Kael POV

The stone steps to the keep are slick with blood and soot, and my boots hit them hard enough to echo. Aria’s weight is light in my arms.

She’s limp now. Head lolling against my chest, breath shallow.

“Stay with me,” I growl under my breath, like I can hold her in this world by force of will alone.

The smoke follows me inside, curling around the cold stone hallway. Vanessa and Elena suddenly block the damn doorway like they’ve got nowhere better to be.

“Move,” I snap, voice low but sharp enough to cut glass.

They didn't, Elena’s arms are crossed, her expression unreadable if you don’t...