And my sister’s reply, sweet as poison.
“It’s too late for both of you. She’ll be dead before you find her.”
I didn’t think.
I just moved.
I shoved through the door, and the scene before me registered in fragments.
Aretha in her hospital bed, but sitting up now, something glinting in her hand—a knife, where did she get a knife—
Mik’hail standing over her, his back to the window, fury and horror warring on his face—
And outside, through the glass, a figure I hadn’t seen before.
A man.
With a gun.
Pointed directly at Mik’hail’s head.
Everything slowed down.
I saw Royce lunge for Aretha, his body slamming into hers just as she raised the knife.
I saw Mik’hail turn toward me, his eyes widening, my name forming on his lips.
I saw the man outside adjust his aim.
And I didn’t think.
I just jumped.
The explosion was deafening.
Pain bloomed somewhere—everywhere—and it seemed like the world itself was fading as I started to fall. I could only wait for my head to crack against the floor...but a pair of arms caught me instead. Strong. Familiar.
“Aurora...”
Just like that voice was also familiar even as it cracked.
I tried so hard to open my eyes, but pain was consuming me from within while darkness swallowed me from the outside.
Mik’hail.
I love you.
I’m sorry.
