Page 116 of Diamond Kisses

It was as if a black hole latched onto my heart and dragged me into its orbit.

I couldn’t stop it.

Couldn’t fight it.

I bolted right to the ring of silent jewels.

I didn’t look at them.

I just looked at the ground before them.

And I finally saw.

No…

My legs gave out.

I slammed to my knees beside my only friend and twin flame.

Peter lay on his back, eyes closed, face serene.

Ily lay next to him, black hair haloing the grass, dark scarlet soaking everywhere. A piece of purple silk tangled around her collar, dripping with red.

“No…” A cry escaped me, tattered and terrible, utterly feral with fear. “I-It’s not possible.”

The jewels moved aside as I gathered Ily’s lifeless body onto my lap.

I cradled her head.

I kissed her cold lips.

The fire that bound us.

The soul that we shared.

I couldn’t feel it.

Why can’t I feel it?!

“Ily…come on. Open your eyes.” I kissed her brow, and brushed aside her hair. “Pleaseopen your eyes. It’s over. We won. You’re free.”

I rocked faster and faster, a hurricane of grief howling through me.

“Little nightmare, please…pleasedon’t do this. Not now.” Tears streamed down my cheeks and landed on hers. They rolled down her chin, leaving streaks in all the blood.

Hugging her lifeless form, I reached across and grabbed Peter’s icy hand. “Paavak…come on. Snap out of it.”

Caishen bowed his head, sobbing quietly. “Henri, they’re—”

“No. Don’t say it. They’re not.”

“I tried.” Caishen gasped. “I tried to stem their bleeding. I’m sorry. So fucking sorry.”

“Peter.” I crushed the bones in my friend’s hand. “Wake the fuck up. Victor’s waiting for you. You have to deliver the killing blow.”

Nothing.

“Ily…” I brushed my nose against hers.

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