The vampire reaches out, long gnarled fingers extending toward Easton. Diaval turns just as my wolf uses Torben's back to launch off.
Time seems to return to normal just as the vampire's claws reach Easton's throat.
My paws impact the vampire's chest. Instinct drives me, and my muzzle lowers, sinking into his throat. The taste of ash and bitter, rotted blood coats my tongue, but it doesn't stop me from thrashing.
The snapping of tendons and cartilage is music to my ears. A deep growl escapes my muzzle—one I've never heard from myself.
The minute the vampire's head is severed from his shoulder, I stand triumphant over what's left of the corpse as it turns to ash.
"No no no..."
Turning, I look back at Khal holding Easton in his lap. His hand pressed to Easton's throat, covered in crimson.
My wolf gives me back my body as I rush over to Easton's side.
"I wasn't fast enough. I'm so sorry..." My hand shakes as I extend it to touch him.
Easton forces a smile, looking at me.
Tears well and fall freely from my eyes. I feel his immense love flood the bond. A peace I've never known washes over me, and I know it's coming from him.
Gently, I take his hand and hold it tightly. He gives my hand a squeeze and closes his eyes.
"No, Easton, please don't die..." I scream, watching his body go lax.
The world shatters. My phoenix. My flame. Gone.
Torben pulls me back against him and crushes me to his chest. Diaval helps Khal stand, and they move to frame me, supporting me emotionally.
"My eternal, remember..." Diaval presses a kiss to my temple. "He's a phoenix. He will resurrect."
Sniffling, I glance from the guys over to where Easton lies far too still. "When will he?"
Return to me...is the question I dare not voice.
"Soon..." Diaval reaches out, running his fingers through my hair. He pulls the feather forward, and it's pulsing rhythmically. "When this ignites, so will he, and the process will begin. I've watched it now three times. It's stressful, but comforting to know it's only temporary."
"You've watched it before?" I spin in Torben's arms to fully face Diaval.
"Yes. Usually, if a phoenix knows it's going to be reborn, it chooses someone to watch over them for the first week of their new life."
His statement makes my brows furrow. "What happens in the first week?"
I move from Torben into Diaval's waiting arms.
"He comes back as a hatchling. The better he eats, the faster he'll grow."
Diaval turns me just as Easton's body ignites.
I want to run to him, instinct driving me to extinguish the flame. The flames flicker in a myriad of colors, hypnotizing me.
A whine escapes my lips as my wolf claws at me, wanting to set herself free to save her mate.
He's coming back...I say to myself—or more accurately, to my wolf.
He's burning...My wolf howls in my head, urging me to save him.
My anxiety crushes my chest as I watch the flames lick over Easton's prone corpse. I feel like I'm burning with him. He is a flicker in the bond as I watch him burn.
