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In my first life, I’d molded myself into what my mother wanted, and in my second life, I’d tried to stay alone to protect myself from pain and to hide. But neither version was a true reflection of who I was. I was a merging of those people, and I was determined to do whatever it took to fight for every person in Talamh, including myself.
The crisp magic pooled and flowed outward, and I didn’t stop it. I grew light-headed, and my shoulders sagged with exhaustion, but I didn’t care. I would keep my ass here next to Kieran, holding on to him desperately, wishing that things had been different. In both my lifetimes, we’d never managed to be together, and the fact this was our final chance was cruel.
Quinley’s and Kaley’s voices echoed in the arena, blending with the chants that supported me as I lowered my head, not bothering to hide my tears. I loved Kieran and missed him already, and there was no way I’d be ashamed of that. Why had we pushed each other away and hidden our love for so long?
My neck pulsed cold, and my breath caught. When I’d died before, Kieran had said he’d lost our mark. That had to be happening to me now. My fingertips buzzed, but I didn’t care if my hand fell off. There was no way I was letting him go.
Something blazed through me as the crisp magic vanished from my body, and then a bright-pink light exploded from Kieran’s body. I inhaled and fought to stay upright, but my body crumpled, and I found myself on my side as I lay staring at his face.
Kieran turned his head to me and opened his startling blue eyes.
What?
I scrambled upright and removed my hands, staring at him. The wound in his throat wasn’t there any longer. Blood still coated his neck and armor, but the skin was smooth as if he had never been injured.
Like what had happened to my shoulder and hand.
He blinked, and my heart started beating once more.
“Kieran?” I squeaked. The arena had fallen deathly silent. “But … I felt your heart stop beating.” This was impossible … like a dream come true, though I struggled to stay awake. My damn eyes were closing as exhaustion set in despite the disbelieving joy flaring in my heart.
“I know.” He sat up and almost keeled over. He righted himself and took my hand in his. “I died. I know I did. But something pulled me back here. Something healing.” He glanced at my hand and then my shoulder. “And I’m pretty sure you brought me back to life.” His brows furrowed. “I can feel that you’re exhausted and not feeling right.”
Kieran could feel me, so I couldn’t lie. But at the same time, I didn’t want him to worry. Sleepy. That was all I managed to reply.
Had I been healing myself all along? And … I’d healed Kieran? That was the only thing I could fathom.
Shakily, Kieran stood and lifted me into his arms, cradling me to his chest. His worry was palpable as he kissed my forehead and replied, Sleep.
His crisp winter scent and minty breath filled my senses and soothed me as my body buzzed wherever we touched.
Kieran was alive and holding me, and that brought me peace.
The last thing I heard was the crowd’s screams, and then I drifted off to sleep.
When I found myself standing in the sacred pool of water with the seven other women, I immediately knew it was a dream. The eight of us stood before the sacred tree, its branches draining our magic as the limbs covered us.
My heart hammered, and my thoughts centered around Kieran. He’d told me he didn’t want me, but the knowledge that there would be no chance for him to change his mind twisted my heart, resulting in excruciating pain.
I didn’t have a choice, not when it came to saving all of Talamh and Terrea as well. Each girl had come here to sacrifice her life and magic to restore the balance of our realm because a greedy and malicious vampire had tried to take over all eight kingdoms.
The crisp magic of the pond’s healing properties circled within me, its freshness reminding me of Kieran’s new-snow scent and adding to my heartbreak. Even the healing magic of the pond couldn’t restore the damage unleashed within my heart and soul.
My eyes grew heavy, and I didn’t have the energy to lift my head anymore.
“And when you return to your home, you’ll be blessed with an extra gift,” said a warm, magical voice that swirled around me.
Then I succumbed to darkness.
“Alina, come back to me.” Kieran’s voice was so low and gravelly. “I can’t do this without you. Not a second time.”
“What do you mean, a second time?” Brianne asked from somewhere across the room.
I tried to open my eyes, but the lids were so heavy. Kieran? My chest expanded uncomfortably, and I realized he was here with me.
We were both alive.
Mo fhlùr, he replied, his relief soaring into me, followed by the warmth of his happiness. I was so worried that, when you healed me, you died in my place. I refuse to live in a world without you in it again.
