The attack came without warning—demons breaching the sanctuary's defenses, targeting Adrian specifically.
They were well-coordinated, clearly trained for this assault. Adrian fought desperately, his ancient blood creating barriers and weapons, but there were too many.
Marcus threw himself between Adrian and a demon blade meant for Adrian's heart. The blade pierced Marcus instead, its demonic poison spreading rapidly.
"Marcus!" Adrian caught him as he fell.
"Get... Adrian... out," Marcus gasped to Kieran. "They came... for him. Get him... safe."
Kieran and Wei fought off the demons while Adrian tried desperately to heal Marcus. But demonic poison was designed to kill vampires—even Adrian's healing blood couldn't counteract it fast enough.
"Don't you dare die," Adrian said, tears streaming. "Marcus, please—"
"Been... honor... serving you both," Marcus said, his voice fading. "Build... good future... for all of us."
He turned to ash in Adrian's arms.
The grief was immediate and overwhelming. Marcus had been with them from the beginning, had coordinated their operations, had become family.
Kieran pulled Adrian away as more demons arrived, carried him to safety despite Adrian's protests. Wei's pack covered their retreat, suffering casualties to ensure Adrian survived.
That night, Adrian couldn't stop crying.
"He saved me," Adrian said. "He died for me."
"He died protecting what he believed in," Kieran said, holding Adrian close. "The coalition, the future, the peace we're building. His sacrifice meant something."
"It doesn't feel like enough."
"It never does. But we honor him by continuing the work. By building the future he died protecting."
They held a memorial service three days later. Hundreds attended—vampires, werewolves, witches, beings from every species Marcus had helped over his five centuries of existence.
Adrian spoke through his tears, talking about Marcus's dedication, his loyalty, his sacrifice. By the end, there wasn't a dry eye in the audience.