Page 129 of Savage Crown

My mind is already calculating.

We can pit them against each other. We can turn their weapons inward, and when they’re too busy ripping each other apart…

I will take everything.

45

SERAPHINA

Pain pulls me from the depths of unconsciousness.

A slow, aching pull—dragging me back into the world of the living.

My body is leaden, heavy with exhaustion, but the first thing I feel is warmth.

It’s something else.

Something solid. Steady.

Fingers pressing against my wrist, tracing the pulse point there, grounding me.

I blink, slowly forcing my eyes open.

The light in the chamber is dim, the air thick with the smell of damp stone and dried blood.

And beside me is Rylan.

His head is bowed, silver-streaked hair falling into his face.

His hands are covered in my blood, but still, they press against me like they can hold me together.

His jaw is tight, his emerald eyes dark with something raw.

"You're awake," he murmurs. “Finally.”

His voice is hoarse, rough—like he's been fighting demons while I was unconscious.

I try to move, but pain lances through my ribs.

A sharp, unforgiving reminder of the wound splitting me open.

A quiet curse escapes me.

Rylan's fingers tighten.

"Don’t," he says. A command, low and edged with warning.

I exhale sharply, trying to fight past the haze clouding my thoughts.

But then I see the expression on his face.

Like he’s looking at something already half-lost.

He looks at me like I’m slipping through his fingers.

I swallow hard.

Because I know the truth.

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