Kael's vision blurred as pain racked his body, but the sight of Marcus dragging Lyra away cut through the fog like a knife. His heart pounded in his chest, panic rising as he watched her disappear into the shadows, Marcus's hand gripping her wrist tightly.
"No," Kael groaned, his voice hoarse and weak. He tried to push himself up, but his arms gave out, his body collapsing under its own weight. His wounds were too deep, his strength too far gone.
He lay there, helpless, watching as the woman who had changed everything was taken from him.
The taste of blood filled his mouth, but it was the bitterness of defeat that burned the most. He had sworn to protect her, had promised himself that he wouldn't let Marcus get his hands on her again. And yet, here she was, being led away like a lamb to slaughter.
