Page 49 of Grounded (Convergence #1)

A few minutes later, Liria woke with terror clawing at her chest. She shot upright to find the bed empty.

“Thax?” Liria called.

Nothing.

Liria climbed out of bed and padded across the thick rugs to the bathroom.

Empty. The terror grew stronger. She ran out of the room, the memory of Thax's hollow voice echoing in her head.

Fear drove her on. Faster. Faster. The gloweave rugs under her feet lit as she passed over them, shining blood red in response to her terror.

They were meant to guide your steps at night, but instead, they added an eerie ambiance to the dining room.

She dashed across the room and went to the terrace door. Flung it wide.

And there he was. Standing on the low wall. Staring up at the sky.

“Thax!” Liria screamed as she burst outside.

He didn't flinch. Just looked at her over his shoulder with empty eyes. Then Thaxvarien turned around. Liria saw the clenching of his thighs. The bunching of muscles preparing to leap. An Aethari about to launch himself into the air. But this Aethari wouldn't fly.

“Thax, please don't do this.” Liria crept closer.

Without looking at her, he said, “Liri, I love you.”

“I love you too. Don't leave me here alone.”

“It hurts so bad.” He ran a hand over his face. “I can't bear this. Now my pain is hurting you, destra. I have to set you free.”

Destra. He had finally used the word. But it was in goodbye.

“No! No, that would not free me. You jump and I'm over, Thax. Do you understand? You'd be killing us both. Please. I need you to save me again. Come down from there, destru. We promised to face whatever may come together. You promised me, Thax.”

Thax's shoulders fell, and when he looked at her again, it was with wounded eyes. He took a deep breath and stepped off the wall.

Onto the terrace.

Liria swayed on her feet and then stumbled forward. Thax caught her, his grip surprisingly strong.

He bent his head and whispered, “For you, Liri, I would do anything. But know that you are only killing me more slowly.” And then he let her go and went inside, walking like a condemned man.

Liria fell to her knees and stared up at the sky. “Help me, damn you! If he's so fucking special, help me!”

But no answer came. And certainly no help.