Sweat beads along my brow as I focus on the last—and deepest—of Dagny’s cuts, my vision fading in and out of focus as I pour the last of my magic stores into her, desperate to undo some of the harm I’ve caused my beloved.

It's not part of the plan, and I’m well aware I might be dooming us all by using my power like this, but I just can’t bear the thought of Dagny holding these wounds a second longer than she has to. I won’t allow it.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, knowing she can’t hear me, knowing she wouldn’t care if she could. Knowing it’s what I deserve, and I have no right to be upset about it. “Let’s get you out of here.”

I slowly stand, unhooking the iron bridle around her head and then her wrist and ankle restraints. She’s so incredibly light when I lift her into my arms, so small and fragile in comparison to my fully-shifted form—and remorse courses through me anew.

I sigh, pressing my lips to her forehead, allowing the bond to settle enough for me to think clearly. If anything, it makes things worse, and when I finally turn to address the soldiers, my composure is ready to snap.

“Get out of the way,” I snarl, my eyes locking on the one blocking the exit with his body. “I’m taking her back to her cell.”

“Slaine wants to try again. He thinks that⁠—”

“I don’t give a fuck,” I snap, taking a threatening step toward him. “You let me out, or you start losing pieces of your body—your choice.”

The demon shifts his milky white eyes to his comrades, but all of them are turned toward the ground. “I don’t know…”

“Slaine and I have a deal. He’s put her through the test, and he has his results—she’s human. If he wants to continue playing this game, my half of the arrangement is forfeit. And then we all burn.”

The soldier scoffs. “All of this for a pathetic human whore. Ridiculous, really.”

Instead of answering, my lips peel back in a malicious smile. Your tongue will be the first I cut out. “What’s your name, soldier?”

He frowns, cocking his head to the side. “What does that have to do with anyth⁠—”