Arkin materialised out of thin air, stepping onto the bridge like he was always standing there, and the sight that greeted him turned his blood cold.
How was he gone for only some time, and she was already like this?
The weight of his aura hit the crowd, and the royal guards were forced to their knees. Nobles collapsed against the balustrades, gasping for air that suddenly tasted like ash and burnt copper.
Arkin didn't look at them.
His dying-star eyes were locked entirely on the limp, dark violet silk crumpled on the floor.
He crossed the distance in a single stride. He dropped to his knees as his massive hands reached for her.
He scooped her up, cradling her head against his broad chest.
She was completely unresponsive. Her silver hair spilled over his forearm, and a fresh drop of dark blood slipped past her pale, parted lips.
