Dante and Zephyr took turns explaining. The cave. Kieran's attack. Zephyr's possession. The battle. Laura's sacrifice.

Lucian listened in silence. His face showed nothing.

When they finished, the room was quiet for a long time.

"Kragroth," Lucian said finally. "You're sure that was the name?"

"Yes," Zephyr said. "And it's still out there. Still looking for a way to destroy Laura."

"Or use her," Orion added. "Something that old and powerful doesn't give up easily, especially on a threat."

Laura felt tears on her cheeks. She wiped them away quickly.

"There's something else," she said. "About Nikolai."

Lucian's whole body went tense. "What about him?"

"He saved me." Laura's voice...