Page 261 of Volik

“Oh gods.” My aunt’s voice cracks.

“Get Barth,” Uncle chokes out. “We need a healer.”

My aunt jumps away.

And my heart slows a little more.

“Volik. My boy.”

I wrap my arms around Nix and hug her to me. “She killed him.” My inhales are shallow. “She saved me.”

My uncle shuffles closer, placing hands on both of us, helping me hold her. “She’s a good mate. You couldn’t have found better.”

I blink, wetness rolling down my cheeks. “We did not have long enough.”

“It’s not over.”

My heart slows further.

Gold glows. And a woman steps out of the blackness.

Barth’s grandmother.

“I felt your call.” She walks a circle around us. “So much magic.”

“Help them,” my uncle pleads.

“Turn the girl. Be chest to chest.”

It is hard to keep my eyes open, but I lift Nix and turn her to face me.

She does not wake.

Her muscles are loose.

Her arms hang at her sides.

I lean her against my chest.

My uncle helps me remove the remains of my shirt.

I want to feel as much of her soft skin as I can.

For as long as I can.

There is another glow.

More voices.

My aunt. Barth. His mate.

They talk to me.

Around me.

But I just hold Nix.

I hold my Love.