Page 72 of Our Final Game

The effects of my HP being low have weakened my body so much it’s hard to breathe, let alone move. But Rohan’s kiss gave me a little strength. Debris whips around in the air, cutting my cheek as I try to look up at Leon holding Rohan’s body in his dark flames. He’s not hurt, thank God. But I can’t let him sacrifice himself for me. I don’t know what will happen outside of the game. And refuse to let Rohan’s life be on the line.

“How sweet is he?” Leon chuckles, “So, I guess that’s final.”

It’s not. I step back slowly toward the tower’s edge. “I can’t let you do that, Rohan.”

His head snaps my way. Rohan is staring down at me from his newly formed cage. He tries to slam his hands into its walls, but it pushes him back in a powerful burst of energy.

“Oh, now what’s this?”

“You can have me instead,” I huff, backing away to the edge, rocks giving way under my boots. “What would be the point without you, Rohan?”

“I’ll never forgive you, Tyson. Even if I survive, I’ll never forgive you!” Rohan screams. “Stop it!”

“That’s okay. That’s better than getting out without you,” I chuckle, coughing more blood onto the ground.

“Tyson, no, please! Let me out!”

“Aww, he really cares about you. I knew you two were meant to be,” Leon says, as the last thing I hear before shutting my eyes and falling back off of the tower’s edge.

Rohan’s scream pierces through the air so deafening I can hear it on my descent. I hate the agony in his voice, that I caused it.

The fall feels oddly never-ending. My heart isn’t beating as violently as it was when I jumped. I feel something solid against my chest, my eyes still closed. A familiar scent makes me open them. Rohan is clinging to my body, his breathing harsh and fast.

“You can’t leave me.”

“Rohan… You …”

“Where are we going?” Rohan trembles, I can feel his tears wet against my chest. “It feels like we’re falling forever.”

He’s right, we’ve been falling for way longer than it takes for us to hit the ground, even with the tower’s ascension. What I see around us is not anything my mind can make sense of. It’s just dark, cold, and endless.

“I don’t know, but we’ll be together,” I reassure him, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.

If this is our forever, at least he’s safe in my arms.

Chapter 34

Rohan

Whatever surface my cheek is against feels cold. I cringe, sucking in a deep breath through my nose, the smell around me warm and comforting. Opening my eyes, I find myself in my room, the sunlight filtering in through the curtains. I snap up straight, looking around at my bed, my gaming trophies, and finally at my desk. Understory is still running, but the game is back at the title screen. The last thing I remember is falling. Falling in Tyson’s arms.

“Tyson,” I gasp, standing up and padding over to my apartment door. I slip my feet into my shoes, running out into the hallway. My heart feels like it’s in my throat as I wait for the elevator.

I just want to see him.

I need to see that he’s okay.

When the elevator finally arrives, I step in and wait while it takes me to Tyson’s floor, running out as soon as the doors open again. I make it to his unit and try to catch my breath as I ring the doorbell. Please answer. Please be okay. Please.

Tyson opens the door, his hair mussed, and he’s shirtless. I stare up at him, unblinking. “Tyson,” I breathe out, jumping into his arms. His bare skin feels so warm, and he smells just like he did in the game. Woodsy, with a hint of something citrus I could never name. I reach up towards his lips.

“Uh, good morning?” he says, his voice unsure, his arms not moving to wrap around me like I had gotten used to. And that’s when I realize.

Time freezes, my breathing stops.

Why does he sound like that?

I step back, giving him some space. “You…” I start, but the words don’t come out as I stare into his eyes. His brows are pinched, his mouth slightly ajar.