Chapter 96. Destroyed

Lex’s POV

The instant I reached the altar at the center of the room, it felt as if a bolt of lightning had shot through me. An electric current ripped down my spine, seizing every muscle. My body tensed violently, and I froze, my hand slipping from Lilly’s grasp.

I staggered backward, fighting the agony that tore through my body. My vision blurred; tears stung my eyes as a wildfire seemed to ignite in my veins. Every nerve burned, my skin prickling with a cold sweat that drenched my brow. I gasped, clutching the edge of the altar for support as my knees threatened to buckle.

Lilly’s eyes widened in shock. “Lex, are you okay?” she asked, her voice trembling as she started toward me.

I managed to lift a shaking hand, desperate to keep her at a distance. “I’m… I’m okay,” I ground out, jaw clenched tight against a scream.

“You look anything but okay,” she whispered, worry etched into every line of her face. “Let me—”

“Don’t!” I barked, forcing