He had promised to protect her. His very existence deemed him a Warden, a guardian of the earth’s treasures. Cat was the greatest of all, not just to the world but to him. A growl crawled up his throat. He’d failed her. Mist swept into the room. Rain fell. His element wept for him and Cat. Tender wisps of fog danced over him, over her. He waved his hand, scattering them. He would not grieve. She still breathed. He would save her or follow her to the grave. He ran to her side, then dropped to his knees. Her chest rose and fell with her harsh breaths. Lines pinched the pale skin by her eyes. Her nostrils flared, but it was the garbled groan that hurt him most. She couldn’t scream. He tugged the wet silk tie from her mouth and tossed it behind him. “Cat. Wake up, Cat.” No response. He scooped her into his arms, and her head lolled to the side, revealing the red sore on her throat.
