Eira’s breath caught in her throat. Kael’s grip on her neck was so tight it nearly cut off her airway. On top of that, the excruciating itching and pain at the base of her throat only added to her suffering.

Every beat of Eira’s heart caused pain as if a spear were thrust through one part of her body, then pulled back out only to repeat the same process. Meanwhile, the roots of the cherry blossom growing there entwined tightly around her heart—as if trying to crush it.

“KAEL!”

Hearing the scream, Eira glanced over and saw Lucas approaching with a look of shock on his face. He even dropped...