Page 68 of Fate of the Fallen

“I’ve got you,” I promised as he groaned. “I’m not going anywhere.”

I moved closer to settle at his side, clasping his hand in mine. My heart ached as the flames moved to his arms and neck, consuming him. The pain was nearly unbearable as he clenched my hand.

As tears fell, my mind went back to all the times he’d shown me what kindness was, how he’d accepted me into his circle, his life, when he could have easily shut me out. He’d opened himself to me without hesitation because he was good, right down to the core.

More wetness touched my cheeks and I knew I’d never forget the feel of his hand going limp in mine, the flames finally consuming him. I didn’t let go. Couldn’t even when it became clear it was over.

Just like that, eighteen years of life came to an end.

I released his hand, letting him rest in peace, vowing to nevereverforget him, his sacrifice. Even with his last breath, he’d been selfless.

There were footsteps, and then …

“Evangeline?”

In the midst of despair and brokenness, that voice caused both, my headandmy heart,to lift. I’d been so close to giving up, but …

“Liam!”

Seeing his face—even covered in blood and filth—was the most refreshing sight I’d ever laid eyes on. I rushed him, headed straight for his arms.

My entire body trembled as I was brought into the tightest most sincere embrace and I clung to him, letting him shoulder all I’d carried on my own while we were apart. Another flood of sadness overtook me and I couldn’t let go. Until this very second, I didn’t think I’d ever see him again.

“Tell me you’re okay,” he breathed, speaking the words between frantic kisses to my mouth and face.

I nodded as I kissed him back, tasting the salt of my own tears. “I am, but … Beth. She was trying to defend me and things just—”

Liam quieted me. “She’s fine,” he assured me. “We passed Errol on our way here, made sure they both had seals, and redirected him to the safe zone. Beth was coming to in his arms, healing from a nasty wound from what I could see.”

I breathed another deep sigh of relief but had questions. “Seals? What safe zone?”

He ignored the inquiry but removed one of two strange necklaces from around his neck to place it around mine. Next, he took my shoulders, putting distance between us before looking me over. I guessed he just needed to see for himself that I really was okay. And when he did, I was keenly aware of the moment he took notice of how my body had changed.

A large hand splayed across my stomach and there was no mistaking the look behind his eyes. No, this was not the time for emotional reunions, but relief swelled within him at the realization that we werebothokay. Our safety, oursurvival,meant everything to him.

His gaze moved past me, over my shoulder to the remains still smoldering on the floor. I didn’t have the heart to explain or even identify whose body lie there, but … he seemed to know. I guessed as much when he didn’t ask questions.

There were more footsteps and then silence. My heart sank even before I had the courage to glance up, seeing the color drain from Roz’s face as she stood frozen.

“Is that …” she mumbled, unable to finish her question, maybe for fear of what my answer might be.

I didn’t have the heart to confirm, didn’t have the heart to tell her the boy she loved had sacrificed himself.

She slumped against the wall and sank to the floor, staring as water filled her eyes … as her heart broke.

I would have taken it all back if I could have.

Richie staggered in next, both his brothers right behind him. Finally, Chris and Lucas followed. The moment they laid eyes on Nick their gazes shifted to me. There was no blame or accusation, just confusion and … overwhelming sadness.

I was certain they could tell by the blood streaked down my chest, stomach, and arms that this struggle hadn’t been one-sided. Still, I had to say something.

“He … saved me,” I choked out, wanting them all to know that, despite what Nick had become, despite the hell we’d been through trying to find a way around the curse for all parties involved, his heart was still good. Pure right to the very end.

“He could have killed me after Beth escaped, but somehow, he fought it and … he did what he could to save me.” I barely got through the sentence. Their sense of loss was so powerful in the room.

A gentle kiss went to the top of my hair and my eyes closed at the feel of it. Liam, although relieved by having found me alive, seemed to be feeling something else. I couldn’t quite place what it was at first, but when he addressed Richie, I identified it.

Sympathy.