SAPHRA’S POVMy palm presses against his cheek, my other hand steady against the side of his neck, feeling the violent pulse of those black veins beneath his skin. They throb against me.His sword is still raised.Still trembling.His forehead nearly touches mine now, his breath uneven, harsh, breaking apart with every exhale. Sweat drips down his face, mixing with something else....Tears.My heart twists painfully.He’s crying. I have never seen him cry before.“Lucien…” I whisper, my voice trembling but steady enough to carry through the bond between us.His name feels like an anchor.I swallow hard, my chest tight with everything I haven’t said, everything I need to say now.Because if I don’t, I might lose him forever.“I know this isn’t your fault,” I begin softly.The words feel fragile, but they’re true.Every single one.His body jerks at the sound, a broken reaction, like something inside him recognizes the meaning even if the darkness tries to twist it.“I know you didn’t c
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