She sighed, hugging him tightly to her. "I'm sorry little dude. I cant stay."

Puck appeared in the doorway, his shirt and hands smeared with blood. "Princess? We should get going. Ash says theres a tatter-colt outside who can give us a ride to the healer."

She makes sure to keep Ethans eyes on her, a slight wave sent to Puck as she continues speaking to her brother before she says goodbye and follows Puck.

"I hope Ash doesnt object to us dragging his carcass outside," Puck muttered as they made their way down the steps, getting dripped on every few feet. "I patched him up as best I could, but I dont think he can walk very..." He trailed off as they reached the frozen living room. The front door creaked softly on its hinges, spilling a bar of moonlight across the floor, and Ash was nowhere to be seen.

She sprinted outside, looking around.

Ashs lean silhouette was moving silently across the yard, stumbling every few feet, one arm around his middle. At the edge of the trees, barely visible within the shadows, a small black horse with glowing crimson eyes waited for him.

"Ash! Dont you dare!" She shouted, running after him.

"I'm going back for the scepter." His voice was dull. "Let me go, Claire. I have to do this."

She caught up to him. "No. Come back with us, please."

"Claire, please." Ash sounded as if he was desperately clinging to the last shreds of his composure. "Let me go. I cant stay here. Not after..." He shuddered and took a ragged breath. "Not after what I did."