Aurora turned toward Stephen's side, where he had just fallen to his knees, the poison beginning to overtake him.
"Stephen!" she cried, hurrying to him despite the sharp ache in her limbs. Amelia made to send another wave of magic toward her, but Emma raised a hand to halt her, a cruel smile playing on her lips.
Aurora's eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she reached Stephen, who now lay on the cold ground, writhing. His face was twisted in pain. "Stephen…" she whispered, her trembling hands brushing his face.
"Aurora," he breathed, his eyes half-lidded, black blood seeping from his mouth. "Stephen, I—" Her voice broke.
"I am fine, Auror…" he whispered with a faint smile, though his voice trembled. Then, a little louder, he said, "I am sorry… for leaving you like this. I—"
A violent cough cut him short.
Then, he went still.
"Stephen…? Stephen? Stephen!" Aurora cried, shaking his body as though she could will him back to life.
