87

Eighty seven

*Rafe*

I silently watched Freya, my heart heavy with sorrow and fear. She lay on the bed, her skin as pale as the moonlight that filtered through the window. Her breaths were shallow, her pulse weak. I felt utterly helpless, watching the life drain out of the love of my life with each passing minute.

There had to be something more I could do, some way to save her. But my mind was empty, my thoughts jumbled and confused. And then it hit me. Like a bolt of lightning, a name came to me.

A name I had hoped never to utter again. A name that tasted like ashes on my tongue. A name even Connor wouldn't approve of.

But did I have a choice? With Freya's life hanging in the balance, I knew I had to make a decision. And so I spoke it, the name that would probably change both our lives.

"Sersia," I whispered. My voice trembling.

Connor's head snapped up, his eyes flashing with disbelief and undisguised horror.

"You can't be serious," he hissed. "That witch is dangerous! Rafe. She was