Isla took his powers. Grimâs shadows ceased, and he was hit by the full force of Oroâs fury. He landed on his back. Isla didnât know how he wasnât immediately killed.
Or how he slowly inched up, gasping for air. His hand lashed out as he tried to summon his shadows once more. He could not.
He frowned and turned to look at her with an earnestness that made her want to sink to the ground. âWhat is this, heart?â he asked.
She was sobbing, and he didnât look betrayedâhe looked devastated that she was crying. He was She couldnât do it. Her concentration wavered.
Still, she didnât stop her hold on his powers.
Oro made a sword out of Starling energy. It crackled with strength, and he lifted it over his head. Grim wouldnât be able to defend himself. She had weakened him. In one moment, he would be dead. He would be dead.
That was the first moment she had ever seen Grim afraid.
Just before the blade found his neck, he bellowed, âIf I die, .â
It wasnât even his death that he feared. It was . Her death was what made him rabid, shaking, yelling, eyes wide and desperate.
Oro froze, just an inch from ending the Nightshade. âNo,â Oro whispered, disbelieving. Furious. Understanding something Isla still hadnât. âYou didnât.â