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“ N O!”

Despite how drained I am from using so much of my magic, it finds a spark as I watch Ryker stand in front of me and try to kill himself. I don’t know if I forced my way from Blair’s grasp or if he let me go, but it doesn’t matter.

It’s too late now.

It’s his attempt to save Lyle, trying to give me what he thinks I need, but he doesn’t realize I need both of them. This is only trading one bad for another, not fixing the problem.

No, he’s making it so much worse because I can’t fix this.

His eyes meet mine, and I watch as they glow that beautiful purple color I love so much, his lips ticking up in the slightest hint of a smile. And for a moment, I dare let myself believe nothing happened.

That his stupid, poisonous pink vine was a dud.

Until his face twists up in pain and he falls to his knees.

“Why would you do that?” I sob as I drop to the ground next to him.

Tears blur my vision, but I swear his lips are still turned up in a smile, and I want to smack him and kiss him all at the same time.

But more than anything, I just want him to keep breathing.

“Please don’t die. Please don’t leave me, Ryker,” I beg as he slumps forward, his hands dropping into the dirt, shaking, and I know it’s only a matter of seconds before they give out completely.

“Ryker!?” I cry, unsure what else to say at this point, as I move to help lower him to the ground.

A roar I know belongs to Lyle sounds much closer this time, but I can’t bring myself to look. Not when I’m watching the life drain out of Ryker before my very eyes.

I manage to get his head in my lap. Looking down at him, I try to think of what to say, but nothing comes out, only tears.

“I love you too, Darling,” he says as he squeezes my hand. “Maybe in the next life I’ll be deserving of your love.” His breathing is labored, his whole body shaking as blood drips from his nose, and all I can do is cry as he offers me one last smile before his eyes go dark and my world explodes.