Page 104 of Rebirth

This can’t be the last time I see him. Not like this.

It cannot end this way.

And just as Adira gets me to my feet, supporting me under my arm as she heads toward the door, I only catch sight of the danger a split second before it hits me.

The pain is immediate. Different from the other pain shooting through my being.

This one is calmer. Sweeter. Sweet pain? But it is. I freeze, my chin dipping as I feel warmth spread across my chest.

The sight of the sharp tentacle sticking out from the center of my body is almost puzzling until I see the blood. And I realize what’s happened.

The sound behind me will be etched into my memory forever.

He’rox’s pained cry is filled with anguish and devastation, and I’m dimly aware that Adira is frozen in shock. As the Gryken’s tentacle retreats, a sickening wet sound as it releases me, there’s a deafening roar as the tentacle is sliced off and lands with a heavy thump on the floor.

I stagger, all energy leaving my frame as Adira staggers with me, my sudden deadweight pulling her down. My vision begins to blur and darkness creeps in at the edges but I will myself to stay conscious.

I have to see He’rox one last time.

And I do.

His beautiful sculpted face appears above mine, his eyes manic as he punches something in the light matrix. It blinks red and he slams his fists into it, going straight through the wall.

A tray slides out, a needle inside. Filled with thick black fluid, he grabs it, eyes locking with mine as he rears back and plunges it into my heart.

My body jerks, hot liquid filling my throat that tastes like blood.

“Thank you,” I whisper, my voice sounding far, far away. “For caring about me so much.”

He’rox releases another roar just as my vision begins to wane again.

But I see the moment his heart is pierced, a long tentacle coming through the other side.

I jerk, the last of my consciousness waning as another tentacle pierces straight through him.

And with a roar he turns, all four tentacles lashing forth.

The last thing I see is the Gryken’s head being sliced from its body. Falling to the floor to roll straight to my feet.

And the last thing I hear? The deafening thump of the male I love as he falls to his knees on the floor.

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

ADIRA

I watch in horror as Sophie’s body goes limp in my arms and He’rox’s tentacles slice the Gryken’s head from its body.

Everything seems to happen in slow motion—the Gryken’s head rolling to a stop by Sophie’s feet, He’rox falling to his knees, a wail of anguish tearing from his throat and his head dips to his chest.

Gently, I lay Sophie’s body down on the floor. I can feel tears welling up in my eyes as I look at her peaceful face. She fought so hard, right until the very end.

I don’t know this woman, but I’ve long come to realize that those of us who fight side by side, bleed together, grieve together, are one.

We are the closest thing to family in this new world.

I turn to He’rox. He doesn’t move, and a sick feeling gathers in my chest.

No longer are my ba’clan crawling against my skin, warning me of the threat in the room. For there is none.

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