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Heart pounding, all in a rush, I kissed him. “I love you.” Teyr, those words felt nice to say.

“I love you too.”

And they felt good to hear too.

Brow tight with determination, I turned to face the starlit box and took my first step. Zayne squeezed my hand, the length of our arms now hanging between us. When I looked back, he nodded, his gaze steady as his trust, and let go.

By my next step, Zayne had faded halfway into the shadows, and by now, I was drawn forward, closer to the box. It felt natural to reach out, and light pooled in my hands, flowing smoothly at my summons.

“Stay alert,” Zayne warned.

I nodded. “Be ready to run.”

My hand glowed brighter as it neared the diamond pommel. Power coursed through me, streaming from the heavens with newfound ease. My bond to the Starlit Throne tugged at my soul, as uncertain of me as I was of it. It didn’t resist as I took command of my power.

Before doubt could creep in, I seized the lid of the box and heaved it aside. Starlight flooded the room, and I reached within.

The bite of scorching heat could be felt just beyond the safe bubble protecting my hands. This light couldn’t hurt me. But like the molten core of a star, it would burn any other fae who tried.

The light was so bright I could no longer see my hand, the power so overwhelming I could barely feel my fingers. Despite this, searching in the light felt natural, and I could sense the shards easier than feel them. Carefully, I mentally scanned the bottom of the box, reaching out…

There.

A rough edge.

I grabbed, relying on energy to guide me. Something clinked in my grasp, and satisfied, I lifted my hand free.

I took a step back and then several more, admiring my prize.

The three shards were eerily black compared to the light still dissipating in my hand. I stared at them and, my eyes watering, offered them to Zayne. “They’re yours.”

Before he could accept, the shards jumped from my grip and levitated in the air between us. There was a ripping sound, and the other shards tore themselves free of Zayne’s pocket.

The seven shards—one nothing but slivers—swirled around one another, arranging themselves. They spun about, glinting as each broken facet caught the light, time both unnaturally fast and uncomfortably slow.

Finally, the pieces steadied into position. Surging toward their center, the shards collided together, slinking into their places with the sound of a desperate inhale. The edges darkened, healed, and scarred into place. Once shattered, the shards became whole.

Shock mixed with my relief. No one warned us the black diamond would recombine, but did it matter?

It’s done.

My jaw relaxed as the black diamond settled in Zayne’s outstretched hand.Success.We could go home. Whateverhomemeant to us, especially now, I didn’t know. But as long as we were together, I didn’t care.

I braced for Zayne’s shadows to wrap me tight and take me away.

The darkness never came.

His expression grew distant, as if he were descending into the Underworld. Shadows slipped away.

“Oh, no no no,” I whispered.

He collapsed, falling into me, and I slowly lowered him to the floor. Throat tightening, I brushed the hair from his face.

“Zayne, what happened?” I asked.

He didn’t even open his eyes.

Zayne