_Dorian's POV_
I watched, frozen, as Lyla took her last deep breath and let herself slip beneath the water.
The surface broke around her, rippling for only a moment before settling into a glassy and perfect stillness. It was like the water had turned to solid silver, reflecting the dim and flickering candlelight of the room. I could barely make out the outline of her face beneath the surface. She looked peaceful and ethereal, like a sleeping goddess.
My heart thundered so hard against my ribs I thought it might break through my chest.
Shadow, I whispered inwardly. I was desperate for comfort. "I don't know if I can do this. Watching her like this… it's unbearable."
Shadow stirred restlessly within me, his deep voice a low rumble in my mind. “We must be strong for her. She is braver th
