Chapter 38:
The hall reeked of blood and dust.
Aria’s ears rang as she pushed herself off the cracked stone floor.
A heavy ache pulsed in her ribs, and crimson slicked her fingers.
The aftermath of battle lingered in the shattered walls, strewn weapons, and the scent of burned wolf fur.
Kael lay motionless in the center of the chamber, his body sprawled across the marble. Silver blood pooled beneath him.
Her heart leapt into her throat. “Kael!” she screamed, stumbling over broken pillars to reach him.
He was barely breathing.
Aria fell to her knees and lifted his head gently into her lap.
His usually sharp eyes were dull and unfocused.
Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and every breath was a struggle.
“No, no, no…” she whispered, tears threatening to spill.
Kael coughed, and the weak sound ripped through her like claws.
“My bond…” he croaked. “It’s breaking. Without you… I”
His voice faltered, and his hand reached blindly, trembling, until she caught it in her own.
“I
