Meanwhile...
Far away from the blood-soaked battlefield, a sharp jolt tore through Ella’s chest.
She gasped—her hand flying to her heart as a searing pain gripped her ribs. It wasn’t hers. It was his.
Damian.
The pain rippled through their bond like wildfire. She staggered out of the bed, nearly collapsing, clutching her stomach, while trying to hold on to the nearest wall.
Selena, who had been pacing nearby like a restless hawk, rushed to her side in an instant. “It’s starting,” she whispered, her voice tight with urgency. “Lila’s using her magic.”
Ella's eyes glazed over with fear. “He’s hurting. I can feel it... all of it.”
But this moment—Damian had prepared for it.
He knew the bond would transmit his agony to Ella. Knew Lila would unleash her darkness in desperation. And so, b
