Chapter 188 - 189
"I’ve been trapped here for five hundred years. I’ve died tens of thousands of times, many times from starvation, most from thirst. Many from suicide..." As the streams of tears on his face began to thicken, his voice showed signs of instability despite having regained its youthful vigour. "But no matter how many times I’ve challenged this damned curse, it’s always led me to the same realization." Growing quiet for a moment, he whispered into the perturbing silence, "The curse of immortality can’t be broken."
"Why paralyze me?" Alistar’s voice was anxious despite his efforts to keep calm. "So long as you break the seal on this cave, you can leave! Isn’t that what you wanted?"
"It’s nice to get a clear look at you. I had a feeling you were a handsome lad." Gnashing his teeth together and looking away in shame, Aglain wept for a few moments before he regained a bit of control over his emotions. "I really did appreciate you. A wonderful person, just like your ancestor. Just like Dalia."
Alistar was filled with dread. "What is this, Aglain? What about our agreement? You’re supposed to help me save my friend. You...you’re making it seem like you plan to go back on your word!"
"I never planned to help you, as much as I wanted to. Honestly speaking, I really am fond of you, as if you were my own flesh and blood. I really am. And yet...and yet..." He trailed off into another shaky stretch of silent tears.
"What do you plan on doing?" Glancing at his hands, Alistar cursed himself for having worn his limiters for this of all visits. Even if he wanted to break the spell that was holding him in place, he would never be able to do it so long as Aglain was in possession of the ancient crystal.
"I plan to remove this horrid curse, once and for all."
"I thought you said it couldn’t be broken?"
After another brief silence, Aglain let out a self-depreciating whimper. "It can’t." Looking around the cave that had tortured him for countless decades, his gaze became indescribably pained. "I wish I had it in me to help you, Alistar. I wish I had the courage to fight the battles that surely need to be fought, to save the people of this world regardless of the fact that they believe me a villain, but Aglain of Lahn died a long time ago. There’s no longer a place for him in this world. After all I’ve been through...I just want the suffering to end."