Erik's roar cut off in a choking, animal sound as Orion's hand plunged into his chest and ripped his heart out. The world collapsed into a single, unbearable moment: the sick, wet sound of the once-beating organ hitting the floor and echoing faintly in the silence, the spray of red across the walls, and the violent shudder of Erik's body as it buckled against the Alpha's hold.
Rey's cry split the chamber. She lunged, dagger raised, but the world slowed, every heartbeat dragging. Orion didn't release his grip, and Erik's eye, wild and desperate only seconds before, clouded over, dull and unseeing. His limbs sagged. The warmth in him fled, leaving nothing but a husk.
He was gone.
Erik crumpled in Orion's arms, cold and lifeless, and the sight hollowed something inside her.
With a low gro
