Page 112 of Seduce Me in Shadow

My entire body tenses. Bram’s threats of violence hang in the air.

“I have to hold her against me,” Zain explains.

“One wrong move, and I’ll have no compunction about making certain your family needs tweezers to pick up your remains,” Bram vows.

Sneering, Zain turns back to Aquarius and pulls her awkwardly into his lap, bringing her small breasts against his chest. Her hair drifts down to his thighs. Her arms hang limply as Zain takes in a deep breath and closes his eyes.

He begins the spell. It’s like watching a car crash in slow motion. He shakes, sweat pouring off him. His eyes pop wide open as if stunned. I can see whites all around the dark irises.

Despite his effort, Aquarius remains limp and lifeless. The air thickens with fear. Tears stream down Sydney’s face. Her grip becomes painful, but I welcome it. At least I can give her this small comfort.

Seconds drag by, one after the other, and still Aquarius sags against Zain, unmoving, seemingly not breathing.

Suddenly, his whole body shudders, then stills. He releases Aquarius, collapsing back to the bed, cadaver white. She falls face first in a heap across him.

Bram rushes forward. Sabelle elbows her way between Tynan and Sydney, who lets go of my hand and tries to dart into the fray. I hold her back.

“Let them,” I whisper, praying it’s not a trick. “Just in case.”

“She’s my friend,” Sydney sobs. “If anything happens…”

Her tears undo me. This incredible, fierce woman who’s dazzled me from day one, is breaking in my arms. Her loyalty, her fire—it’s no wonder I’m falling for her.

The realization hits like a punch to the gut. What a fucking joke. I finally find the woman of my dreams, only to have her tangled in the very world I despise.

I hold her tighter as Bram and the others fuss over Aquarius and Zain. Neither moves. Sydney’s whispered pleas twist the knife in my heart.

Gently, Bram eases Sydney’s friend from Zain. “Aquarius? Can you hear me?”

Still nothing.

A terrible pall descends over the room, along with the acrid scent of defeat.

Sydney scans the group with a desperate glance. “Can’t anyone else help her? A bit of magic and…”

“Sorry.” Bram’s face is soft with regret. “Only the one who inflicted the hurt can heal her. Check him,” Bram barks at Duke.

Hurstgrove waves a hand over Zain’s face. “He’s out.”

“Dead?” I ask hopefully.

“No such luck.”

Sabelle brushes Aquarius’s hair from her face to reveal healed skin. But the little flower child is terrifyingly still.

All of Zain’s energy wasn’t enough to revive Aquarius.

“Oh, god.” Sydney trembles as she sobs, burying her face in my chest.

I hold her tight, hating her pain but praying it finally makes her see the danger she’s courting. But if this tragedy gets her to drop this transcast madness, maybe some good will come of this nightmare.

Then a groan cuts the silence. My head snaps up to see Aquarius stirring, her eyes fluttering open. She’s disoriented but blessedly awake.

“What is it?” Sydney demands. “Tell me! I can’t look.”

Relief floods me as I see Aquarius’s face, healthy if still somewhat flushed. “See for yourself.”

As soon as I turn Sydney in my arms, she bolts with a squeal. I have to fight the urge to pull her back to safety. But this is her moment, her miracle.

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