*Isla*
Maddox runs to me looking just as worn out as me and Poppy are. We’ve dragged Antony over a mile along the beach back to the city, praying that someone would see us and help. Hot sun beats down on us as I watch my mate close in, his eyes narrowed and mouth parted in surprise.
“Is he–”
“He’s dead,” I say quickly, the words tasting like pure acid on my tongue. Maddox pauses, his eyes meeting mine.
‘Are you going to save him?’ he asks through our bond so only I can hear his question. It’s a hard one, if I’m being completely honest. Do I give this man another chance? This man, my own cousin, who has done nothing but lie to us?
‘I’m going to try to,’ I tell him, not sure if I can. Not sure if anything can. How long do we have?
Maddox nods and steps forward, his large frame parti
