180 Shadow-grown Favors

Meilyr watched as Eliza left his chamber, her expression stern to hide her dejection.

She had opened her heart to him, albeit under the guise of a transaction. Unfortunately, he had far too much to do and no mind to consider raising a family, even in the future. Thus, he could only reject her.

I don't know if it's even possible. Tell me, Irqu-neya. If only one of us may exist at a time, how do we procreate?

The foggy corner of his psyche stirred, letting out Irqu-neya's regal voice, "It is a matter of will. Should you wish to sire a child, you will die upon its first breath. Otherwise, it will simply come out of the womb without life."

And what about those of us who died before ensuring their succession?