Chapter 25 · The Girl Behind the Door

Lena's not breathing.

The door's cracked open behind her and I can hear a thousand voices pouring out but all I can see is her chest. It's not moving. Her eyes are open, staring straight at me, and her lips are still shaped around that last word.

Sorry.

"Lena!" I'm across the chamber before I realize I'm moving. Silas doesn't try to stop me. He's backed up against the wall, staring at the crack in the door like it's about to eat him.

Maybe it is.

I drop to my knees next to the altar. The chains are still on her wrists but they're slack now, like whatever was pulling them tight just let go. I grab her shoulders. Her skin's cold.

"No. No, come on." I shake her. Nothing. "Lena, wake up. You don't get to do this. Not now."

Her eyes don't blink. They're fixed on something past my shoulder.

I follow her gaze.

Elias is on his feet. Barely. The blackening's crawled up his neck and across his jaw, creeping toward his mouth like it wants to silence him too. He's holding onto one of the stone pillars, and in his other hand—