He reaches for my hand and squeezes, grunting and gritting his teeth as the embers of my skin scourge him. But he holds fast and doesn’t let go.
I’ve got you,he repeats over and over until I’m doing the same in my head—clinging to his words like a prayer, like my one last hope.
With a cry that splits the earth, I find the will to sever the chord. Sweet silence echoes through my mind. I’m not even aware that I’m falling until I feel the grass on my face. Zadyn’s arms slide beneath me, cradling me in his lap.
Did it work?
Yes. It worked. You did it. You did so beautifully.
I let my eyes close for one glorious moment. He smooths my hair off my face, his fingers grazing my cheek with the lightest of pressure.
You’re so fucking strong.
I laugh, because sitting here in a crumpled heap with no ability to even lift my head, I feel like the antithesis of strong.
You did well, warrior.Furi’s voice twinkles with pride and relief. I turn my attention back to Zadyn.
“Can you help me up?”
“Maybe you should take a minute.”
“No. We need to do this. Every minute counts.”
He nods, fighting his concern, before snaking an arm around my waist and helping me up. He leads me toward Mar, Dover, and Kai—still crouched on the ground, eyes wide and…afraid.
My friends are afraid of me. I’ve terrified them.
“That was…” Kai shakes his head, words evading him for once.
“Let’s just get this done.” I spare him from having to finish that sentence.
“Alright, everyone take a point,” Mar says, back to business.
She has constructed what she called a containment circle—a pentacle lined with raw diamonds. We stand in the field beneath the moonlight, my friends punctuating each point of the star.
“Magic like this is unpredictable. This is just another safety measure,” Mar explains. “As long as we stay connected, nothing is getting in or out.”
“You sure you’re alright?” Zadyn asks. I nod, taking my place beside him.
“I’m okay. Walk me through this part again?”
“I’m going to say the words to seal the circle. You’ll need to do it with me. Zadyn and I will hold onto your arms so your hands are free to release the stars. It’s going to be bright, and it’s going to be powerful, but the circle should keep it from blasting us apart.”
“Should?”
Mar shoots me a look before continuing. “Then on my word, you open that box. The second it’s inside, you?—”
“Close that sucker.” I nod. “Sounds simple enough.”
“No matter what happens, no matter what you feel, we are not going to break contact. Do you all understand?”
Mar glances around the circle. All of us nod.
“When you’re ready, Mar.”
Her eyes close, and she begins to mutter the words in Ancient Fae. I listen a few times before joining in. The stones begin to vibrate around us, growing brighter as if lit from within. Zadyn’s hand is a vice on my arm, making sure I’m still here, that I’m still standing. Without breaking the chant, Mar bobs her head, giving me the signal. I flip open my locket first and watch my half spear into the center of the circle. Then I reach into my pocket for Kylian’s onyx locket. The stone is hot to the touch.
Something makes me hesitate. Zadyn looks over at me, confusion etched on his face.
