There were crushed clockwork pieces under the armor. Against his abdomen, an ugly bruise was forming, but Arnold had padded the blow, destroying himself in the process. "Arnold died protecting me," August said sorrowfully. "I'm so sorry, Aspen."
He rested his hands on her back, looking concerned. "I know. I'm sorry. I tried to protect him by hiding him in my armor when they started to attack, but...
"He came bursting in declaring the mad king was dead. I needed to know where you were. I couldn't have.. I couldn't have you die, August."
