Adrian wiped the blood from his mouth, his expression weary but defiant.
“I wasn’t trying to hurt her,” he said, his voice calm despite the tension crackling in the air. “You don’t understand.”
Eryon didn’t respond, his claws flashing as he lunged at Adrian again. The two collided, the force of their impact sending a shockwave through the battlefield.
Eryon pinned Adrian to the ground, his claws digging into his shoulders. His amber eyes burned with fury, his breaths coming in sharp bursts as he leaned closer.
“What did you do to Misery?” he demanded, his voice a growl.
Adrian didn’t struggle. He lay still beneath Eryon’s weight, his crimson eyes glistening with pain that had nothing to do with the fight. His voice was raw as he spoke.
“She’s gone.”
Eryon’s grip tightened, his claws drawing blood.
“What do you mean, gone?” he spat. “What did you do?”
“She sacrificed herself,” Adrian said, his voice breaking. “To protect your child.”
The words hit Eryon like a physical blow. His breath caught, his fury faltering as devastation took its place. He released Adrian, his hands trembling as he staggered back.
“My child?” he whispered, his voice barely audible. “She… went into labour?”
Adrian sat up slowly, his gaze unwavering as he nodded.
“She did. And she made me swear to protect her. She gave everything to keep her safe.”
Eryon’s knees hit the ground, his hands raking through his hair as the weight of Adrian’s words settled over him.
“I didn’t know,” he murmured, his voice breaking. “I didn’t know…”
Adrian stood, blood staining his torn shirt as he approached cautiously.
“I promised her,” he said softly. “I swore I’d keep your daughter safe. And I will.”
Eryon looked up at him, his amber eyes brimming with unshed tears. For a moment, the two men stared at each other, their grief shared in the silence.
Then Eryon rose to his feet, his expression hardening.
“Take me to her,” he said, his voice steady despite the pain lacing every word.