The former Dark King’s eyes closed again; his chest did not appear to rise.
Niall reached out and put a hand on the injured faery’s chest. “Irial!”
“Still here.” Irial didn’t open his eyes, but he smiled a little.
“You’re an ass,” Niall said, but he kept his hand on Irial’s chest so that he could feel both pulse and breath.
“You too, Gancanagh,” Irial murmured.

Author: Melissa Marr