Laura looked at the dying world around her. At Kragoth's burning form and also at Elise's desperate face.

At that moment she knew what she had to do.

"I'm sorry," she whispered to no one in particular.

Then she opened her mind to her mates. All four of them. Even here in this dark place, their bond was strong.

Lucian, she called through their connection. I love you.

In the real world, she felt him freeze. Felt his heart stop beating for a moment.

Laura? His voice was desperate. Where are you?

I'm fighting for us, she said. For everyone.

Come back, he said as he could sense something in...