Atticus frowned.
"I thought we'd gone past this, grandpa. This is just how things are now."
"Exactly," Magnus replied. "Which is why you need to escape… and leave us behind."
"What are you talking about?"
"If we both fall here, then our family on Eldoralth falls with us."
Atticus' brow tightened.
"Bu—"
"Don't fight it, Atticus." Magnus placed both hands on his shoulders. "This is the only way. Deep down, you know it."
Atticus gritted his teeth and tore away from him.
"No. Hell no. What you're asking me to do is… no. I won't do it."
"Atticus."
"I won't!"
Atticus' will flared violently around him, heat rippling off his body, but Magnus didn't back away.
"You were right about one thing, son. Action speaks louder than guilt." A small, sad smile appeared on his lips.
"Unfortunately, my grandson has grown far too monstrous for me to ever surpass. So I'll lessen your burden in the only way I still can. This is it."
Magnus slowly bowed his head.
