Emma listened to Tala's inconsolable cries from afar. She knew the woman sat by her side, but she had clung to her brother's lifeless body as if it were the only thing keeping her afloat in the middle of the ocean. The only sound that seemed to calm her own tears came from the rhythmic beating of a heart. Her breathing became erratic, and suddenly she opened her eyes and lifted her face to look at Ethan.

"He's alive!" she cried, and before she could finish the sentence, Tala looked at her brother with eager eyes.

A loud, deep and brutal howl escaped Ethan's throat. Her brother opened his eyes,...