Chapter 292

“Leonardo?” I whispered, gently cupping his face, my hands trembling against his ice-cold skin. His pale complexion mirrored the glassy sheen of his eyes, and the stubble on his chin prickled against my fingertips, sending a faint wisp of steam spiraling between us. I reached deep within, calling on the magic that connected me to the sun, building a flame in the center of my chest, a fire fueled by thoughts of him. This time, the warmth felt different—pure, radiant, like a blend of all the elements combined. It spread across my skin, glowing golden against the silvery shimmer that seemed to cloak him. “Can you hear me?” I asked, pressing my hands firmly against his cheeks, willing him to respond. But his vacant stare remained unchanged, more distant than before.