Page 15

Summoning every ounce of power within me, I focus on the healing energy that flows through my veins. Closing my eyes, I channel it toward Alaric, willing his heart to beat, his lungs to fill. I whisper a spell, chanting the words over and over.

“Come back, Alaric!” I whisper as urgency grips me.

I feel a sizzle as magic leaves my fingers, going into the human on the ground.

For just a moment, his skin color seems to improve.

But already my power is fading. No! I push harder and harder until sweat drips from my brow. Until I am shaking.

I can’t… I… I gasp, slumping over Alaric, my breaths coming in quick succession.

I sit back up and inspect Alaric. He looks somehow worse than before as the color once again begins to fade.

“No,” I whisper. “No…please.” I shake him, but it is of no use. His body lies still on the ground, his chest unmoving. “I’m so sorry.” I look down at my hands. It’s useless. I have nothing left to give.

Then I look down at Alaric’s still form. He’s dead, and it’s all my fault. I couldn’t hold up my end of the bargain. I failed. My mother was right; I’m useless.

I cover my mouth with my hand to stifle a sob. The sound of voices grows closer. The sun is still partially obscured, but not enough to provide any kind of cover.

If someone comes this way, I will be found out and thrown in the dungeons. And Alaric’s sacrifice would be for nothing. I can’t have that.

I look down at Alaric, handsome even in death. A tear slides down my cheek. I wipe it away.

I lift a hand to his cheek, his skin cold to the touch. I bite back another sob; more tears sting my eyes. Then I jump to my feet and run in the direction he showed me moments before the eclipse.

It feels like a lifetime ago.

6

Kian

I bring the hammer down with all of my might.

Just as I suspected, it breaks through the chain easily. As the amulet falls away, there is a flash of light. The witch was right – all of them were right – I am not quick enough to dodge it, and pain hits me hard in the center of my chest.

So much for being quick and strong. It feels like I have been speared right through the chest.

I gasp as the air is pulled from my lungs. My eyes go wide from the shock of it. I feel my heart stop in the next instant.

For a moment or two, I expect it to start back up again, but it doesn’t. I look down at the newly freed witch, and she looks up at me.

Her eyes are quite beautiful. There seems to be more green swirling in their depths than before. Is it a play of the light, or is it because she is free?

Silly thoughts to have at a time like this, considering I can’t breathe. Everything inside me has seized. I fall to my knees,willing my mouth to work. I have to ask for help. To beg for it as I feel myself fading. My limbs grow weak.

I beseech McColl with my eyes because nothing else on me will work. I can’t move so much as a finger.

“Alaric!” she yells as she shoots up into a sitting position, her face a mask of concern.

I fall, hitting the ground hard because, at this point, I am a dead weight.

Dead.

No!

Help me!

“Alaric, stay with me,” McColl pleads. There is a desperate edge to her voice. I think she touches me, but I can’t be sure because I am…growing colder by the second. Something buzzes inside like an awakening, but it quickly fades.