Malric's Pov

Celia's body was still on the ground when Verret vanished with Delilah. The moment they disappeared, the room felt hollow, like someone had scooped out the air and left only the echo of what had just happened.

Celia was sprawled across the floor, skin pale, chest rising and falling in broken, irregular stutters. For a second, I just stood there, shocked, burning from the inside out. Then my legs moved on their own, bringing me to her.

I dropped to my knees beside her.

"Celia," I breathed, lifting her head carefully onto my lap.

Her lashes fluttered weakly.

"M... Malric?"

Her voice was thin. Strained. Barely even a...