Chapter 34

*Alyssa*

Summoning every ounce of courage, I pushed through the flames, driven by an overwhelming sense of urgency. The fire licked at my skin, leaving searing trails of pain in its wake, but I pressed on, my mind focused solely on reaching Rurac. I couldn't lose him, I watched the dying eyes of the one I truly love.

Finally, I reached him, collapsing to my knees beside his battered form. His face was pale, his breathing shallow. I cradled his head in my trembling hands, tears streaming down my face. "Hang on, Rurac! Please, don't leave me!"

His voice was weak, barely a whisper. "Alyssa... My love... You have to... find the amulet... Find... the answers... Save az"

His words trailed off, and his eyelids fluttered closed. Panic surged through me, and I shook him gently. "No, Rurac! Stay with me!"

But it was too late. Rurac's body went limp in my arms, and a profound sense of loss washed over me, mingling with the smoldering flames of the world around us. How could this be happening? How