As soon as Kross said that, I was ready to tear my clothes off. But then he shook his head, turning his face away. “I… can't.”

“Why not?” I asked, almost shouting. “You look like you're dying, Kross. Let me help you.”

“Too… risky.”

“Axel did it. I helped him. Please let me help you.”

He shook his head weakly. “A-Axel was… reckless. I won't… do the… same.”

As he said that, he groaned, holding his lower stomach, and I hadn't thought it was possible, but the shaking increased.

“Kross, please,” I whispered, my voice shaking, my eyes watering. I reached for him, stroking his hair and pushing the wet...