“I don’t have a ton of time. I just wanted to thank you. Thank you for always being my best friend. For being my family…”
“I’m so sorry! This is all my fault.” I sob, holding my hand to my chest to keep my heart from breaking more.
“Fate is not yours to blame, Dani. This was how it was supposed to be,” He smiles at me and continues. “I will always be here with you, Dani,” he taps two fingers over his heart. “I’ll visit you in your dreams. I’ll be your and Jules’ guardian angel… looking after you both. You are destined for great things, Danika fucking Shay. And one day, when it’s your time to go, I’ll be waiting on the other side as your mates bring you to the afterlife. You belong with them, Dani. You are destined for this.”
“Don’t go! Please!” I cry out, desperation pouring from every word. A gentle hand caresses my shoulder. I turn to see Adonis standing beside me, his presence warm and steady.
Carter gazes at him, a bittersweet smile gracing his lips. “You take care of our girl.”
Adonis stands quietly, and nods his head, smiling at Carter, giving him a silent answer.
“You… you devoted your entire life to loving me,” I continue, my voice trembling. “Now… I’ll spend the rest of mine missing you. I’m sorry I didn’t love you like you needed me to,” I sob.
“You loved me exactly how you were supposed to love me, Dani. I wouldn’t change that for anything in this world.” I nod my head at his response and continue. “You’ve always put Jules and me first… I just wish… I wish you didn’t die. I’m so sorry, Carter.” As the words leave my mouth, he slowly dissolves into the air, his figure becoming translucent and fragile.
I clutch my chest, “No! Please, don’t go!” I reach out, my fingers grasping at the fading image of my friend as if I could hold onto him forever.
“I will be with you in every moment,” he reassures me softly, his voice like a soothing melody, though it feels heavy with sorrow. “In the gentle breeze that caresses your face, in the vibrant flowers that bloom around you, the monarchs that land on your hand, in the chorus of birds welcoming the dawn… I will always be by your side…” His voice lingers in the air, trailing off like the last notes of a cherished song, until he vanishes completely.
I collapse to the ground, the world around me fading into a blur. Numbness washes over me like a cold wave, leaving an aching emptiness in its wake.
With a heart-wrenching finality, I realize that I will never see my best friend again.
Chapter 41
Killian
I can feel the shards of Dani’s shattered heart piercing my own, a collective ache that resonates deeply in the silence. Carter had made the ultimate sacrifice, stepping in front of Octavia’s blast to save Dani’s life, a gesture that will forever embed him in my memories with gratitude.
I carefully lift Dani’s fragile form from the forest floor, where the cool earth cradled her as if trying to hold and comfort her. We had given her a few moments to process the chaos, but now, I can sense her small body growing cold. Instinctively, she nestles closer into my chest, yet her eyes, once bright with life, now stare blankly up at me, void of emotion.
In an effort to reassure her, I offer my warmest smile, though the weight of the moment lingers heavily in the air. I focus my energy and teleport us back to the familiarity of our home.
“Is she okay?! Dani!” Jules’ voice trembles with panic as she rushes into the living room. Her eyes are wide with worry as she takes in the sight of me cradling her best friend.
“She just needs a little time... you both do,” I respond softly, trying to comfort both of them. “Why don’t you two relax in my room for a bit? Maybe watch some TV and get some rest—it could help.” I can see the distress etched on Jules’ face, her brow furrowed, and her lips pressed tight, reflecting the turmoil swirling inside her.
“That would be nice, Kil. Thank you,” she replies, her voice steadier but still laced with sadness.
As I start to ascend the staircase, I nod subtly for Jules to follow, and she trails behind me, her footsteps hesitant.
I gently sit Dani on my bed, the soft comforter enveloping her like a warm embrace. Although aware of her surroundings, her eyes remain vacant, like a fog has settled over her spirit. I lean down and press a tender kiss to her forehead, feeling the coolness of her skin against my lips. Just as I turn to step away, I feel her fingers wrap around my wrist, her grip weak yet insistent, pulling me back with an almost desperate need.
Even with her tear-stained face and swollen eyes illuminated by the soft glow of the bedside lamp, Dani remains the most breathtaking person I have ever encountered. Her auburn hair shimmers like glowing embers, catching the light with fiery undertones that dance around her face, reminiscent of a warm autumn sunset.
“I thought I had lost you, Kil. I thought you…” Her voice trembles as a sob escapes her lips, each word steeped in the fear of that fleeting moment. I can feel the weight of her worry.
I sit on my bed, pulling her into my embrace, wanting to shield her from the fears that grip her heart.
“Shh, it’s okay, baby. I’m perfectly fine, thanks to you,” I reassure her gently, but she interrupts me, her eyes still shining with unshed tears. “And Carter,” she adds, hastily wiping another tear away with the back of her hand.
I lean in to kiss her temple softly. “Yes, and thanks to Carter. He was the real hero tonight, wasn’t he?” I say, eliciting a slight nod of agreement as she gradually collects herself.
Jules sits on my bed next to Dani, her eyes welling up with tears at the sight of her. Without a word, Dani and Jules are wrapped in each other’s arms, the overwhelming emotions spilling out of them both. I watch them momentarily, my heart breaking for them both, before leaning down to press another tender kiss to Dani’s head.
As I step away, I glance back, filling the space between us with my words, “I love you, sunshine.” The sincerity inmy voice lingers as I leave them to their moment, knowing that they will find strength in each other.
“Okay, but you saw the flames erupting from her hands, too, right?!” Dax exclaims, his eyes wide with disbelief as he leans forward across our large dining room table. The heavy oak surface reflects the warm glow of the flickering candles, casting dancing shadows on the walls.
