CHAPTER 255
Melisca's trembling hand stopped halfway. Only inches from his face. She stared at him. Waiting for a breath. For a blink. For anything. But nothing came.
A tear rolled silently down her cheek. Her outstretched hand slowly lowered. She no longer reached for him.
"Open it!" Vextral barked.
Azmael was already moving. He reached the lever in two long strides and threw his weight against it. The heavy mechanism groaned as golden runes blazed across the bars. They slowly rose, just enough to make an opening.
He didn't let go. If he released the lever now, the bars would immediately come crashing back down.
Vex was already inside before they had fully risen. He dropped to one knee beside Ezekiel. "Stavrus." He reached for his neck. No pulse. He lowered his head and pressed his ear against Ezekiel's chest, though he had his supersenses, but he still couldn't hear any heartbeat from him.
