I looked up immediately.The door creaked wider, and a man stepped inside.He wore a mask.For a second, everything slowed—the room, the air, even my own heartbeat. My arms tightened around Elena’s trembling body, her weight sinking heavier against me with every passing second.“Try,” I muttered under my breath, my voice low and dangerous.My focus snapped back to Elena.“Elena… stay with me,” I said quickly, my voice breaking despite myself. “Look at me. Stay with me.”Her body jerked weakly in my arms. Another cough tore through her chest, and more blood spilled from her lips, warm against my hands. Her fingers twitched once against my arm—then loosened.“No… no, no, no…”I shifted her slightly, lifting her head, trying to keep her awake.“Breathe, Elena. Just breathe,” I urged.But her breathing wasn’t steady anymore.It came in short, shallow pulls—like her body was forgetting how to keep going.Her eyes, once bright and full o
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