[Warning: Slight mature content ahead]
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As Gavriel gazed into her eyes, he could see a plea so desperate it did something to him... making it impossible for him to say no to her right away.
"Trust me, Aliana, you don't want that…" he whispered as he leaned closer, his breath turning ragged as it brushed against her lips.
Aliana shook her head in disagreement, her grip tightening on the fabric of his coat. But the moment she did, her world suddenly tilted. A soft gasp escaped her lips as she swayed, instinctively leaning into his chest, trying to regain the balance her body was rapidly losing.
Gavriel moved just in time, catching her by the back and waist to keep her steady.
"Aliana?" he called, his voice sharper now.
But all he received was a final, fragile whisper slipping past her lips. "Please… don't leave… m…e."
And then she went completely limp against him.
