Chapter 97 - Chapter 97: Endless Night

His vision blurred by the moisture, which clung to his lashes and teeth gritted against the tumultuous storm of agonizing despair that welled up within him, Cassius curled his fingers tightly around the object in his hand. The intricate golden inlays on its ivory hilt and the pristine silver of its sharpened blade, the last glimmers of hope that remained of his desperate efforts to save Aribelle. He muttered an almost feverish apology under his breath as he approached the bed where she laid.