There was no pity in my heart for him, nor did triumph sing through my veins that Ping’er and Prince Yanming were avenged. There was nothing left except this void within me, this hollow of winter. My legs gave way as I collapsed into the soft embrace of the earth. Footsteps pounded toward me—my parents, Liwei, and Wenzhi racing my way. A torment and a joy to have them close.

My greatest loves, my deepest regrets.

Wenzhi’s face was ashen, the silver in his eyes dulled to slate. Even in my weakened state, the sight jarred me. Something was wrong; his powerful aura diminished. As he fell to his knees beside me, a guttural sigh wrenched from his chest. I reached out just as he did, our fingers grazing, entwining—by instinct, almost. How cold his skin … or was it mine?

His hand lifted to cradle my cheek. “I did not break the enchantment. I hope it was enough.”

“How long do I have?” I had asked him before.

“As long as you need,” he had replied.

It was I who had severed the connection, not him. And in a flash, I understood. He had not let go, not even when the enchantment had drained the last of his powers. To keep me safe, he had sacrificed his very life. Why? For his kingdom, or the realm? Deep down, I knew the answer; it was one he had told me himself.

Because he loved me.

Not with the selfish love of the past, where I was but a means to an end. He had wanted me then, yet had been unwilling to yield anything that might make his love worth having. Never did I think he would do such a thing, placing me above all else. I had smothered my emotions, clung to principles and pride, deceived myself at every turn. I had refused to believe he could change, until he had shown me—irrefutably—just how much he loved me. More than the crown and kingdom he had once betrayed me for.

More than his life.

I would have wept except there were no tears left, the flames had burned them away. Silent screams of agony clogged my throat. The white-hot pain that stabbed me was like something vital had been ripped from my core.

“I’m sorry.” My words were a shattered whisper.

“I am sorry too.” His chest heaved as a faint smile stretched across his lips. “Live. Be happy.” As he glanced at Liwei, they exchanged a long look—without hostility or rancor. Liwei inclined his head in a respectful salute. Wenzhi fell back, a sharp breath dragged through his clenched teeth.

This was agony, not the fire in my veins or the axe slashing my skin. I gripped his hand as hard as I could. His skin had always been cool, yet never this immutable ice.