The Truth About Lies (An Inheritance Cycle Fanfiction)

The Parting of the Ways

He wrapped his other arm around me and folded me into his chest. "I can't, Tabby. My heart is telling me that is the only thing I want... but my head, it's telling me that this is the way it must be. There's so much anger still inside of us... I'm afraid I am no longer the man you knew."

"I don't care," I protested hotly, pulling away so I could look him in the eye. His grey eyes were as intense as ever, but there was a hardened edge to them that had not been there once. He was right, however much I hated to admit it. He was a different man. "I will do whatever I can to help you, Murtagh. Whatever it takes, you will have me by your side."

"It is not quite so simple, Tabatha," he said. "You must trust me in this. Time apart from one another will do us good."

"We have spent too much time apart as it is," I argued. "I love you—"

"But who's to say you will love the man I have become?"

I bit down on my lower lip, trying to decide the best thing to say. "In spite of everything that has happened," I began slowly, "and all we have put one another through, I know something of our old selves is still there. As long as that piece—no matter how small a piece it may be—is still there, I believe we can find a way to work through this. We can find a way to fall in love again, with the people we have become."

"I still love you, Tabatha." He angled my chin up so that he could kiss me deeply, holding me as close as he possibly could. I never wanted this to end, if it meant he would stay. But it had to. My protestations had all been in vain; I could feel it in the way he trembled against me, as though he was trying to memorize every part of this moment.

I pulled away and tucked my head back into his chest and allowed him to just hold me in silence for a few minutes. It comforted us both, but did nothing to ease the aching in my chest. I could hear the rhythmic beating of his heart, and I closed my eyes to just listen to it for a few moments. I would drag this out as long as I possibly could.

My hands were placed upon his chest, tugging at the collar of his tunic. He looked down and then suddenly let out a chuckle, causing me to pull away and give him a questioning look. "What are you laughing at?"

He took my right hand in his own and tugged the sleeve down. "I can't believe you still have this," he mused quietly. I followed his gaze to the tattered, dirty bracelet that was wrapped around my wrist, the one he'd given me outside of Gil'ead.

"I promised I would never take it off. And I never did. It seems the luck followed me, though I fear it may have run out now." I chanced a look up at him, and saw he was smiling down at me sadly.

"If I thought I could stay and not fear for mine or Thorn's safety, or the safety of others, you know I would in a heartbeat. More than anyone, you would be in danger, Tabatha. Those old fears are still prevalent. The son of Morzan and the daughter of Galbatorix, both with dragons... it would not be difficult for the people to misconstrue or twist the truth." I nodded at that, though it pained me to admit it. The people did not know the two of them like I did, or like Eragon and Saphira and Nasuada did. They would not be so quick to forgive.

"I know," I replied softly. "That does not make this easier." I pulled away from him slightly. "Can I make one small request?"

"What is it?" he said hesitantly.

"Stay with me just one more night. That is all I ask. We can even stay here, if you like." He looked to his dragon, and a conversation passed between them. And then he turned his gaze back upon me.

"We will stay, one night." I smiled and embraced him once more. At least I had bought myself a few more hours.

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