Ellie's POV
I edged forward, heart pounding.
Just a few more steps.
Close enough now to feel the heat of his breath, the trembling rage rolling off him.
“Ethan,” I whispered, “I’m right here.”
His eyes flickered silver, then a flash of the warm brown I knew.
Almost.
I pressed the glowing artifact to my chest and reached for him. “Let me in. Please.”
For a heartbeat he didn’t move.
Then the curse surged.
A sudden, blinding pain ripped through me.
I gasped as his claw tore across my stomach.
“Ah!” The scream burst out before I could stop it.
Ethan’s eyes went wide. “Ellie!”
His voice cracked, horrified. “No no, I didn’t”
I staggered but held onto him, my hand still over his heart. “It’s okay,” I choked, blood warm under my fingers. “I’m not letting go.”
“Ellie, stop!” His wh
