I was back to the beginning, wasn’t I? Back to only caring for myself.

Back to being alone.

“Andromeda,” Magnus said earnestly. He reached for my hand, but I couldn’t bear to take it. “Please?”

A laugh got caught in my throat. A sob, a scoff. I cleared my throat of all those things and nodded. “I will.”

And with the last of my strength, I forced back any emotion that could hinder me from surviving—how it felt to be in his arms, to be kissed by him, to lov—

I shoved it all back until all that remained was angered determination.

Magnus closed his eyes and took one more deep breath before turning to face Kelela. He forced his eyes open, staring widely at her, then squeezed them shut again. “I can’t do it anymore,” he gasped.

Kelela laid her hand on his cheek. “Look at me, Magnus.”

He took a deep, trembling breath, and opened his eyes. Lingered on her. Grinned. “Your hair really is pink this week.”

“Do you like it?” she asked, flicking her head like it would swish her hair, despite it being secured in a bun.

“It suits you. It’s been so long. Andromeda was right, you’re really beautiful.” His smile crept downward. “And I’m a monster.”

He got up and rushed toward the door, tripping to a stop in the doorway. “Protect her, Andromeda,” he said, a fearful anger in his voice.

“With my life,” I said without hesitation.

And he left the room.

“What now?” asked Kelela.

“Now you should rest,” I said. “Eat something. We’ll likely have to stay up all night, so save your strength.”

Kelela nodded and stood, looking at the fireplace. “Magnus was right, I’ve lost my mind.”

I didn’t know how to respond. The silence stretched between us. “You love him,” I said, to fill it. “And you’re a good person.”

Kelela laughed, and it almost wasn’t completely bitter. “You’re the only good person I’ve ever met.”

“We’re all sinners.”

“No, but you’re selfless. It’s hard to compete with someone so admirable.” She tucked her coat closer. Cleared her throat. “I can see why he loves you.”

Loves me? I forced myself not to gape, my brows lowering. “I want you to know, I don’t encourage him. And when he’s cleansed, I promise you’ll never see me again—”

“That won’t be necessary.” She let out a small, bitter chuckle, as if she couldn’t believe her own words. “I broke it off with him.”

I hesitated, forcing back my hope. “Why?”