Page 176 of Blackheart

“I–” Riven coughed, gripping my hand.

“You what?” I breathed.

His eyes closed, weight dragging against me. His hand went limp, warmth fleeing his skin.

Xavian brought his fingers to Riven's neck. My jaw trembled.

Riven’s next breath never came.

“You promised me.” My throat was dry, arms shaking.

“We need to keep moving,” Xavian said gently.

I eyed Riven’s sword on the ground a few yards away.

“He needs his sword.”

“Elora, he?—”

“He needs his fucking sword!” I cried.

With heavy steps, I went to it—a grand and heavy sword that he’d surely spent many years with. Tears rolling down my face, I grabbed the hilt and lifted, screeching as I forced my body to endure.

I didn’t let it waver as I carried it over and laid it next to his body.

I knelt down once more and rested my head on his chest, my eyes closed.

Amzee hugged my back. Then Xavian joined, and then Beck. Until we all held on for one final moment.

I refused to look at Riven’s body any longer. I stood, hands shaking, facing the Drakers who were still bold enough to challenge us.

Picking up Singer, I approached them.

“When you meet the Gods, tell them to stay the fuck out of my way,” I growled before pointing Singer, misting twenty of them. I didn’t give a damn about the inevitable burnout.

Revenge consumed me.

Back to back with my brother, he with a sword and I with Singer, we remained at the center of the Waywards with Valeska, striking down any Draker that dared try to pass through. Xavian was here, aking, doing what my father and Clarke never would have.

We were an unstoppable force, and as the weight of the battle shifted in our favor, more and more of the Dark Natured safely boarded the ships.

By nightfall, I was staring at the stars, lying on Valeska’s back as we flew over the Sea of Blades.

Grief numbed me from the feelings of victory.

The freedom of being able to go home had a price. So many had paid for it. Riven had paid for it. Valeska roared in tribute for him, releasing a dozen blades into the sea in his honor.

With the burning Waywards long behind us, I clenched my eyes shut, wanting to disappear.

The orb flickered.

I held it up, tapping it.

“Care to join us?” Ansel requested. “Just for a moment.”

I swallowed, clipping it back to my waist. I was not the only one who had lost someone. I needed to be there for my people.

Valeska dropped us to the forefront of our fleet, perching lightly on the end of the ship.