"Finally," Loki whispered, a breath of triumph curling past his lips as his eyes drank me in like I was the only thing that ever mattered.

Xander's wolf stirred, panting, bleeding—but he pushed against the rock he was pinned to, trying to rise.

"Don’t," I said through the mind link, my voice trembling. "Please… just trust me."

His golden eyes snapped to mine, fury and confusion clashing inside them.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing, Raven?" he growled, agony raw in his voice.

I met his gaze, heart twisting. "Please, Xander. Trust me."

Time seemed to hold its breath.

Loki took slow, deliberate steps toward me, his coat...