Nora's POV
James rises to his feet and extends his hand toward me. "We have to leave now."
My fingers trail along Kevin's lifeless arm as I stand. "I cannot abandon him here. He deserves a proper burial."
James surveys the destruction around us before cupping my face between his palms. His kiss tastes of desperation and grief. "He sacrificed himself so you would survive. You must honor that sacrifice by living."
The tears flow freely down my cheeks, each drop carrying pieces of my shattered heart. "Please forgive me," I whisper against Kevin's still form. My body trembles violently as the sobs rack through me. James sweeps me into his arms without hesitation and launches us through the forest at inhuman speed. He doesn't pause until we reach the entrance to the Shadowhaven.
Zerra waits for us in her hellhound form, releasing a mournful howl that echoes through the night when James places me on solid ground.
