Chapter 78

Darius's POV

Blood.

Too much of it.

It soaked through the linen I pressed against her shoulder, seeping between my fingers no matter how tightly I held on. My hands shook—hands that had cut down a dozen rogues without flinching now trembled because the woman in front of me refused to stay still.

"Valerie," I growled, low. "Stop moving."

She winced, sucking in a breath, but her chin lifted stubborn