Everson had no time to rejoice. He could feel Giza fading fast in his arms. He placed both hands over the wound, but blood seeped through his fingers in an unabated flow. Giza reached up, grabbed a handful of Everson’s tunic, and pulled him closer.
“Tell your mother that I kept my promise,” Giza said, his eyes drilling into Everson’s.
“Tell her yourself, Commander,” the prince retorted before the emotion could choke his words.
Allegra looked on sympathetically. Abruptly, she laid her hands over Everson’s, not flinching as Giza’s blood began to stain her hands as well. Everson was deeply touched by her selflessness, though he suspected there was nothing that either of them could do to save the man’s life. Giza released Everson’s tunic and placed his own hand over theirs, patting them r
