Page 289 of The Gods Order

Something that sounds like a giggle mixed with a sob pierces my hearing, and fingers tilt my chin to the side. Water spills from those gorgeous mismatched eyes.

“Angel…your wings.”

My little psycho.

More hands, more bodies surround me.

My Candyman.

My eternity.

My sweetling.

I meet each of their gazes, trying to force a smile on my lips.

“Hold on, my endling. I’ve got you. I’ve got your soul and I’m not letting you go.”

Impossibly slow, my head turns to Creed.

“Promise m—”

“I promise. I’m not letting you go.”

I shake my head as much as I can.

“Mell…com.”

His eyes blaze white.

“He did this?”

I nod.

“D-don’t kill him.”

He thrashes his head from side to side.

“P-promise me. Death is too…sweet for him.”

A gurgle and a cough tear through my throat, and everyone releases agonizing sobs as something spills from my mouth.

My gaze meets my father’s once more.

“Dad…”

“I hear you, my girl.”

“I’m sorry. For not letting go sooner.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for.”

His hands cup my cheeks, wiping away tears I didn’t know were spilling free.

“I love you. I love them. Please tell my whole family. Please take care of them.”

“Hold on, my girl, please. Hold on.”

There’s no more holding on.