Chapter 163: The Abyss..

Adrian staggered forward, his vision blurring as the last of the venom coursed through his veins. His entire body ached from the battle, but his thoughts were on Selene. He quickly crossed the chamber, where she lay slumped against the wall, her breaths shallow and her skin glistening with sweat. Dropping to his knees beside her, Adrian gently cradled her, lifting her head onto his arm. 

"Selene," he whispered, brushing a damp strand of hair from her forehead. Her skin was hot to the touch, feverish from the manticore's venom. 

Her eyes fluttered open, glassy and unfocused at first, but when she saw him, a weak smile spread across her lips. "Did… did you kill it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, raspy from exhaustion.

Adrian nodded, his expression softening. "Yes. It's dead."

Selene sighed, the tension easing from her body. "I'm sorry, Lord Adrian. I couldn't—" She winced, her voice fading. "I couldn't help you."