Damien's ragged breaths grew shallower with each passing moment, the gaping wound in his chest a cruel reminder of Asher's vicious strike. Elara's hands trembled as she pressed a cloth against the injury, desperately trying to stem the flow of blood.

"Hold on, Damien," she pleaded, her voice cracking. "Please, don't leave me."

Damien's eyes fluttered open, his gaze locking with hers. "Elara..." he rasped, his words strained. "I'm sorry..."

Elara shook her head vehemently, tears streaming down her cheeks. "No, you have nothing to be sorry for. You saved my life."

A pained smile tugged at Damien's lips. "It was...worth it."

Seraphina rushed to Elara's side, her face etched...