Blaine's Sacrifice

Chapter 67

Lucia Lorenzo's POV

Everything remained motionless. As I felt my final breath, everything in me—my body, my voice, and my heart—went into disarray.

"I wish not to pass away."

It was a cry, an implore to help me, to anyone, anybody. I had things I wanted to say, places I needed to go, and people I loved.

In what way was this fair? We seized our second opportunity swiftly and effortlessly. I became aware of the fact that, by passing away, I had once again let Ava and Henry down. Their only desire was to be together. Every time, their people destroyed it.

Death conveys a sense of peace. I knew that I would never be at peace without him as my chest rose and fell for the very last time.

The silence has vanished. For a moment, I seemed to float. There is light, and it vanishes as soon as it appears.

I open my eyes wide and gasp in surprise. Although I feel energized, there's a problem. As my vision clears, I can see my relatives and friends occupying the marble temple. The pain from Clara's arrow is still present in my chest, but I ignored it since I was experiencing something far worse than death.

I lifted my right hand—which was still coated in Clara's blood—and held it close to my heart with all the strength I possessed. It feels right at the moment, but I'm not sure why I did it. I hope for a moment that this isn't what I think it is, but I know when my heartbeat becomes calm and sluggish.

I let out a cry. It is racked with misery. In an attempt to heal my wounds, I just want my parents to stop probing and prodding me. I want everything to end.

"I know it hurts right now, Lucia, but things will get better. My dad grabbed my hand and said, "You will heal in no time; we've cleared most of the wolf's bane out of the wound."

My scream turned to a sob when I accepted reality. My eyes looked for Gilbert, and I knew when I saw them.

I'm aware that things won't get better.

"No…"

"Lucia-" "Leave me alone! Everyone among you!"

"Lucia, we just want to..."

"Stop…"

I looked up, and my vision blurred with tears. I waver momentarily before taking off running. The abrupt movement made my wound scream, but I knew exactly what I was looking for.

I am only ten feet away from the man I adore. The stink of death overpowers his lovely pine scent. Beside him, I passed out. I look at his body, my knees digging into the ground.

His lips caught my attention initially. Their color faded, and they were dried. His body was a mass of bruises and wounds. I looked for anything that might have been lethal, but I couldn't find any. It makes me want to bring Clara back to life so I can shoot another arrow through her heart to see him like this, defenseless. Her thugs must have tortured him to death.

I was unable to save him.

All I can do at first is gaze. I long for the smile he holds for me to return upon his awakening. I want him to laugh at how awful my blankets are. I yearn for his tender embrace. I couldn't care less if we rekindled our animosity as long as he remains alive and present in my presence.

With every thought, my eyes welled up with tears, and before long, I was trembling with lethargic tears. I just lay on his chest, unable to support myself any longer. I dozed off several times at night, with my head resting on his chest and his heart pounding loudly, but nothing happened.

My relatives and friends are approaching, and I can hear the crunch of leaves behind me. As I grieve, they remain silent.

"How did he die?"

My voice sounded a little scratchy when I spoke. I have to know, yet I can't bear to see it in my mind. I don't want to consider him in agony. I didn't want him to have the same sense of unease that I did when I was dying.

I want to curse the goddess loudly. What made you grant me life? Why save one of us if we were both on the verge of death? It hurts worse to live without my partner than to pass away.

I experienced my death.

How did I get here?

I admit, in part, that Romano experienced this upon Dorothy's passing. The mass killings, now that I comprehend them—even if it meant going against my morals, I would do whatever it took to get another shot with him.

When no one responded, I pushed myself off his chest and turned around.

"Tell me!"

My parents appear distraught. My mom interrupted my dad as he went to answer.

Her words, "Sweetheart," are soft.

"Mom, just tell me, please."

She took a piece of paper out of her back pocket. She folded it into a tiny square, but I could still smell him on it.

She said, "This is for you."

As soon as she handed it to me, I knew that whatever I read would make me a bad person.

Unfolding the paper causes my hands to shake. Everyone is nervously observing me.

"Sometimes it's best to stay ignorant."

*******************************

Hello Lucia,

I'm writing this as though my body is losing its life. I know it sounds horrible, but knowing that you will be able to breathe the Tahoe air that you have so greatly enjoyed fills me with such calm. You will create more memories with your family and strengthen your relationship with your sister. You will be able to enjoy the lakeside sunsets while knowing that I am by your side, no matter what.

The only thing that makes me angry is that I was unable to see you smile one final time. I've been going through the photos of you on my phone since it's difficult to look at your pale, dead figure without getting angry. While it brings me joy to revisit some of my most treasured moments spent with you, I can't help but long for the real deal.

You know that I never wanted this. It was never my intention to have a partner, let alone fall in love with someone and lose them.

You must have been two or three years old when I saw you for the first time, and I insisted that my parents allow me to take you home. When I saw you again, I was a broken-hearted young boy who had just seen his mother torn apart. You looked like a puppy, even though you were a tiny, recently transformed wolf. You walked away after placing a white rose in front of me.

I never expressed gratitude. I never expressed to you how much it meant to me that you could see what I was going through. I knew that my mother must have been watching out for me when you left me her favorite flower. I didn't want the mountains of homemade food or anyone's sympathies; all I wanted was my mom. I will never be able to express how much that meant to me. When I stared into your eyes for just a moment, I felt whole again. Even though you detested me and we spent silent movie nights at your parents' house, I still treasured every moment we shared.

I want you to understand how much I love you. I cherish you. I do. You are my Sunshine, my star. You are my entire freaking universe. I never realized I was missing what you've given me, and I know I can't live without it.

I've never identified as really religious. When my mother was still living, I visited the goddess' shrine just to pray. Apart from that, I only went when there was a packed event in progress. I knew in my heart that it would work, so I stood before the goddess and pleaded with her to give you life in exchange for mine. I will always be grateful to her. She then decided to keep you safe.

The reason behind my actions is fairly straightforward if you're wondering. A world without you would be devoid of love, music, color, and light. I have no intention of living this dull existence. I understand that it's unfair, yet perhaps this was the intended outcome all along. Although we did not have the happy ending that our wolves deserved, I have come to understand the value of spending a little more time with the people you care about. Henry appreciates having more time to spend with Ava and you. I will always be grateful that I had the opportunity to meet you in this life, as most wolves do not get a second chance.

I cannot live without you, but you can live without me. Putting the past and the present right is why I'm doing this. The last time, I failed to save you, and that was my responsibility. Even though I was unable to save you this time as well, I will not allow my errors to claim your life.

You'll need to take care of the pack.

You cannot exist on Lizzy Temples and coffee, so make sure to stay hydrated.

Don't let my memories swamp you. The idea of you becoming a shell just because I'm dead is too much for me to handle. Rekindle your love, have huge dreams, and be joyful. I've always wanted the best for you. I know that my initial handling of it was not ideal, but I believed I was shielding you.

Never forget that you are a gem, Lucia.

I promise to always be on guard for you, even if I have no idea what lies ahead. Little Wolf, have a long life for the two of us.

Always and forever yours,

Blaine.