KIERAN BLACKWOOD
I remain kneeling, my eyes fixed on Scarlett.
Her breathing is so faint that I have to concentrate to make sure it’s still there. Her heart beats weakly, but it’s there—the only solace amidst the despair consuming me. I hold her hand gently, as if any movement could hurt her even more.
“Why isn’t she waking up?”
My voice comes out hoarse, almost desperate, as I look at Evelyn, who is beside us, her expression as grave as mine.
Evelyn kneels on the other side of Scarlett’s body.
Her skilled fingers touch Scarlett’s chest, searching for the delicate rhythm of her heart. She lifts her eyes to mine, trying to appear reassuring, but her gaze is laden with worry.
“This could take hours, Kieran. The ritual was intense, and her body went through so much. She’s alive, but s
