She ignored him, focusing on Fenn.
You can do this,she told herself, but as soon as Fenn’s blood touched her tongue, the strange power within it engulfed her entirely. Whatever new version of Veilroot now flowed through his veins—more drug than blood now—caught her, darkness swallowing her vision again. But this time, it wasn’t hers.
Before she could resist, the Source-corrupted Void element pouring from Fenn’s wrist yanked her free of her body, hurling her somewhere else entirely.
What is this?
She took a step, and ripples of black ink spread from her foot, cascading out into the vast emptiness around her. Her heart raced as she glanced around. It felt as if she had been torn from reality and placed into an abyss where nothing existed. A shiver crawled up her spine as some half-forgotten memory stirred, trying to break the surface.
This is bad.
“Fenn!” she called out, her voice lost in the vast emptiness of the space.
“Rynna?” he answered, faint at first, then stronger as his image shimmered into view before her. “Rynna?”
“I’m here!” She rushed to him, relief flooding her. “I’m going to get you out of here.”
He smiled at her, soft and sad, reaching out to skim her cheek with his fingers. “I don’t think that’s possible, love.” His voice was gentle, almost resigned. “I was already dead when that spear tore through my heart. The Veilroot or the Void, whatever it is, is the only thing keeping me here.”
“No!” She jerked away. “Taren said we could save you!”
Fenn’s smile widened slightly. “Taren? He came back?”
“Of course he did, you idiot.” Her hand pressed into his chest, desperate to feel a heartbeat that wasn’t there. “He’s been trying to do the right thing ever since he left, in his own way. He never really abandoned us.”
Fenn exhaled. “I’m so glad to hear that. It makes this…easier.”
“Shut up,” she sobbed.
“I know Fang Unit will do what’s necessary to stop this evil.” Fenn cupped her face, his thumb brushing away her tears. “Because you’re with them.”
“No…” She wept, uncontrollable now. “It’s not fair. You’ve given everything to this world. We’ve given everything!”
“Just one more thing, love. One more battle. And then you’re free…free to live the life you should have had with Kaelith.” His eyes filled with a bittersweet warmth. “I was just the interlude.”
“How can you say that?” she whimpered. “I need you, Fenn. I’m not ready to lose you. My soul won’t survive it.”
“I’m sorry, love.” A tear slipped down his cheek, landing softly on her outstretched hand, its warmth fading as quickly as it fell.
“Do you even want to stay?” She grimaced, stomach churning.
Why isn’t he fighting? Why isn’t he raging against this fate?
Fenn leaned forward, pressing a tender kiss to the top of her head. “More than I’ve ever wanted anything. I’m just tired…and it terrifies me, what I’d sacrifice to have just one more day with you.” His voice fractured, his next words quieter. “I understand now how Kaelith became what he did. In some ways, this is easier. There’s nothing we can do. The poison…it’s the only reason I’m still here.”
The poison is keeping him alive…A sudden thought froze her in place.What if…
“Do you mean that…you want to stay?”
“Of course I do,” he said, pausing. “Why? What are you thinking? I don’t want you doing anything that will cause more problems down the road.”
“Shut up and listen. We don’t have much time.” Rynna’s body practically vibrated with manic energy.Am I really considering this? Will Kaelith even agree?
Fenn’s brow furrowed, but he nodded. “Okay, go on.”
“I have something in me,” she said quickly, the words tumbling out. “An infection from another world.”
“The fangs and the blood drinking?” His tone was matter-of-fact.
