Astro went still in my arms.
The black fire consuming him flickered once, twice, then froze in place. Not extinguished. Suspended.
Like time itself had stopped around him.
"No." I pressed my ear to his chest, desperate for a heartbeat. "No, you don't get to die. Not after everything."
Nothing. Just silence where his heart should be beating.
I pulled back, looking at his face. Eyes closed. Skin going cold. The black fire etched across his features like a scar made of shadow.
Dead.
Again.
For me.
Because of me.
The grief hit like a physical blow, doubling me over. I couldn't breathe. Couldn't think. Couldn't do anything except hold him and try not to shatter completely.
Then I heard movement behind me.
The freed wolves were approaching. Slowly. Carefully. Like they were afraid I might break if they got too close.
Kael reached me first, dropping to his knees beside Astro's body.
"Is he gone?"
I couldn't answer. Couldn't force words past the tightness in my throat.
