Chapter 94 The Edge of Death
Amara’s POV
I bobbed in the dark.
I initially believed it to be death. Nothing, just darkness, no warmth, no agony. I had the impression that my body was far away and no longer mine.
Then—light. Around me, a soft silver light flickered. The glow caused shapes to move. Spirits. Dozens of them. Through the trees, their voices sounded like wind.
One said in a whisper, "She is dying."
Another observed, "She bears the mark of the Moon."
"But does she deserve to be born again?" A deep, ancient voice questioned.
I shuddered. I took in what they had said. Deserving? Was I?
With their shapes shining brighter, the ghosts circled closer. Some had harsh, blade-like eyes, while others appeared gentle.
"She battled valiantly," one said.
Another screamed, "She's still not strong." "She questioned herself far too frequently."
I attempted to shout, though! However, the silver light seemed to consume my voice, making it seem small.
A taller soul appeared, her face gentle and sorrowful. "She radiates love." She is in anguish. Will that, however, be sufficient?
I let out a gasp. "Please," I said in a whisper. At last, my statements made sense. "Don't take me yet, please."
The ghosts hesitated. I had dozens of bright eyes staring at me.
"Why should you remain?" one person remarked icily.
I took a deep breath. My heart shook. "Because... they require me." The pack, Kian, Rowan. If I leave, they will fall. If I depart, Lilith will win.
Like a storm building, the voices mumbled once more.
"She talks about duty."
"She talks about love."
"Love is not always successful."
"Duty is brittle."
I gave a headshake. "No! I now know! I'm stronger today than I was before. Please give me the opportunity to prove it.
There was a heavy hush. The old voice then spoke once again. "Rebirth isn't a present. It's a burden. Your journey will only become bleaker if we bring you back.
My chest hurt. "I'll accept it. Whatever the price. I'll cover the cost. Don't let me die now, please.
The silver light pulsed as the spirits moved. Every phrase and every wound in my heart seemed like they were being judged.
One person said, "She is stubborn."
Another person remarked, "She is desperate."
The tall spirit said softly, "She is willing." "Maybe... that's sufficient."
I briefly felt a glimmer of hope. However, the old voice rumbled once more:
"We don't agree. Allow her body to remain. Allow her soul to wander. The decision has not yet been made.
The light withdrew before I could make another plea, and I could feel myself slipping—moving more and farther away from the living world.
Through the darkness, I could hear Rowan's voice. Like fire through ice, it sliced through the words of the spirits.
"Amara!" His voice was broken and harsh. "Remain with me. Don't leave me, please.
My hands were now only shadows when I attempted to grab for him. All I could do was listen.
My waning heart was shaken by Rowan's tears. "I ought to have informed you earlier. I ought to have put in more effort. I should never have allowed Lilith to break our relationship. I'm to blame. Everything. If you pass away— His voice cracked utterly. "I will never be able to forgive myself if you die."
His comments struck me more deeply than Lilith's blow. My spirit eyes were scorched by tears.
Then Kian's voice came up. Fierce, strong, but trembling.
He prayed fervently, "Hear me, Moon Goddess." "Avoid taking her. Instead, take me. I would give up my life to save hers. Let her survive, please.
"No!" The voice of Rowan boomed. "You have no right to say that! She is essential to both of us. She is essential to the pack. You dare not offer yourself!
"I really do!" Kian's voice broke, brimming with anguish and anger. "It doesn't matter if she dies! Goddess, take me! Now take me!
I sensed their terror behind the collision of their voices. Their affection. They would both sacrifice everything for me.
I said, "Stop fighting," but I wasn't sure whether they could hear me. The storm of their shouts made my voice seem insignificant.
Rowan's tears became more gentle yet piercing, akin to shattered glass. "I never told you, Amara. You are everything to me. Without you, my breathing is impossible. Just open your eyes, please.
Kian continued to pray while his voice wavered. "Goddess, I don't care if you bind me, shackle me, or curse me. Allow her to breathe once more. Permit her to remain.
Their voices roused the spirits. I sensed them observing, muttering once again.
"They implore her to live."
"For hers, they would give theirs."
"Is she really worth this kind of sacrifice?"
I felt like screaming. Then don't ask them! Ask me!
However, I lost strength once more. The warm, limitless draw of the light behind me was palpable. It beckoned my soul nearer.
"Amara." There was a whisper in Rowan's voice. "I'll break if you abandon me right now. I'll collapse. Don't go, please.
Kian's voice, trembling with agony, joined his. "Refrain from leaving. Please. Remain.
Even as it slowed, my heart ached. Between the draw of the light and the voices of the living, my spirit shook.
The silver light grew darker. The whispers from the spirits grew louder. I was losing control of the decision.
Then, all of a sudden, I started to move. My soul floated in the direction of the light.
"No." I reached back into the darkness and said quietly. "No, not just yet. Please!
But when the light intensified, it drew me closer.
My name was shouted in Rowan's voice.
Kian's prayer became a shattered sob.
Still, I moved in the direction of the light.