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Alive.

For the first time in centuries.

I stare at her. “My death.”

Sage’s face pales. “But you’re standing here.”

“Yes.”

“Then how…”

The answer comes before I finish the thought.

My stomach drops.

“I think it gave something back so I would have something to sacrifice.”

Silence.

I watch the realization reach her eyes. “No.”

I look toward the distant lights of Ward house.

Ezra.

Malakai.

Me.

Three must give.

Not take.

Give.

Fuck.

The dead Bride told us exactly what the Harvest wanted. We were just too distracted trying to figure out what it intended to take from us to understand the difference.

Sage grabs my arm. “No.”

“Sage.”

“No.” Her fingers tighten around me. “Whatever the fuck you’re thinking, stop.”

“I don’t even know what I’m thinking yet.”

“Bullshit.”

There’s fear in her voice now.

Real fear.

“You’re not dying.”

A smile almost pulls at my mouth. “I’ve already died.”

“Then you’re not fucking doing it again.” The certainty in her voice hits harder than the heartbeat ever could.