With each moment that passed, Ara grew increasingly aware of Novel's rapidly deteriorating state. Her breathing was shallow and she couldn't seem to catch her breath, but she held her tightly against her chest, not wanting to Novel to doubt the depths of her love for her in this moment. Silence fell over them as the wheezing grew to coughing, though after her coughing fit she grew silent, slouching against her with one final statement.
Ara knew precisely what was happening when she felt her mate growing limp in her embrace, and though part of her felt deeply at peace she couldn't help the tears that had begun to stream down her face. She'd been preparing for this moment for some time, so she already knew exactly what she'd do. Unwilling to move too far from Novel still, despite the fact that her breathing had stopped, but she shifted slightly to find the cluster of poppies she'd picked earlier in the week. There was a stillness in the air as she consumed them slowly, knowing exactly the kind of effect the large dose would have on her aging body.
Her own breathing was labored, from the sudden rush of emotions, as she swallowed and returned to Novel's side - the exhaustion of losing her was enough to make sleep come easily, as she slipped close to her and held her close, breathing in her scent for one last time. Ara was comforted by her warmth as she slipped into a sleep she'd never wake from, for once her heart completely light and free from regret, unafraid of what awaited her on the other side.
