POV: Theo

She moved quickly, cutting her own palm first. Blood welled up, dark and thick. She pressed her hand to Xavier's chest, right over his heart.

"Luna, you next."

Luna cut her palm without hesitation and placed it on Xavier's forehead.

"Theo."

I took the knife. The blade was cold against my skin. I pressed it into my palm, felt the sting and the hot rush of blood. Then I placed my hand over Xavier's, linking us together.

"Everyone hold tight," Elena said. "Once this starts, you can't let go. No matter what you feel."

She began to chant in a language I didn't recognize. Old words, heavy with...