chapter 7

Valen My heart breaks for Everly, Zoe, and Macey as they tell Emily it’s okay to go—that she doesn't have to hold on any longer. Moments pass and hushed whispers circle the room as they try to soothe their friend. She gasps one last time and I hold my breath, waiting to see if it’s a false alarm, yet praying it isn’t. She shouldn’t suffer anymore, no one deserves to suffer this fate. Everly drops her head on Ben's shoulder and sobs. I feel Emily's pack link sever. My heart pangs with pain—if only briefly—yet the pain, anguish, and despair that floods from Everly through the bond as she mourns her family breaks my heart further. Marcus hugs Zoe close as she falls apart. Macey just stares vacantly ahead, sitting back down in her chair. The doctor checks Emily and nods, calling the time of death before saying he’ll leave to let them say their goodbyes. The girls tuck the two of them in like they’re saying goodnight and not goodbye, and the doctor comes back and tells Everly what will happ