I had made it—barely, but in time.
"I'm here, Alicia," I whispered, sliding an arm around her waist and pulling her close.
Her body trembled against mine. She was in a terrible state—blood streaked down her face, mixing with tears until it was impossible to tell one from the other.
"S–Senior…" Her voice trembled, and she clutched my arm, burying her face against the cold plates of my black armor. "B… Beth, she is…"
The words never fully came. They broke apart in her throat, strangled by grief.
I lowered my hand gently, cradling the back of her head, guiding her to rest against my chest. My grip tightened, protective.
But then my eyes caught the sight of her right wrist, twisted and broken, and something black stirred deep inside me. My gaze hardened, turning colder.
I looked past her—toward Amaya.
