Because

Chadstone bowed his head once more.

Dakshana's voice lashed at him. "I deserve to know."

He could feel himself beginning to shake, couldn't stop himself, couldn't stop the tremors from his very core. This was it, the burning the Ancients had warned of. The crystal at his throat blazed with energy, seared his flesh. It took all his willpower not to tear it away from his skin and fling it across the chamber, make the burning stop.

"Tell me!"

"Because I love you."

Dakshana recoiled sharply. Her expression was stark with horror. Chadstone refused to shy away from her gaze.