As they seized her, a whisper brushed against her mind. A warm, steady presence cutting through the fear.
"I’m here."
Damien's voice through the mind-link.
Her breath hitched as his voice settled into her thoughts, strong and unyielding.
"I’ll be with you this whole time. Do whatever you need to do to stay alive."
A rush of warmth filled her chest. Even now, even bound and helpless, he was here.
"Don’t worry," she replied, her voice a quiet vow. "You, Cora, and Jasper have given me a reason to fight."
A pause. Then, softer this time, he whispered, "I will be here with you. Always."
Then the connection was gone, severed as rough hands shoved her forward.
The world around her darkened as they dragged her into a dimly lit chamber. The air was thick with the scent of iron and old bloo
