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"Let me fucking go!" I wailed, stomping my foot into the soldier on my left. His head came low enough for me to smash with the back of my head, then my left leg and arm were free.

I struck the second soldier with an elbow and another headbutt — and then I was free.

He was still alive… he had to be!

The mind mage had already returned to Frexin by the time I dove for Jaiel. I pulled him in close, wrapping him tightly in my arms, as if I could protect him — could keep him safe.

"Hold on. Please hold on!"

"I am done, my lady," the mage said, voice cold and hard. "The shadow is now directed toward your desired target. I do not believe you will be hunted anymore."

"Good. And the Fae prince?"

"He is gone."

Pain slammed me, and a wail poured from my lips as I pulled Jaiel's limp head tighter to my chest.

He was wrong! He had to be. I – I was supposed to save him …

Tears dripped from my chin as I brushed away dark strands from his beautiful face — now charred and cracked by the shadows.

"Please," I begged, feeling for him through the bond. "I'm here, Jaiel. I'm here!"

But he didn't stir. And all I felt through the bond was an emptiness where Jaiel had once been.

"Kaiya, my dear," Frexin said, voice cold. "Our deal is done. I have my weapon,so I will free your prisoner friends. I hope that gives you some sense of satisfaction. You've accomplished what you set out to do, at least."

"Fuck you!" I snarled, glaring daggers at her.

She frowned and shook her head. "This is certainly not how I wanted to end things. But perhaps it's for thebest. Goodbye, my dear." Jaw tight, she turned away. "Kill her."

Korym straightened, scowl breaking into a horrific smile. Next to him, Holden's sharp face twisted into a nasty smirk.

"Yes, my lady," Korym replied.

"With pleasure," Holden growled.

My pulse skittered as Frexin passed through the wall of soldiers and mechs, calling orders and gesturing for a waiting cart.

Korym and Holden closed in on me, and I squeezed Jaiel tighter.

I need to find a way to get him out of here.Then I could worry about getting him back from that shadow monster.I refuse to believe he's gone.

A frisson of worry skittered through me. Was this whole effort doomed? What chance did I have against —No. I needed to take stock of my situation, just as I'd been trained …

There were a dozen soldiers and half a dozen mechs, but none had moved to engage me… save for Holden and the unkillable mage.

My odds weren't great.

But I couldn't give up. Not while Jaiel was in danger. And not while those assholes still had air in their lungs.

"Stand up, Savior," Holden ordered. "I like it when my prey tries to resist."

Bile rose in my throat as I glared up at the horrid man. I didn't want to leave Jaiel's side, but that asshole neededto pay for every single broken bone, shed tear,and sleepless night he'd inflicted.

And I was happy for the opportunity to be the one to make him pay.

Gently resting Jaiel's head on the ground, I pushed myself to my knees, cursing my lack of strength.