A sob ripped through me as the weight of the cuffs around my wrists felt heavier than ever before.
My mate was dead, and I was alone once more.
I’m So Sorry
Ifell to my knees in front of Xander’s battered body. Blood covered nearly every inch of his very naked form. The only thing on him was the necklace containing the two pieces of the map he had shown me.
A sob wrenched through me as I averted my eyes, reaching to my neck to unclasp my cloak before settling it over his legs and hips.
At least in death, he would have dignity.
A moan, low and deep and heart-wrenching, ripped through me as I stared at him. He had come for me. He had cared. After everything, he had still come.
And now he was gone.
Everyone always died.
I reached over, gently taking his blood-soaked hand in mine and squeezing tightly. Even in death, Xander was burning hot. Now that I knew what he was, I supposed the heat didn’t surprise me. I rubbed my thumb down his hand, pressing it to my cheek.
“I’m so sorry,” I whispered against the back of his hand. Tears ran down my cheeks, dampening his skin as my shoulders shook. His torso was a mess of blood and dirt, and I couldn’t bear to look at it. “Kydona only knows how sorry I am.”
I had no idea what I was going to do. Remington was dead. Xander was dead. There was a huge gash in Xander’s side, presumably where the magic had struck his wing.
His wing.
Xander was a dragon, and he had wings. That wasnotwhat I had expected.
And now…
Now I was alone in the forest. Somewhere in the middle of the province of Nin. The only other person who even knew I was here was Fenris, and he was long gone. Not to mention the fact that the Earth Elf was a traitor, and I knew I couldn’t trust him.
Despair leaked into my voice as I whispered, “What am I going to do?”
“Why don’t we start by getting off the road?”
I dropped Xander’s hand, stumbling back as his golden eyes blinked open.
“What?” I whispered, my voice wobbling. My eyes darted back and forth across his face as his eyes met mine. The faintest smile appeared on Xander’s face as I asked, “How?”
“Hello, Aileana.” He coughed, his voice rough. “Did you miss me?”
I blinked, staring at him. “I thought you were dead.”
Xander tried to push himself up to his elbows, but he dropped onto his back. He winced, a grimace overtaking his features as he said, “Honestly, I did too. But apparently, it’s harder to kill me than I thought.”
“I’m glad,” I replied instantly. “I didn’t think…” I shook my head as my voice broke. Clearing my throat, I continued. “I didn’t think you were going to come for me.”
A deep groan came from Xander as he stared at me. He planted his hands on the ground, shoving himself up.
I gasped, putting a hand on his arm. “Stop! You’ll hurt yourself.” Even as the words left my lips, I noticed the quantity of blood pouring from his chest was slowing down. Furrowing my brows, I insisted, “You shouldn’t push yourself.”
He shook his head, continuing to try to sit up. “I need to look into your face as I tell you this.”
“But you’re—”
“Aileana,” he growled, pushing himself into a seated position. He reached over and placed a finger on my lips. “Be quiet.”
“So bossy,” I whispered around his finger.