[ Oooh, girl, those alarm bells are going off and they're saying 'either cut and run or face this head on!' and she can't look away. The magic is soothing, cool and refreshing against her skin, and if she wasn't leaning into by now, she had.

She bites her bottom lip sheepishly, studying what he just said to her. She bled more now for Kost than she ever had for Justinia, and the idea of it doesn't bother her. In fact, it brings a smattering of pink to her cheeks. Something stupid and romantic fluttered through her mind like 'I'd die a thousand deaths' or 'take a thousand arrows' but she agreed, she'd only make a fool of herself. ]

Don't apologize, and don't think you have to repay me.

[ Finally, she does lock eyes with him, and instead of hardened, battle-weary Cassandra, she's soft, and...kinder looking. It was like looking at a whole different person. ]

As would I, knowing you were gravely injured due to my carelessness.

[ How to words? She has to think of them specifically, starting with one and then restarting again. ]

You---no. If it meant your safety, then I'd gladly do it again. And again. And I'd continue to, until I were brought to my knees, and still, I would not bow.

So, for losing me...[ She pauses, her other hand coming to rest on his. ]

You will not.