Page 75 of The Scars Within (Twisted Thorn #1)

Her vines shot out faster than I could think. I braced myself for the impact, but they didn’t puncture my skin.

A flash of dark hair flew in front of me as Laney dropped to the ground. I fell to my knees before her, scurrying over on my hands and knees.

A blast of flames roared down the mountain peak, aiming directly at Cora. Lakota’s massive form cut through the smoke, swooping in with lightning speed. But Cora was faster. With one swift motion, she threw a vial to the ground, which broke and erupted in thick, obscuring smoke.

In an instant, Cora vanished into the swirling mist.

“ Fucking bitch! ” Lakota’s furious screech reverberated through our bond. He circled the peak, his wings slicing through the air as he descended slowly, his eyes scanning for any sign of Cora.

I reached Laney, my heart breaking as I saw the vines piercing her chest, close to her heart. Blood pooled around her, and she coughed up more from her mouth.

“No, no, no, no!” I cried, cradling her fragile form. The coppery scent of her blood filled my nostrils. I grasped her face, willing her to stay with me. “No—Laney! Stay awake! ”

She managed a weak rasp, her eyes filled with pain and determination. “Keep. Writing.”

Tears streamed down my face as I sobbed uncontrollably. She grabbed my hand, but her grip was weak, and I looked down at her with a bittersweet smile.

“You’re the best part of me,” I whispered, but the joy was hollow. “I never– I never said I love you back.”

And then her grip ceased.

A silver light washed over her eyes; either a delusion from my head injury or a trick of light from the tears in my eyes.

Her beautiful light went out as she exhaled her last breath.

I gently closed her eyelids, overwhelmed by grief. My scream of anguish echoed across the mountains, raw and unrestrained. The cold rain pelted my skin, chilling my burning veins.

A wave of dizziness washed over me. My vision blurred, and my breathing felt labored as if I was submerged underwater. I collapsed beside Laney, my consciousness fading as I succumbed to the darkness.

I am meant for—