The agonizing burn of iron is unmistakable, and I look down to see a deadly spike lodged in my sternum, narrowly missing my heart by an inch. I can feel the organ spasm, attempting to shrink away from the toxic metal.

“We said no powers.” I fall back, weakened from the blinding pain.

“I didn’t use my powers.” Smirking, Silas holds a hand to his gushing neck wound. “That was hidden in my boot.”

Sneaky bastard.

“You missed.” Grunting, I pull the spike from my body.

It still feels like I’m being burned from the inside out, but at least I have it in my possession. I can use it if I need to. Even though that’s not what I want.

In all the times we’ve fought, Silas and I have never gravely injured each other. I’m extremely disheartened to realize he meant to end me tonight.

That changes things between us. So does his confession about the plague. Our relationship will never be the same again.

I’m about to get up and resume the fight when I smell smoke. Alarmed, I glance at Zella. Her hands are at her sides, and flames lick up her fingers. Her breathing is labored, and I can tell she’s trying to hold it in.

The agreement not to use my powers didn’t apply to her. I should’ve thought about what would happen if she became too emotional.

When I look at Silas, I see genuine fear on his face. Tehya is close to Zella. Too close.

If my mate loses control, who knows what could happen.

“My sweet.” I stand and hold out a hand in a placating gesture. “I’m all right.”

She doesn’t seem to hear me. Her eyes stare blankly ahead, the violet irises completely taken over by the black of her pupils. The stones under her feet begin to glow with heat.

“Tehya.” Silas gulps, his palm still pressed to his throat. “Come to me. Slowly.”

“Both of you leave,” I order, not even looking their way.

They don’t hesitate to obey my command, and their footsteps fade away as they sprint through the maze back to the palace.

Zella’s entire body is trembling with the effort to hold her powers in.

I know what it’s like to be young and lose control. The urge to unleash will keep building until it reaches a boiling point—no pun intended.

“Let go,” I tell her.

“Can’t,” she squeaks out. “Don’t want to hurt you.”

“You won’t. I know you won’t. I have confidence in you. I love you, Zella.”