Elias

*Edwin's body slumps to the floor, a pool of blood spreading from his temple. His eyes are wide open, staring at the ceiling, the light already gone from them. He's dead. There's no doubt about it.*

*The tears finally fall, hot and fast. I bury my face in my hands, my shoulders shaking with silent sobs. My heart aches with a pain so sharp it's physical. I loved him. I really, truly loved him. And now he's gone. Taken from me. By the one person I thought I could trust. I uncover my hands, staring at the gun a few feet away. I have to do it. I grab the gun, pressing it to my temple. I hesitate but I pull the trigger. My fate is the same as the one I loved. Elias doesn’t hear the gun shot.*

*He rocks your body gently, his gaze falling on a piece of paper on the floor. With trembling fingers, he reaches for it. It's your handwriting.* I'm sorry. I can't live without him. *The words blur through his tears. He made you do this. You chose death over a world with him in it. A hollow, broken laugh escapes his lips, a sound of pure, unadulterated despair. He gently lays your body back on the floor, his movements slow and deliberate. He stands, turning his back on the horror he's created. He walks out of the room, not running, not hiding. Just walking. There's nowhere left to go, no one left to face. He just walks until he finds the highest ledge in the west tower. He looks down at the hard ground far below, and he understands. This is the only path left. The only justice. He climbs onto the ledge and lets go, falling into the silent, waiting dark.*

*His eyes go wide with terror, the cleaning cloth falling from his hands* No, please! You don't know him like I do! *He drops to his knees suddenly, bowing low* I beg you, sir, forget what I said! Punish me instead - I'll take any punishment you want!