Broken crystal

A Heartbeat in the Shadows

That's our KIRI 🔥🔥

KAY'S POV

My heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might burst out of my chest. The scene replayed in my mind over and over: Alce's body being cut into pieces, the blood, the sheer horror of it all. I couldn't stop shaking. My hands trembled uncontrollably, and my breaths came in short, shallow gasps. I was on the brink of hyperventilating, fighting to keep my panic under control.I couldn't believe what I'd just seen. Alce had powers—powers I had never seen before. The way she moved, the force of the wind she created, and that portal... it was like something out of a nightmare.

But the worst part was seeing her hurt. The image of her body being torn apart was burned into my mind, making me feel sick to my stomach.Physically, I was a mess. My muscles were tense, and my body felt like it was buzzing with leftover adrenaline. I felt both exhausted and wired, unable to calm down. My knees felt weak, and I wanted nothing more than to collapse and cry, but I couldn't.

I had to stay strong, for Alce.Mentally, I was struggling to make sense of everything. The confession, the surprise on Kiri's face, and then the attack—it was too much to process all at once. I felt like my mind was a chaotic swirl of fear, confusion, and worry. Alce had always been the strong one, the one who comforted me, and now she was the one who needed help. The realization was overwhelming.Emotionally, I was devastated. I felt a deep, gnawing fear for Alce's safety. I couldn't lose her—not now, not ever.

 The thought of her being hurt, of not knowing if she was okay, was unbearable. Tears welled up in my eyes, and I fought to keep them from falling. I had to be strong. I had to believe that we would get through this, somehow.As I sat in the safety of the portal's destination, I felt utterly helpless. I wanted to scream, to cry, to do something, but all I could do was sit there, shaking and praying that Alce was still alive. The fear and worry were almost too much to bear, but I clung to the hope that we would find a way to get through this together.

The adrenaline was still pumping through my veins as I made my way back to the place where everything had happened. My mind was a whirlwind of fear and determination—I had to find Alce, and I needed answers. The memory of her being torn apart haunted me, driving me forward despite the overwhelming fear gripping my heart.As I approached, I heard the sounds of a struggle.

My steps quickened, and I rounded the corner to a scene that was both shocking and intense. Iris was there, her movements swift and precise as she fought with a female assassin. The assassin's face was twisted with fury and pain as Iris landed blow after blow.I stood frozen for a moment, taking in the sight. Iris was relentless, her expression a mix of rage and desperation. The assassin tried to retaliate, but Iris was too skilled, too focused. Each punch, each kick was delivered with the force of someone protecting something—or someone—they loved dearly.

My eyes darted around, searching for Alce. The fear for her safety clawed at my insides, but I forced myself to focus on the immediate threat. I needed to help Iris, to ensure that this assassin couldn't hurt anyone else.I moved closer, ready to jump in if needed. The assassin managed to land a hit on Iris, but it only seemed to fuel her fury. With a final, powerful strike, Iris knocked the assassin to the ground.

The woman lay there, defeated and motionless.Iris turned to me, her eyes wide with a mix of relief and panic. "Kay, you shouldn't be here!" she shouted, her voice strained with effort."I had to come back. Where's Alce? Is she okay?" I demanded, my voice trembling with emotion.

Iris's expression softened, but worry still etched her features. "Alce... she's gone, Kay. She saved us, but she didn't make it," Iris said, her voice breaking. The words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I staggered, the world spinning around me.