Chapter 149. Patter of Pain

"Ariel. Ariel. I beg you, Ariel."

Elice shook Ariel's body. But Ariel didn't move at all. Completely still.

"Ariel, please."

Elice let go of Ariel's hand. Just to touch his face. Just to feel that there was no feeling there.

Ariel's eyes opened. Unblinking. Unfocused. Those eyes had lost their light. Faded. Gone. Leaving behind a reality that made Elice's tears flow uncontrollably.

There was no breath. No more pulse. No more heartbeat. All signs of life were gone. Just as the soul had finally left its body.

"Ariel!" Elice sobbed. She embraced Ariel's lifeless body. Holding it tight. "Ariel, please."

No matter how hard Elice shook the body in her embrace, she received no response. The rigid body remained motionless. Crushing any hope Elice had clung to.

Ending in a hug full of devastation that made Elice cry even harder. Allowing Ariel's blood and her tears to mix into one.

"Ariel."

Elice's voice was filled with