“No,” she breathed, finally close enough to find me. I knew she could see him.
“Get up,” she commanded. She hobbled over toward me and tugged at my arms, urging me to stand.
“I don’t want to,” I cried out, snatching my arms away, refusing to break away from Kyle.
I had no idea when I’d see him again. I wasn’t going to waste our last moments arguing with her.
“Blaire, get up! We need to help him.”
“He’s already gone,” I heard myself say. I hated the feel of the words on my tongue.
“We can save him. We can stop this. Hurry up.”
She said something to someone beside her when I didn’t move, then turned away from me to head toward Kyle’s physical body.
“Go with her,” he gently urged.
“I can’t leave you,” I whispered brokenly.
“Give them a chance to help you. To help me.”
I stubbornly refused, the tears streaming faster again. He just wanted me to turn away so he could disappear. He had already said his goodbyes, but I wasn't ready.
I'd never be ready.
“Please, baby. Give her a chance. She knows what she’s doing.”
“I need you,” I said frantically, silently begging the gods to bring him back.
“You need to stand up. You need to keep your chin held high. There's still so much work to be done. Don't let them ruin you.”
He leaned in close enough to place a ghostly kiss against my cheek without misting through it.
And then, without warning, he was gone.