25
DAWN
My eyes burn with tears as I run to Markula’s side, but Silas already has our Warrior in his arms. I follow them into the house, not wanting to let Markula out of my sight — I follow them with Markula’s heart still warm in my hands.
“This is your fault,” I say. I’m not sure which of them I’m talking to, or if I even mean it. Maybe I’m yelling at Markula — I am staring at his body, and the intensity of this pain surely supersedes death.
I wish I believed in the afterlife. I want to believe now more than ever.
“It’s not his fault,” Kain says, obviously assuming I’m talking to Markula. “He didn’t want you to save him. It’s our job to protect you.”
“You kept me from her!” I scream back — I can’t help it. I turn my eyes to Era and snap, “You’re just as f*****g bad. You both held m
