As his healing concluded, they released their hold on one another, and she proceeded to tend to the others who lay injured on the ground, offering them her healing as well.

"What happened out there?" Zachary finally inquired once she completed Sven's healing. "What caused him to alter his decision?"

"He desires to think that he is not entirely malevolent." She replied, "He required my heart for his schemes to succeed, but he no longer desires it."

"What does he intend to do next?"

"He remains unaware; with the gateway to the Shadow Realm sealed, he is confined to our world." She responded.

"Actually, not quite," Zachary replied, and she...