Chapter 82 The Breakdown of Bonds
Amara’s POV
There was anarchy on the battlefield. Everywhere there were swirling shadows, steel, and screams. I attempted to maintain the moonlight blazing with trembling hands, but my power wavered. I felt weighed down.
Then I noticed Rowan. He cut through the beasts, his movements frantic, his blade gleaming brightly, his face stained with blood.
"Amara!" The storm was broken apart by his voice. "Wait a minute! I'll be right over!
Tears clouded my vision. "No, Rowan! You'll pass away—
He didn't pay attention. He didn't do it with me. With a shout, he ploughed through a wall of shadow beasts, cutting them apart with his blade. My chest felt heavy as he drew nearer.
At last, he came to me. I was pulled against his chest as his arms encircled me. Even though he was so exhausted that his body trembled, he attempted to shield me.
I said, "You're hurt," as my fingers shook against his jaw.
Rowan gave a headshake. "It is irrelevant. Only you matter. He had strained breath. "I fall too if you fall."
There was another surge of creatures. I was shoved to the ground by Rowan, who then covered me with his body. His heart was thumping hard against my back. Claws tore at his armour, and he grunted.
"No!" My light flared as I screamed, but it wasn't powerful enough to scare them away. "Stop, Rowan! You will be torn to pieces if you continue to protect me in this manner!
Rowan's voice was gruff and frantic as he replied, "I'd rather die than watch you break." He was slowing down when his sword swung again. With each blow, his body trembled.
I tried to pour light into him by pressing my hands against his chest, but it wasn't enough. My abilities wavered a little.
My ear was touched by Rowan's lips. "Don't give up, Amara. It makes no difference if you choose me or loathe me. Simply live.
My cheeks were wet with tears. I wanted to shout that just now I couldn't let him go. My voice cracked. "Rowan... I—
We both crashed to the ground as a black shadow burst nearby. My flesh burned horribly from my mark. I clutched it as I gasped.
Rowan used his body to protect mine as he crawled on top of me once more. His voice wavered. "I'll protect you from their touch." Never.
He wasn't defending me because he had to; I knew in that moment as his weight was bearing down on me and blood was streaming down my face. He couldn't stop, so he was shielding me.
"Rowan!" A voice pierced the confusion with rage.
Kian.
His blade sliced through the darkness, and he came like lightning. Rowan was draped across me after his golden eyes met mine. Anger and dread twisted his features.
"What are you doing?" Kian yelled. "This is how you two will die!"
Rowan's body swayed as he attempted to stand up. "I refuse to allow her to be touched—"
"And you believe she will be saved by dying on top of her?" Kian's tone faltered. Grabbing Rowan by the collar, he used his might to yank him away from me.
"Give me a break!" Rowan struggled against him and yelled.
"No!" Kian pulled him back and pushed him in the direction of the crumbling walls. "This entire pack will be burned to ash by Lilith unless we fight together!"
I clutched my chest as I stumbled to my knees. "Wait, Kian—Rowan—please—"
Kian stared at me, and his eyes softened for a moment. "I sensed it, Amara. I could feel the relationship breaking. I die if you do. I refuse to allow that to occur.
My breath was taken away by his words. Painfully, my heart tightened.
Rowan's voice broke as he pushed him back. "You dare not manipulate her by using her bond!"
Kian's jaw tightened. "I'm not in charge of her! I'm working to keep her alive! Something you obviously can't achieve on your own!
I was in the centre, drowning in their rage and desperation as their voices clashed like swords.
"Stop!" I let out a scream, but the thunder above drowned out my words.
The earth began to tremble violently. We were torn by a surge of evil force. I staggered and hit the floor. My mark burned so intensely that it was like fire beneath my flesh.
"Amara!" Their panicked voices echoed off one another.
I clutched my chest as I gasped. Light poured out of me, fierce and brilliant. My vision became hazy.
Kian grabbed me. Rowan drew me back into his embrace. They're both calling my name. They both won't let go.
But I was at my breaking point. It was too much power. The light engulfed me as my body shook fiercely.
Kian's frantic roar and Rowan's heartbreaking cry were the last sounds I heard. Then everything turned white.
And I passed out.
They were both dazzled by the glare from the mark on my body.