Page 118 of Precious Legacy

“Lani?” he says, voice raspy and dry as he staggers towards me. Confusion warps his features as he glances between Haven and I.

“Are you drunk?” I accuse, trying to remain calm as he leans against me. His heavy body makes me jolt, but it’s unease that settles in the pit of my stomach as his knees wobble.What the fuck?

Varo doesn’t answer me, though. He glances at Haven, eyes glazed over with the kind of confusion you see from kids when they realize Santa Claus isn’t real anymore.

As soon as I see the pallor of his skin, my nerves kick into overdrive. “What happened?”

Even in the shadows, I can see how clammy he looks. His feet scuff the pavement, and not in the way alcohol would induce. No, this is more sinister.

Suddenly, my knees collide with the gravel as Varo collapses, taking me with him. I wince through the pain as I grip onto my brother, trying to protect his head. He’s moving, but it’s sluggish and uncoordinated; something Varo is certainly not.

My pulse pounds in my ears as panic surges through me. My eyes scour his body, locking on his stomach where his bloody hand grips his black shirt. “Vee?” I shout. “Vee?”

“I’m going to get some help!” Haven calls out. I don’t have time to answer her before she’s racing back into the building behind us.

All my worries from earlier rear their ugly head. My worst nightmare’s coming true as I hold my brother against me, a tear slipping down my cheek. “I knew something didn’t feel right,” I whisper. “Stay with me, okay?”

Varo nods, but it’s weak at best. “Maybe…” he rasps. “We do have twin… telepathy… after all.” He gurgles and coughs, blood spraying onto my arms. I fight every urge to punch him. Becauseeven as he bleeds out on the concrete, he’s trying to make fucking jokes.

“I swear to god, if you fucking die on me, I’ll bring you back and kill you myself.”

“Ha!” Varo scoffs. “You’re… funny.”

“Asshole,” I growl.

“Varo grimaces, blood slipping from the corner of his lips. “I don’t feel so good.”

“It’s okay,” I assure. “Haven’s gone to get help.”

“But what about Milo?” His dark features fold into a scowl, and in that moment, I can see his own worry piercing the pain he’s in.

“What about Milo?” I whisper, stroking the crease along his forehead. It’s the only thing keeping me calm right now, but Varo grips my wrist, pinning me with a glare that must take up all his energy because his eyes close as he whispers his last words.

“He’s my forever.”

The end…

…for now.