**************
CHAPTER 555
"Astrid," his soft voice called out weakly, pulling her attention back to him. A weak smile formed, reaching his eyes as he managed to lift his left hand to her face, wiping the tears that flowed.
"Don't cry. I do not like to see you cry. I do not want those lovely eyes of yours I rarely got to see get hurt." His smile weakened right after.
The pain coursed through him, feeling as though his body was torn into shreds on the inside.
"Blade…" she could not hold it in anymore and she pressed her lips to his, kissing him while more tears rushed out of her closed eyelids.
He coughed and turned his head away from her. More and more he coughed and Astrid watched in horror as blood poured out from his lips.
"Blade. Blade. Please. Please… no. No."
She held him closer to her chest, pressing her head to his. "No. Do not die on me."
"I am sorry, Astrid."