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With trembling footsteps approaching

Sidelong glances feel the scene

Words of caution still remembered

Someone here holds a poisoned blade

Eyes sting with perspiration

This is danger, this is true

What will they say when they find me?

“He had it coming all along”?

“No way this could’ve been avoided.

Their bloodthirst knows no bounds

And they will stop at nothing

Until they’ve brought us all down”?

Furtive movements in the shadows

Trying to stay out of sight

The rush of blood roaring in my ears

Uncertain fingers feel the blade

This dagger given by my father

How it slips to draw my blood

And as my muscles stop working

I realize the poisoned blade was mine