He kisses me hard and quick, then looks at me like this will be the last time he ever sees me. “I love you.” Oh…gods. No. I refuse to accept the goodbye in his tone. “You will stay alive,” I order Xaden, then glance to the waiting horde, the figure of the Sage who is nearly to the ground, taking his time as if this is all a game he’s already won, and finally to Tairn. “Stay with him.” Tairn growls, raising his lip over his fangs. “Stay with him for me. Don’t you dare let him die!”
