The clash was fury.
Kael leapt, his claws tearing into Ronan's chest. The ground split, trees shattered, mountains groaned beneath their blows. Every strike shook the world, every roar shook the soul.
Aradia's fire blazed beside him, burning rogues into ash, searing the shadow's tendrils. Her flames crowned the battlefield in gold, her voice screaming defiance into the dark.
But Ronan was too strong. His claws sank deep into Kael's side, ripping flesh, staining snow with blood.
"Kael!" Aradia screamed, her fire exploding outward.
He staggered, blood pouring, his green eyes dimming. But he stood.
"For her," he growled. "Always… for her."
Aradia's tears burned, her fire trembling. She pressed her flames to his wounds, pouring herself into him, healing him, keeping him alive even as her own body trembled with weakness.
Her voice broke as she whispered against his skin. "Don't leave me. Please, Kael. Not now. Not ever again."
His lips brushed hers, weak but fierce. "Never."