I didn’t have to be told twice. I sat on the edge of the cot while Hanna shifted instinctively toward me, her hand finding my thigh and gripping weakly. That simple touch nearly undid me.
The coven moved back, clearing space for her breathing to even out. Krusk strode into the room then, with Enka on his heels. Both stopped short when they saw her—pale, shaking, but alive.
Enka’s voice cracked. “Shit, Sav.”
I swallowed hard, my voice shaking. “I know.”
Krusk stepped closer, his huge frame blocking half the room. “Is she…?”
“She’ll live,” I said, voice rough. “But they nearly killed her.”
Enka swore viciously. “We should’ve finished them off while we were there.”
Krusk nodded once. “We still might,” he hissed.
Tabitha cleared her throat loudly. “He’ll face the magical courts. And whatever verdict they pass won’t be kind,” she told us, her voice dark with promise.
Zara muttered, “Especially after I testify,” she snapped. “Heput my sister through hell. He can choke and her parents can burn.”
Tasia smirked. “I’ll help you write your statement.”
The clan warriors hovering outside the door murmured approval.Dristan strode in behind them, arms crossed, jaw tight.
“Everyone out,” he ordered. “Except Savla.”
No one argued. No one even hesitated.Within moments, the room emptied—except for Dristan, who walked to my side, staring at Hanna with a tense set to his shoulders I recognized from every other time he had to bear the weight of someone being hurt under his watch. He turned his gaze toward me.
“You almost lost her,” he whispered.
I clenched my teeth.
“I know,” I gritted.
“You almost lost yourself,” he added.
I shut my eyes. “I know.”
“But you didn’t,” he finished simply. “You protected her, but the bond didn’t consume you. You didn’t become your father.”
My chest twisted so sharply I almost folded. I looked up at him, sharply, but he just put his hand on my back—firm and grounding.
“I know a little something about you, brother. And while you might be scared that you’ll turn out like him, I can promise you that after knowing you for a short time, I already know you won’t.”
The emotion in my chest threatened to overflow. It was all too much, but Dristan patted my back again.
“Rest with her. We’ll handle the fallout,” he told me.
I nodded, barely managing the words, “Thank you.”
He left without another sound and the room quieted.Only Hanna’s soft breathing filled the space. Her hand still clung to my thigh, fingers twitching faintly from exhaustion. I covered itwith mine.
Her magic shimmered at the contact—sleepy, raw and instinctual. It curled around my palm like a frightened animal seeking heat and my breath hitched. She needed me, yes, but even more, shetrustedme.
And for the first time in my life, the bond didn’t feel like a chain or a curse. It felt like a lifeline.She stirred faintly and her lips parted.
“Savla…” she whispered in her sleep, voice thin and hoarse.
I froze. She’d said my name like a prayer—like aplea. As though she’d been calling for me long before I reached her. My hand tightened around hers.
