“No,” I rasped.
The groan of Hell’s gates signaled our limited time.
Melanie’s kingdom still beat against the iron, seeking to overtake Hell. And with every shuddering breath, with every second my blood spilled across the mud, they slowly opened.
“What the—” Dusty began.
“I’m the key.” I coughed, a copper tang hitting the back of my throat.
I twisted my head toward Ichi.
“Find Ronen. Get everyone still alive behind his shadows.”
Panic vibrated through our bond.
Aspen’s head whipped from side to side, searching for a healer who would never come. He dug his arms beneath my body, wrenching a scream from my throat.
Then a large blade lowered to his neck.
“She will die before you reach a Virtue,” Ichi declared, her voice thick.
“I will end you,” Aspen spat. “Move.”
The sky was nearly pitch-black, the gates opening wider, demons slipping through.
“Aspen,” I pleaded. “We will not survive this without me releasing you.”
My voice was weakening, the power of Tsal-mawet ripping waves of pain through me and muddying my thoughts.
Horror and betrayal washed across his face, two glistening tracks cutting through the dirt caked to his skin.
“You planned this.”
My lip wobbled, but I kept the tears from my eyes, remembering our mothers’ words.
This was how I saved Hell.
How they all survived.
And possibly how we stopped Etan’s corruption.
“You need to take out the dagger, Aspen.”
He shook his head vehemently.
“Fuck my powers. Fuck your choice.”
I just stared at him, showing him the certainty I felt, waiting for him to realize this was the only way.
His fire dome eventually split open, letting out my squad. They fought through the lingering infected and luscelered away.
Now I just hoped Ronen didn’t kill Ichi before she forced him to listen.
Aspen pulled me close, pressing his forehead against mine.
“Why?” he whispered, the wet ache in his voice breaking my heart. “Why did it have to be you?”
“I’m sorry.”
