"No, you're not." The stressful evening did little for her already frayed nerves. Maggie held his hands tight in her own, her palms clammy against his. She knew this was likely not his first foray with dangerous beast (he'd taken down a troll, after all) but it was the first time he placed himself in danger for her. Recovering from his death — from the guilt of causing it — was a wound she would never close.

Before she could think better of it, Maggie released one of his hands to wipe the soot from his cheek. Her touch was gentle — far softer than required to fully remove the dirt. "I need you alive. Save the bravery for others." She stated quietly, her eyes locked on his.