Page 58 of Powerful

Her eyes are trained on the sky. I picture those big hazel eyes that I loved to fall on me, and choose to remember them that way.

The Sights are now focused on her, displaying her death clearly on the screen above for all to see. I cover my mouth with a trembling hand, attempting to smother my sob.

She blinks slowly at the sky above, her eyelids growing heavier with each one.

She’s counting the stars.

I break.

All of me. Every inch of my being shattering at the realization.

Sobs shake my body as I clutch the bars of the railing, my legs trembling atop the concrete.

It’s a good thing I cut her bangs. The crooked strands kiss her forehead, allowing those hazel eyes clear view of the stars.

The stars she now counts for the last time.

I weep, unashamed, for her.

For the girl who shines so bright that the sun pales in comparison.

For the girl who I was helplessly tripping into.

For the girl who deserved a happy ending.

‘Just count the stars, Dena.’

I choke out the words, whisper them on the wind that will carry her soul far away from me. ‘Just count the stars.’

I count right along with her.

One, two, three…

Only, I’m counting down the seconds until I get to see her again.

Four, five, six…

I’ll count until I’m up in the sky beside her.

Seven, eight, nine…

And I suddenly wish that second would come sooner.

Ten, eleven, twelve…

I feel her power flicker and fade.

And then I watch her die.

Watch the life drain from her dark skin, steal the light from her eyes.

The connection snaps. Her ability slips between my fingers. Leaving me cold and shaking without its comfort.

And I’ll never feel it again. Never feelheragain.

Thirteen, fourteen, fifteen…

When Paedyn’s hand sweeps over her eyes, shutting out the world for eternity, I stand and stumble down the path with shaky legs.

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