Ava barely had time to turn before something massive crashed into her, knocking her to the ground. She turned and saw Lucas's body heavy on top of hers.
His blood soaked into her dress.
Ava's heart stopped.
He fell back, eyes flickering.
No.
No, no, no, no.
Chaos erupted around them.
The music cut out.
People screamed.
Ava barely noticed any of it.
She scrambled, grabbing his face.
His skin was going cold.
"No," she gasped. "Lucas! Lucas, look at me!"
Dorian was suddenly there, kneeling beside them. His eyes were wild.
"Do something!" Ava screamed.
Lanaya shoved through the crowd, hands already glowing with magic as she pressed them to Lucas's chest.
Ava gripped his face harder.
His eyes were on her, unfocused, glassy.
His lips parted.
Lucas was mouthing something, his lips barely moving.
Lanaya had to lean in, her sharp healer's ears straining to catch his words.
"Protect Ava," he choked out in strangled syllables.
