*Ember*
As Lukas stopped breathing, something in me gave out. A choked sob escaped me. My eyes filled with tears. The scent of his blood filled my nose and filled me with relief. His eyes stared out into nothing, and I knew that I was free. A hand landed on my shoulder.
I turned sharply and looked up into beautiful purple eyes that I thought I would never see again.
My heart thundered in my chest as the tears gushed down my cheeks, and I threw myself into his arms. He wrapped his arms around me, crushing me to his chest.
"Alec," I sobbed into his chest as he stroked my hair. "A-Alec, I–"
"I'm here. It's over." He whispered, pressing me closer to his chest. "I've got you,"
The deep rumble of his voice was a soothing balm on my frayed nerves. I dug my fingers into his bag, gripping him desperately as if he would vanish if I let go. His grip felt no less desperate.
"I love you," I sniffled. "I tried… I didn't…"