Ash still clings to the air, smoke curling in ragged ribbons across the battlefield. Phantom lies in my arms, his blood soaking into my skin, his breath shallow. Edison drags Canum’s broken body away, copper blade glinting in his hand. The thunder of paws grows louder—Phantom’s guards rushing in, their silhouettes cutting through the haze like shadows carved from fire.
“Stay with him,” Edison orders, his voice sharp, before disappearing into the smoke with his father. His words slice through the chaos, leaving me tethered to Phantom, bound by desperation.
I cradle Phantom tighter, rocking him against me. His sapphire eyes flutter open, gray with pain. “Princess…” His voice is hoarse, barely audible. “You are so stubborn.” He slips back into unconsciousness, and my heart fractures, shards
