Page 154 of Lethal Souls

Swallowing, Danica squeezes Willow’s hand. “I did my part, Willow.”

“No. You can still live,” Willow counters.

Danica winces before saying, “It’s not really living without him.”

Willow’s emotions wash over me like a hot flood. She sinks lower on her knees, batting her tears with steady blinks.

“Danica, please,” she pleads.

I look away as an ache forms in my chest. This one doesn’t come from my mate. It’s mine.

“There is nothing left for me here, Willow. My mate is gone and will never be reborn again. I’m no longer needed. And look at you,” Danica breathes, her teeth glistening as she smiles. “You’re full of magnificent power and hope. You’ll be okay, and that’s all Warren ever wanted for you.”

Willow takes Danica’s hand into both of hers, holding on tightly as a stream of tears skid down her cheeks.

“I was thinking about pouring Warren’s ashes in the ocean,” Willow says, sniffling. “That way he’s always drifting through Vakeeli. At least come with us to pour them,” she pleads.

Danica’s eyes light up just a bit. “That’s a good idea.”

Pleased, Willow pushes to a stand and moves back.

“All right. Up you get.” I pick Danica up carefully and carry her frail body out of the tent.

“I bet you’re loving this, aren’t you?” she asks, clinging to me with the little strength she has left. “Seeing me weak?”

“Not at all,” I chuckle. “I’d much rather put up with you using that katana to slice through my bullets than to see you like this.”

She offers a weak laugh.

“You sure you don’t want me to heal you?” I ask in a quiet voice.

She shakes her head. “I’ve already made up my mind.”

“Very well.” I’ll respect that.

I glance over my shoulder, watching Willow vanish. She’s gone for a split second before appearing at my side again with Warren’s gold urn cradled in her hands and a blanket hanging over her forearm.

The ocean roars as the sky darkens. There’s just enough light for us to see.

Willow spreads the blanket, and I lay Danica on top of it.

“Anything you want to say?” Willow asks her, sitting cross-legged at her side.

Danica is quiet a moment, staring at the ocean. A tear slips from the corner of her eye as she draws in a shaky breath and exhales the same.

“I just wish I’d told him one last time how amazing he was,” she murmurs. “And that every second without him is meaningless. That I love him so much, and if I ever get the chance to meet him in another life, I’ll hang on ten times as much.”

I blink, fighting my own damn tears.

“That’s beautiful,” Willow whispers. She raises her head, viewing the ocean too. “I’d tell him he’s the best brother ever. And that I miss every conversation we had.” Willow’s eyes glisten as she tears her eyes away from the water. “I’d tell him that losing him was one of the hardest things I’d ever endured, but finding him here made everything feel complete. I’d tell him I love him too. And that I’m glad he’s at rest now.”

Beautiful, my love.

Willow tilts her gaze to mine, a feeble smile gracing her lips.

“Ready?” she asks Danica, grabbing her hand and squeezing it.

Danica nods, rubbing Willow’s knuckles with her thumb. “Ready.”