“He’ll need rest,” Phoenix managed, blinking slowly. “But he’ll live.”
I nodded, pressing a kiss to Finn’s sweat-damp temple. My chest ached with relief.
The carriage rocked gently as it came to a halt. Outside, the muffled sounds of voices and boots crunching on gravel drifted in. The world was still moving, but I didn’t want to leave this moment. Not yet.
The door creaked open.
Two sentinels stood there, grim and silent. One of them nodded to Phoenix, who gave a slow, tired gesture of assent.
“Sir, we need to take him now,” the soldier said.
I stiffened. “Where?”
“To the infirmary. He’ll be safe.”
Safe. That word meant nothing here.
I tightened my grip on Finn. “I’m coming with him.”
“No,” Phoenix said softly, cutting in before the soldiers could speak. “You can’t. You have to stay with us.”
Fury surged in me again. “You said he could stay with me.”
“I’m sorry, this is just the way we have to do this.” He exhaled—slow, heavy. “I can’t change everything. Not right now.”
The soldiers stepped forward.
I didn’t want to let go. Not now. Not after everything. Not after nearly losing him.
Then Finn stirred in my arms—barely conscious—and whispered, “Elle… go with them. Please. Just… stay alive.”
His voice was paper-thin. But it was his. His choice.
“Finn! I’ll come for you. I swear it.”
“I know.” His hand found mine, weak but reaching. “I love you, little mouse…”
I clung to his fingers until the soldiers wrenched us apart.
“No! Finn!”
“Elle!”
I couldn’t stop them. Couldn’t fight them. All I could do was watch.
I closed my eyes, swallowed the scream caught in my throat, and nodded.
They lifted him from me. And in that moment, I felt the absence—raw, immediate, like something vital had been carved from my chest.
I sat frozen as the door shut behind them and the carriage rocked again into motion, leaving me behind. Phoenix slumped across from me, head tilted back, breathing slowly through his nose.
I stared at the space Finn had filled, my hands still stained with his blood, my body empty.
“I hate you,” I whispered.
“I know,” Phoenix said softly.
**
