Time seemed to freeze. Seraphina's eyes widened in horror as Alaric fell backward, his body hitting the ground with a dull, sickening thud. Blood pooled beneath him instantly.
"No," she whispered, her voice breaking completely as she dropped to her knees beside him. "No no no."
Alaric looked up at her, his breathing shallow, his lips trembling as he tried to smile. "At least I get to protect you," he murmured weakly.
Tears streamed down Seraphina's face as she cradled his head in her hands, her magic flaring wildly around them. "I can heal you," she sobbed. "Just hold on… Please."
He shook his head slightly, his fingers trembling as he reached up to brush against her cheek. "You already did," he whispered. "You protected everyone… You really are the best mate I could ever ask for." Tears filled his eyes, making them sparkle like green gems under water.
