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“NO!”

He drew back a palm that had been slashed to the bone; and I pulled my protective enchantments even more tightly in place. The silver chain I had bound them to expanded, shimmering, in graceful arcs around me, the key at the end humming, hovering in front of my upraised warding palm; a single glimmering drop of blood marking it.
“Now this is some unexpected power.” Though he was half hidden behind Vlad, I could have sworn I saw Edward smile. “A powerful protection and magic weapon in one. It might even stop me for a while; but can you keep it up?”
“Go Vlad. Go Edward.” I said, trying to keep my voice even. “Your secret will be safe with me until the day I die. Every secret you have entrusted with me. But go.”
“Dictating terms?”
“Asking. Begging. Please.” I didn't dare close my eyes for what comfort that would bring, focused on the spell. “Go anywhere else; America, Australia, France, Germany. Even Scotland; just leave London leave me.” My voice broke.
“Afraid we won't respect your choice?”
“Afraid I'll change my mine.”
“It's not too late, yet” Edward said hopefully.
“It always was.”
“Hmm.” Vlad looked thoughtful, and smiled, sadly. “I think....” He said, looking at the blood on his hand, “That we will. Because I trust you; because you are worthy of trust. Goodbye, Alexander.”
“Goodbye Xan.” repeated Edward; his voice heart breaking. “I... I”
“I hope you'll forget me.” I said, now not looking at them at all. “But I'll never forget you.”
“If I forget you or not; part of me will always love you.”
And they disappeared. For several long moments I kept the protection spell going, and then I called it back, tucking the chain and the key into my pocket where they normally lived. It lacked hours until dawn...

And I had no idea where I was.