HUNTER'S POV
I had no idea how much time had passed as I lay there, Cyrilla resting motionless on top of me. I stayed in denial, refusing to accept that she was truly gone. In my mind, she was still there—warm, breathing, nestled against my chest. The world beyond us faded into a distant blur as I clung to that comforting illusion.
With my eyes closed, I clung desperately to the fantasy, almost convincing myself that the bond was knitting itself back together. I imagined it so intensely, I could almost feel the sparks returning—her scent growing stronger, curling around me like a familiar embrace.
When I finally opened my eyes, for the briefest moment, I thought I saw a flicker of red light in the room. But that, too, must have been my imagination.
I shifted her body slightly higher, p
