#Chapter26
Aleera POV
Hushed voices woke me. They sounded angry as I opened my eyes. The last thing I remembered was choking on the shadows and Darius grabbing me; I felt myself dying, and, in some ways, I even prayed for death. At least I wouldn’t feel like this. I felt hollow. I had tasted their magic only briefly before they took it from me. My bond screamed angrily, writhing within me for it to come back.
/"Darius, just leave him be. I am right here with them./"
/"Anything happens to him, and it is on you. It will be your fault,/" Darius growled before I heard the door slam. I jumped at the sound, and my eyes opened to find Kalen beside me, asleep. He looked so peaceful, and I gently brushed his cheek with my fingertips. His stubble was rough and scratchy when I felt the bed dip behind me, and I glanced over my shoulder to see Lycus sitting next to me.
