I gasp, my eyes flying open, and I jolt upright in bed, myheart thumping as I sense a pulsing in the room. I brush my hair back, my entire body trembling.
Fuck, that was Helios…
I glance towards Shahira’s bed, hoping I didn’t wake her. My eyes snap to something on the floor, and my stomach drops when I realise it’s Shahira’s body that is crumpled on the floor, unmoving.
“Shahira!” I jump off the bed, my neck still stinging and stiff. I check her vitals. Her pulse is there, but what happened?
I shake her slightly, feeling my chaotic emotions rising.
Focus!
I frown, performing a waking spell.
Nothing.
Ok, I try a healing spell, but nothing happens. “Shahira! Wake up! What…” My heart thuds loudly, my stomach churning as Helios’ words echo in my mind. ‘Take this as a warning…’
He did this!
“Fix her!” I scream, only for a sharp sting to rush through my neck.
Was this because of what happened with Jayce?
Yes, it is... Tell the Deimos King or anyone else about this, and not you, but they will pay the price. Remember this, on the Blood Moon, we will meet again. Enjoy the time you have, because once you are mine, you will never see your loved ones again. Heed this warning once and for all. Never cross a god.
My eyes sting with tears. “Please fix her! I promise I won’t do this again!”
If you fulfil your side of the bargain, she’ll awaken themoment you cross through the veil to me. Until then, she is simply asleep. But remember, cross me again and the next will never awaken.
I stare down at Shahira, my heart pounding. So, there’s no way… no way for me to get out of this mess.
I wrap my arms around Shahira and hold her close, closing my eyes. “I’m so sorry…” I whisper the apology directed at her, and to Jayce, as despair blankets me, with no way to escape from beneath it.
What have I done?
I wrap my arms tightly around Shahira. I did this. I’m always fucking up… they’re all better off without me…
I drag myself to my feet as I lift Shahira, my heart pounding as I head to the door, whispering a spell to unlock it. The door slams open harder than I meant as I rush out into the deserted lounge.
“Anyone awake!” I shout, my voice cracking.
I’m the reason she’s in this position.
Valerian and Renji both step out of their rooms.
“What is it?” Valerian asks, rubbing sleep from his eyes. Renji, who was also clearly asleep, has noticed the woman in my arms. His eyes widen with shock as he runs over, taking her from me.
“What happened?” he asks as he adjusts her so her head rests against his chest.
I shake my head, guilt and self-loathing filling me. “I don’t know,” I lie, my eyes welling up. “She won’t wake up.”
“Alright, let’s get her to the infirmary. You get her a headscarf,” Renji orders. I nod as I rush back to the room beforereturning to the lounge. I wrap it loosely around her hair as I follow Renji and Valerian out of the room.
What have I done?
“Jayce is returningtomorrow? Are you really missing him that much?” Heaven asks, sighing as she snaps the book she’s studying shut.
I don’t have long left with him.
