Page 87 of The Possessive Alpha’s Reborn Luna

A golden figure blocked me.

Alice.

She shifted back, arms spread wide. Black magic slammed into her back. She gasped, body swaying. Blood trickled from her mouth.

"Alice!"

I used my last strength to shift, catching her fast. But the magic's aftershock was still brutal. I pulled her tight against me, taking most of the blast.

Blood filled my throat. But I held on. I couldn't let Serena see my weakness. I had to protect Alice. Get her out safe.

I forced myself to stand, shielding Alice behind me. I shouted to the Black Witches, "Protect Alice at any cost. Keep her safe, and I'll give you more land. More wealth."

Alice coughed, gripping my hand. "Don't talk nonsense, Cedric. We'll both be fine."

Then—the sound of rushing footsteps and hoofbeats. My heart pounded.

"Princess Alice!" Adrian's men burst out with a battalion of guards, silver armor gleaming in the moonlight.

"Kill these witches!" He drew his sword. "Protect the princess!"

Guards flooded the battlefield like a tide. Steel clashed with magic. Black and dark purple light tangled. Chaos consumed the fight.

The Black Witches fought hard too, purple beams firing, dropping witch after witch.

But I couldn't focus on that. I could feel my life slipping away.

My vision blurred. My body grew cold. Light. Like my soul was leaving.

"Cedric?" Alice's voice trembled, breaking. "Cedric, what's wrong? Open your eyes. Look at me!"

"It's nothing..." I forced a smile. "Just tired..."

"No!" Her tears fell, landing on my face. "You can't die! You said you'd make it up to me. I haven't forgiven you yet. You can't just leave me..."

"Alice..." I lifted my hand to wipe her tears. But my fingers had no strength. I barely touched her cheek. "I'm sorry..."

"Don't talk!" She sobbed. "I'm taking you back. You'll be fine. You will. Where's the healer?"

"Listen," I cut her off, using the last of my strength to grip her hand. "I was so stupid before. I hurt you again and again. Now my death can atone for those mistakes. Alice, don't cry for me. Just live well..."

"Don't say that!" Alice shook her head, tears streaming. "You're not dying! You hear me?"

"Alice," my voice faded, weaker and weaker. "I have one last request..."

"Tell me." She leaned close, ear to my lips.

"Could you... kiss me again?" I looked into her eyes—those green eyes reflecting my face. A final plea. "Like... like when you still loved me..."

She froze. Tears kept falling, dropping on my lips.

Then she lowered her head and kissed me.

The kiss was gentle. Desperate. Tasting of salt and tears.

I closed my eyes, at peace. No regrets. Dying like this was enough.

But in that instant—