Chapter 282

MEMPHIS’ POV The world slowed. In fact, it stopped to a halt. I saw her - Natalie - throwing herself in front of Liam. She was ready to take the blow meant for him. For a heartbeat, I almost let it happen. Almost. But instinct took over. It wasn't mercy,, never mercy. If she died now, everything I had built, everything I had sacrificed, every spell I carved into my bones would be wasted. She was my vessel, my key. Without her, I had nothing. So I moved. I did it in the blink of an eye. It was only possible because my dark magic had thr ability to slow time, but only to me. The blast struck me full in the chest. It was like swallowing fire and lightning all at once. My veins burned. My flesh felt like it was shredding. My ribs cracked inward. The force spread into me, ripping me apart from the inside. My blood boiled in my veins. Every nerve of mine felt like it was on fire. My body screamed. Still, I forced myself to stay standing. I tasted iron. Warm blood filled my mouth. My vision w