I let the words hang in the air like a death sentence.

"No," Avalon breathed. "No, please don't..."

"I reject your bond," I continued, feeling the magic respond to my words, feeling the connection between us start to tear. "I reject your claim. I reject everything you've done and everything you represent."

"Zephyr, stop!" Avalon tried to hold me but Zane and Osilus blocked him. "Please, stop! If you do this, if you sever the bond now..."

"I free myself from you," I said, and the pain started like something vital was being ripped out of my chest. "I free myself from your lies, your betrayals, your..."

My voice cut...