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“Ri,chroi. Should you wish to go with him, I’ll not argue. In fact, I encourage you to do so while your powers continue to grow,” Shaye said, cutting the edge from his voice. ’Twas enough to have the air thick with anticipation and heavy with an approaching storm. “But the decision needs to be made now.” To Horano, who continued to provide Moira with a subtle stream of magic to ease the pain and discomfort of her most grievous wound, he said, “You’ll bring them to the place we discussed. And you shall remain with them.”

Horano nodded. “Aye.”

“I will allow Liam access to the hideaway for purposes of communication. If you have any needs, let him know.”

At last, he lowered his gaze to Moira. His beloved Moira. The sheen of moisture had returned to her eyes as she struggled to keep her smile intact, despite the twitch at the corners and the hint of a quiver to her chin. Her emotions surged through him, their golden bond throbbing to follow their tandem heartbeats.

“You know I’d put up an argument over this if my situation was different,” she murmured.

’Twas the first moment since everyone burst into their chamber that he managed a minuscule half grin. A short, breathy chuckle escaped him as he cupped the side of her face.

“I do not doubt it,ghra.”

“We agreed, together. We do everything together. We face everything together.” Her voice cracked, lowering to a whisper. She lost the battle with her smile and closed her eyes, the first tear shimmering on her lashes. The sight choked him, squeezing his heart. He brushed the tear away before it fell, drew her close, and pressed his lips to her forehead. “Shaye.”

“Does not matter where you are, my love, we face this together. Always together. Our roles in this battle are merely different this time.” He crouched down to Chase’s level and mussed his hair. “I’m tasking you with a very important job, son. You must promise me you’ll take great care of your mum and baby brother while you’re in this special hideaway, aye?”

Chase beamed, the precious child. He lifted his chin high after a vigorous nod, and crossed his little arms over his chest. “I will. I’ll be Mommy and Terrek’s protector.”

Shaye straightened up again, dropping a kiss to Chase’s head. He caught one of his infant son’s bobbing fists andkissed his ruddy cheek. Silvery-blue eyes gazed up at him through dark lashes, filling him with joy.

“Shaye, we should leave,” Horano said.

He sighed and nodded. “Aye, ’tis time.”

Goddess, how this hurt. He caught Moira’s face between his hands and pressed a kiss to her trembling lips, drinking in her quiet sob as he fought to control his own emotions. The coiling of their combined worry and uncertainty plucked at the strength he’d mustered for this very moment.

“Go,mo ghra. We will be together soon,” he whispered.

One last kiss to her forehead and he took a long step back to stand next to Rihanna. His sister struggled with her own heartache, but she held her composure, her regal grace, as Horano took Bryce by the wrist and Moira by the elbow. Moira held tight to Chase’s hand.

“We’re ready,” Horano said.

Shaye drew on his magic, his power, connecting with threads deep within the mountain. A secret pocket tucked beneath all dangers, away from all threats, and accessible by him alone. ’Twas his magic that created this bunker, and no one else’s.

Bright green and gold-flecked brown energy danced around his hands. He cast his magic toward those dearest to him, ribbons of misty colors coiling from their heads to their feet.

He held Moira’s gaze the entire time.

His heart tore as she began to fade.

Emptiness settled in his chest when she disappeared completely.

A muffled sob fled his sister. He pressed his lips together and pulled her into an embrace. She needed his strength as much as he needed hers.

“She will not succeed, Ri.”

“She may not succeed, brother, but how many will suffer until she falls?”

33

Breathless.

Stabbed in the gut, heart ripped out breathless.

How? How could he look any more gorgeous? How could he fit in with those creatures so perfectly? How did he look so fuckingrightwith that woman?

The moment she saw him, she nearly gave herself away. Nearly screwed up the plan. But the very sight of him in, in…leather…