Laura held Nikolai's hand tight. The pain in her chest was getting worse. But she didn't let go.

"Laura," Orion said softly. "Maybe you should rest."

"No." She squeezed Nikolai's fingers. "I'm staying."

The mate bond pulsed between them. Each beat felt like fire in her veins.

Then something changed.

Laura felt her marks start to glow. Warm light spread across her skin.

"What's happening?" Lucian asked. He had been standing by the door.

Laura didn't answer. She couldn't. All her focus was on the strange feeling inside her.

Something was leaving her body. Flowing from her into Nikolai through their joined hands.

Golden light wrapped around both of them...