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The sea of calm Amery had been afloat in throughout the entire encounter was broken, as time was now passing twice as fast. He could plainly hear the gay noise of the reception, beyond the door and outside the small courtyard, just as the light seemed to intensify, blinding him. His own heartbeat was like a rapid drum in his head, the gasps and wheezes and half-groans thunderous in their own right.

He clung to Grayson's shoulders, trying to still his desire to thrash, to keep the pain at bay. Only then did he realize how much death made him want to stay with his family, with his brother, and just when it was too late. Amery had never seen just how much he valued his place in the family, his so-called "obligation," until it was being taken away. Suddenly, he thought he'd do anything to bring it back. But while that was impossible, there was one thing, he thought, that might suffice.

"Not here," he gasped suddenly, trying to jerk away from Grayson's grasp. "Not—take me—to Louisa—please, brother—"