Page 260 of Volik

“Nix!” We keep rising. “Nixy!” Arms shift around me, pulling me even tighter. “Fleur, wake up!”

Water drips off my skin.

My head lolls.

“Please. Mea Unica, please.” Burning mint coats my lips. “Please wake up.”

Pressure throbs through my skull.

“I am here.” A hand presses over my heart. “Nixy, I am here.”

Love presses in all around me.

Comfort.

I try to lift my hand to my Love’s chest.

“I kn⁠—”

Chapter 118

Volik

Nix goes limp in my arms.

And I jump.

My knees slam into the ground.

I send out a frantic pulse of magic, shaking the hillside.

I shift Nix onto my lap as I sit.

“Stay with me.” I try to force a purr out through my terror, but it does not work. “Stay here.”

A shout comes from the castle.

I lean Nix back against my arm and bite my other wrist.

My hand trembles as I press my blood to her lips.

“Please,” I beg her. “Please,” I beg the fates.

But she does not swallow.

She does not wake.

And even in my panic… my heartbeat slows.

Because hers slows.

I have failed.

Someone lands beside us. Then another.

“Uncle.” I look up at him. “We are dying.”

His eyes swim with sorrow, and he drops to his knees beside me.