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I grit my teeth.

I’ve endured this before.

I can endure it again.

But Calla is screaming my name.

And that is a torment no curse could ever equal.

“Stop!” she cries. “Please!”

I keep my eyes on her.

“Live, darling.”

The marble reaches my waist.

My hands begin to harden.

Hypnos watches with satisfaction.

“At last, you understand obedience.”

I look at him.

“No.”

He frowns.

“I understand love.”

The marble reaches my chest.

My heart slows.

Calla presses both hands against her prison.

“I’m not letting you do this!”

I try to smile.

“Stubborn little mortal.”

“You’re damn right!”

Then something changes.

Silver light blooms beneath her palms.

Hypnos turns.

“What is that?”

Calla looks down at her hands.

The light spreads across the transparent walls.

Cracks appear.