphim's lips curved slightly, her dark eyes holding a hint of a smile that seemed to see through the world. Though the holy aura she once possessed had long vanished, her gaze remained just as peaceful.
Azephala lowered her head and bit her lip. It was as though she had countless things to say, yet could not utter a single word.
In the distance, the