“Wonderful!” I step back, sending my new friend a wink before ripping open the door and stepping out of the torture chamber. I slam it closed behind me and head off down the long tunnel toward the holding cells, clutching Dagny’s tiny body to my chest like it’s the last time I’ll ever get to hold her like this. And for all I know, it probably is.

My chest twinges as I turn to the left down another narrow passage lined with empty cells—at least, it seems that way—but the low hisses and moans reverberating from the shadows tell me otherwise. I hasten my pace, keeping my eyes forward and my wing curled around the beautiful creature in my arms until I reach the end, where the magic-fortified cell is. I wave my hand in front of the door, and the deadbolt creaks open slowly—another reminder of how little magic I have left in my body.

With a sigh, I step into the chilled cell, my mouth turning downward in a frown as I take in the bare floor and frost-covered stone. I place her gently in the corner of the room, keeping my eyes on her as I strip my dermal suit. My skin burns as it’s exposed to the air, but it’s only for a moment, and certainly not enough to distract me.

I kneel on the stone, spreading the fabric along the ground as best I can to make a little spot for Dagny to rest on. I fold one of the sleeves in an attempt to create a pillow, but it’s far from what I envisioned. Another sigh passes my lips as I gaze at the sad excuse for a bed, but I can’t do anything else at this point.

“Just a little while longer,” I whisper, turning to pick Dagny up and move her to the spread. “Just a few more days, and all of this will be worth it. I promise.”

She doesn’t respond, but it’s not like I expect her to. She’s still deep under the influence of the arachnyx venom and won’t be fully conscious for another couple of hours. Still, a painful ache travels down the bond, knowing what I’ve put her through, knowing what I still must.

I lean in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. The bond screams in agony as I pull away, but it's a pain I can manage. I’ve felt it since the moment I locked eyes with Dagny—that ever-present, overwhelming need to be with her, to be in her skin. Waiting just a little while longer will be worth it—or at least, that’s what I tell myself to make it through the day.