Blade’s fingers twitched, feebly interlacing with hers. "Hey, don't feel bad," he whispered, his voice a dry rattle. "It’s not your fault. I made a promise, remember? I told you... you wouldn't die on my watch. I’m just a man of my word."
A violent tremor shook him. He leaned over the side of the bed and coughed out thick, dark blood that hit the white tile floor. Yet, when he looked back up, that haunting smile remained. He was dying, and he was at peace with it.
Julius knelt on the other side, his face a mask of grief. "This wasn't the plan, Blade. We were supposed to lead this pack together. We were supposed to grow old together."
Blade’s breathing became shallow, hitching in his chest. "Plans change, Julius. Especially after what my father did to this pack. I’ve carried his shame fo
