"Or if we've been creating ghosts out of grief," Lucian said quietly.
But even he looked hopeful. Like he desperately wanted to be wrong. Like he wanted more than anything for his brother to still exist somewhere.
They left Elena to rest. Moving out into the hallway together.
The medical wing was quiet. Morning light streaming through windows. The estate slowly returning to life after yesterday's devastation.
Sebastian took Lilith's hand. "Whatever happens with the ritual...whether Nicholas appears or not....we'll face it together."
"Together," Lucian agreed. He took her other hand. "All of us."
Lilith squeezed both their hands.
Two days.
Two days until they attempted something unprecedented.
Two days until they either saw Nicholas again....
Or learned to finally let him go.
****
Two days felt like an eternity.
