Natalia let her head fall against Satori's chest. She could hear his heartbeat, rapid and weak but still fighting. Still alive.
I saved him.
I actually saved him.
And he caught me.
He caught me even though it hurt him.
Even though he was dying.
He caught me.
The thought filled her with warmth that had nothing to do with her burning veins. She looked up at his battered face, at the blood and the bruises and the one eye still open, still watching her with that predatory gleam that made her stomach flip.
She grabbed his collar.
"Nat? What are you—"
She pulled him down.
She kissed him.
It was messy. Her lips were cracked. His were covered in blood. They both tasted like copper and stagnant water and something sweet she couldn't identify. Her body screamed in protest at the movement, her blown mana circuits flaring with pain.
She didn't care.
