Page 18

Stay

RONAN

" N o." My voice breaks. "Stay with me, moya lyubov."

The magic pulses weakly through Briar's body as I cradle her in my arms. Her skin grows colder with each passing second, the curse's darkness spreading through her veins like poison.

I press my forehead to hers, my tears falling onto her pale cheeks. The castle's magic swirls around us in chaotic waves, responding to my desperation. Books fly from their shelves, pages rustling like frightened birds.

"Please." I lift my face to the vaulted ceiling, addressing any power that might listen—the ancient magic of the Nexus, the Council, even the curse itself. "Take me instead. I'll give you anything."

Briar's heartbeat flutters, growing fainter. The mark on her neck—my mark—pulses with a dying light. Our bond stretches thin, threatening to snap.

"I'll bring you Rurik." The words tear from my throat. "I'll deliver my brother to the Council myself . His experiments, his corruption—all of it ends. Just save her."

The castle groans around us, stones shifting as if considering my offer. Through our pack bond, I sense Rakan and the others circling the grounds, their howls carrying notes of mourning.

"She's innocent." My fingers brush her cold cheek. "She came here to help, to save this place. To save me." Another sob wracks my body. "Don't let my curse take her too."

Arcanum surges suddenly, books glowing with an inner light. Ember shifts responding to my plea. Warmth spreads from the stones beneath us, fighting against the curse's chill.

Fire radiates through my veins not longer afraid of the curse. I'd rather die than live without her.

"I'll pay any price." I gather Briar closer, willing my own strength into her failing body. "Break me, chain me, take everything. But let her live."

The curse lashes beneath my skin, as if recognizing the weight of my vow. Dark energy crackles through the air, meeting the castle's ancient magic in a battle of wills. And caught between these forces, Briar grows still in my arms.

"Come back to me." I press my lips to her forehead, her cheeks, her cold mouth. "You promised you wouldn't let go. Now I'm asking you to hold on."

The magic builds around us, reaching a fever pitch. Light and shadow war above our heads as my desperate bargain hangs in the balance. And through it all, I hold Briar, my tears falling like prayers on her silent face.

"I love you." The words come naturally now, when it might be too late. "Stay with me, brave, beautiful mate. Stay."