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She focused her thoughts and reached through the thin web of power to take his waiting hand. Shouts echoed behind her, but they meant nothing, because as her power met Vadim’s, they were suddenly and impossibly free.

* * *

“That’s ridiculous.”

Vadim paced back and forth in front of his mate, who was regarding him with a somewhat aggrieved expression.

“No, it makes perfect sense. Adam steals my face, you come back in a rage, threatening to wipe out your entire family—either way he wins.”

“You think this was all set up to destroy me?”

“Why else would the sect be so desperate to get hold of you? Think about it. Think about their obsession with patterns!”

“And killing me would be Adam’s ultimate triumph.”

“Yes!”

He considered the spectacular view over the forest. The sun was setting and he sensed their pursuers were not far behind. Ella still bore his father’s mark. They would be easy to track.

“We have to go back.”

“I know.”

He walked over to her and cupped her cheek. “Ihave to go back, you do not. If you wish, I can help you find your way home.”

“But I’d have this face, and at some point, if Adam is still alive, he’ll come after me to reclaim his prize and end the contest.”

“I will do my best to kill him for you before I succumb.”

She attempted a grin, but it was a pitiful sight. “You’re so freaking noble.”

“No, I simply want you to survive more than life itself.”

She grabbed his wrist. “Do you want me to go?”

“I don’t want you to see me die.”

“That’s hardly an answer.”

“Ella, I want to live out my life with you for all eternity.” She made as if to break free, but he covered her hand with his own. “I need you.” It was so much easier to express himself in his true form, so muchsimplerwhen he didn’t have to worry about exposing his dark side. Ella knew all about him now, and she still hadn’t walked away.

“And I don’t want to leave. I can’t do that to you. Whatever happens, we should face this together.”

He let out a slow breath. “In their supreme arrogance, that’s one thing they haven’t thought about, isn’t it? Your power added to mine brings a whole new dimension to their ability to bring me down.”

“I can help you.”

“I know that.” He kissed her hand. “It’s going to be difficult to prove what you suspect.”

“I suppose it doesn’t matter, if you kill them all anyway.”

“But it does. It matters to my family. I’d rather obtain a confession first.”

“Why should you care? None of them have exactly stood up for you, have they?”

“My mother and grandmother have supported me to the best of their ability, but the charges of killing Nia and Ciaran were enough to shake even their faith. They believed I’d become a danger to everyone.” He sighed. “If what you suspect is true, my death will simply enhance the power of the sect.”

“If Adam really has delusions of ruling Otherworld.”