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We stood in front of the blue swirling light that made up the trans-dimensional gate, laden heavy with supplies.

“Everyone ready?” Aaron said. He hadn’t stopped frowning since we woke up this morning.

I stroked his wide shoulders, spent extra time washing him in the shower, but the tension did not lessen.

Along with us, he had eight of his men at his back, each carrying a small arsenal of weapons.

It wasn’t enough for him, I could tell. We hadn’t planned long enough, hadn’t coordinated the group enough, hadn’t analysed everyone’s skillset sufficiently for him to relax.

He must have felt like he was leading us into certain doom, and I knew how that felt.

I looked over my pack, because that’s what they were now.

I wasn’t sure if I was in love with all of them.

I was still getting to know some, enjoying that ride, but one thing I was sure of—I wanted to be with them.

Would there be casualties? The men from our vision and Shaun’s face immediately sprung to mind.

I didn’t, couldn’t know. But just thinking of any harm coming to them had my fists tightening, a growl in my throat.

“You OK, Jules?” Finn said. He looked so much better now that we were doing something.

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. Crying like a little girl right as we attempted to strike at the Volken was not going to help anyone’s morale.

He seemed to see it anyway, reaching over and brushing a thumb over the top of my cheek.

“We’ll be alright. I won’t let anything happen to anyone.

We’ll get the guys out, and be back home before you know it. ”

For a second, I clung to his hand, just needing that strong, warm contact before nodding.

I looked at the blue light we were about to step through, staring at the void as it stared back.

Fucking Jack, he was right. This was a suicide mission.

We were stones being cast against the whirlwind, but if I was going to die trying to achieve the impossible, there was no one else I wanted to do it with.

“Come,” Sylvan said, drawing up beside us. “It’s time.”

I took Finn’s hand and then Brandon’s, feeling the bond come to life as everyone linked up.

I looked down the line and nodded, then over my shoulder to where Ophelia had Buddy on a lead as he pulled with all his might against it.

When we moved, we did so as one, stepping up and through the gate.

Interdimensional travel felt a bit like being turned inside out through your belly button.

It was all dizzying blue lights and frantic motion, and then, our feet landed on solid soil.

I took a massive breath in, my lungs burning from lack of oxygen, and looked around. Finn nodded, then moved forward.

“We’re here.”