Betty's POV. 

“I’ll keep you safe,” I whispered, brushing a thumb along his knuckles. “Just hold on a little longer.

His eyelids fluttered, as if he’d heard me from whatever distant place he drifted in. My chest tightened, and I leaned closer.

“We’re so close, Damien. Don’t give up on me now.”

I stayed like that until the candles burned low and exhaustion finally tugged at me.

The council hall was colder than usual. Or maybe it was simply the people inside as I stepped ...