Page 47

The Black Oath

Death

I feel her delicate body go limp in my arms as her soul cries out for me.

No.

No, this cannot be happening. My Grace is not dead. My hands shake as I caress her face, already so cold and pale. I rock her gently as I wait for her to open her eyes. Her eyes are so beautiful, like looking into a deep ocean. I love how much expression she can convey in those eyes. When she jokes, her eyes shine and little lines crinkle around them. When she is angry, it is like little tidal waves roar to life, threatening to drown you at sea.

Her delicate soul calls to me once more.

No. It is not your time. You are still alive.

My breathing is ragged as I put my forehead on her hers. So cold. I hum an ancient lullaby to my mate, petting her long, tangled hair. I bring it to my nose to smell her: sweet honey and Celestial Lily. My favorite flower. I open my eyes, and I take in her beauty. My heart hurts looking at her small button nose and thin pout, lips stained in crimson blood. Her blood.

No, it cannot be hers. She will wake.

Her dark, lush lashes are still wet from crying, I gently wipe them dry. Her skin is so pale—too pale. My hand shakes as I caress her cheek. I feel her soul calling to me, screaming for help, to walk her to her Blessed Isle.

But that is impossible, because she is not dead.

“Ro,” a voice says gently, startling me. “Brother.”

My jaw clenches as I hold her tighter to me. “She will wake up,” I breathe angrily.

“She is gone, Ro,” Tai whispers, heartbreak clear in his voice.

“She is not!” I lash my head to look at him, baring my teeth. My brothers and friends are gathered around me, sagging their heads or crying tears. How dare they treat her like she is gone? Grace will wake up, she just needs time. My gaze falls on Kai. Surely, he understands. But his eyes do not meet mine, he only stares at Grace. Lost. I hold her tighter to my body, clutching her defensively as I focus back on her face. “She will wake up,” I mutter defiantly.

“She is trying to move on, Ro. Help her,” Tai begs, emotion raw in his voice.

“She is not dead!” I roar, frustrated.

“She isn’t alive either!” Tai shouts at me, anger bubbling over. “Help your mate cross!” His deep voice booms in the tarnished remains of the palace.

I stare at him, tears welling in my eyes. My face falls back to my mate, lying limp in my arms. My hand caresses her cheek gently, and I catch the sight of her dark blood on my hands. My eyes fall to the puddle of blood welling on her chest, her ravaged tunic soaking in it. I freeze as my heart dissolves into shadow. My hands tighten around her as I forget how to breathe.

Tai is right, my mate is no longer alive.

She will not be waking back up.

“I am so sorry, Ro,” Tai breathes.

But she is not dead either .

Tai shifts in the corner of my eye. “Ro,” he warns.

I pick up Grace quickly and stand as determination and anger war inside me, filling my muscles with urgent purpose.

“Ro, where are you taking that poor girl?” Tai shouts after me, his steps echoing mine as I stride.

I carry her in my arms protectively as I walk, ready to strike anyone who dares take her away from me. Reaching into the creeping shadows, I go inside with one place on my mind.

She will help her, or I will drown the world in darkness.

To be Continued