"Expello malum, purgo tenebris. Sanctus lux penetrat umbras..."
The dark magic coiling around Seraphinawrithes, like an angry serpent disturbed from sleep.
"Fuck!" Emily yanks her hands back like they've been burned. "This evil is next-level shit." She shakes out her fingers, determination hardening her tear-stained features. "Let me try again..."
"In nomine lucis, maledictum solve. Obscurum recede, malum disperde!"
The corrupted energy pulses and twists, fighting Emily's cleansing magic like a living thing.
Come on, witch. Work your magic. Save my angel.
Emily's chanting grows more intense, sweat beading her forehead as she battles Morgan's corruption. Blood begins to trickle from her nose, down and over her lips, but she doesn't stop. Her hands shake violently over Seraphina's body, magic crackling in the air like static before a storm.
"Sanctifica hoc vas lucis, purifica hanc angelum dei..."
The words sound like they're being torn from her throat now, each syllable a war against the darkness. More blood drips, spattering onto Seraphina's wings as Emily pours everything she has into the cleansing.
The dark magic fights back, coiling tighter around Seraphina like possessed razor wire. Emily's hands shake violently, but her voice grows more vigorous, more commanding:
"EXPELLO MALUM, LUX VINCIT OMNIA!"
The corruptionscreams—a sound that sets my fangs on edge—before finally releasing its hold. Finally—thank fuck—It dissipates like smoke, leaving Seraphina blessedly free of its taint.
Emily's hands drop to her sides. "It's done," she gasps, blood staining her teeth. "She can take your blood now."
I don't waste a second. My fangs tear into my wrist, ripping open veins with desperate force. I press the bleeding wound to Seraphina's pale lips, terror clawing at my insides.
"Drink, baby girl. Please...pleasedrink." My voice breaks on the words. "Don't you dare leave me, Phina. Come on.Come on, stay with me, sweetheart."
For one heart-stopping moment, nothing happens. Then—sweet merciful Christ—her eyes flutter and she starts to swallow. Relief hits me, and I want to cry as she drinks, each pull of blood through our bond telling me she's still fighting.
"That's it, Cupcake. Take what you need."
Color floods back into her skin, that ethereal golden glow I love so much replacing death's pallor. Her wings—fuck yes—the shredded, mangled mess starts to heal. Torn flesh knits together, bloodstained feathers becoming pristine white again, radiating that pure celestial light that makes my heart skip.
"Keep drinking, Cupcake. You're doing so good. That's my girl..."
A thud behind me snaps my attention around. Emily crumples to the ground, blood still streaming from her nose.
"BRAX!"
The demon explodes from the car, moving faster than his hulking form should allow. He drops to his knees beside Emily, gathering her into his massive arms gently.
"Em? Emily!" His usual growl softens with worry. "Come on, little witch, open those baby blues for me."
I try to focus on Emily, butholy hell—Seraphina's strength floods back through our bond like someone just plugged her into a power station. Each pull of blood makes our connection pulse stronger and brighter until I'm dizzy with relief.
When she's taken enough, I gently ease my wrist away. Her eyes—those incredible honey-gold irises now swimming with tears—lock onto mine. "Lucian..." My name falls from her lips like a prayer, and whatever's left of my heart shatters into a million pieces.
I pull her out of the car and crush her against my chest, burying my face in her hair. "I've got you, baby girl. I'm right here." The words spill out like a desperate litany as she trembles in my arms, her sobs muffled against my shirt. "You're safe. You're okay. I've got you, sweetheart. Never letting go."
Her fingers clutch my suit jacket like she's afraid I'll disappear, and I hold her tighter, trying to absorb her pain, her fear, her grief. Each tear that soaks into my shirt feels like absolution and accusation all at once.
I almost lost her. Christ, I almost fucking lost her.
I cradle Seraphina's face between my palms like she's made of spun gold and claim her lips with every ounce of desperation, love, and relief coursing through my undead veins. She tastes like sunlight and salvation, her mouth moving against mine with the same frantic need. The bond between us explodes with emotion—fear, love, relief—until I can't tell where my feelings end and hers begin.
"Lucian... oh god..." Her words tremble against my lips before she pulls me back in, fingers tangling in my hair gripping tightly. "I thought—I'd never—you were—"
