644 Meeting His Heart

RETH

Aymora's voice cracked with fear and frustration. The smell of blood filled the room. Reth swallowed nausea.

Please… please… please…

It was all he could think anymore, clinging to Elia's hand, listening to her heart, that fluttering beat in the precious body next to him.

My life for hers, he reminded the Creator. I told you to take me instead. You said you would. She's here. She's still here. It's not too late. Don't make a liar out of me.

But he could hear the throb of her heart slowing, growing weaker.

With a sob of fear and frustration, he willed himself, his body—his much larger, much stronger body—to carry hers as well. But his head was beginning to spin. And his heart skipped a beat, before rushing forward again, flooding his system with a jolt of adrenalin that made him tremble.

Please…

A tiny cry, a croaking mewl, broke in the room and Jayah left his side instantly.