Damien's POV
The monster dropped from the trees like a boulder, claws tearing the ground open. I braced for the hit—
But then Serena screamed, "Nova!"
My head snapped around.
Nova was falling. The earth split beneath her, roots snapping open like the jaws of a beast. For one heartbeat, I saw her face—wide eyes, lips parted—before the shadows swallowed her.
My chest seized.
I moved—too slow.
Kieran wasn't.
Silver light exploded from his hand. The fae bastard dove, catching her wrist and yanking her against him. He landed hard, his arms locked around her waist like he owned her. His magic flared, pouring into her chest as if the only thing that mattered was her.
And she was limp. Unmoving.
My blood roared.
"Don't you dare die on me, wolf," Kieran whispered, low enough I almost didn't hear it. But I did. Every damn word. His face was inches from hers, his hand glowing over her heart like he had the right to touch her there.
