144. Maria’s sacrifice

Celine

I feel it when Ismir dies, like a lance directly into my heart. I scream in pain and my attack falters. No.

I look back, knowing I will not find him at he balcony he once occupied with his father and the Whisperer. My eyes meet his father’s and I wonder if he knows. My distraction costs me.

Strong arms wrap around me from behind and I’m plastered hard against a male chest.

“Stand back.” He orders the creatures, keeping them in front of us and me as a shield between them. They angle and pace, the front liners reluctant to attack and skewer me.

“What do you think you are doing?” I grit out, trying to break out of his grip but he’s too strong.

“You’re coming back with me.” He says, shuffling back. I burst into laughter, a little hysterical.

“Are you daft as fuck? You want to leap through the barrier to freedom? The both of us will die before our next breath.”

“I passed through the barrier to get here.” He says, his voice resolved.

“By some freak accident. You will not be so