“You will find no mercy here,” I told her, my voice vibrating and unfamiliar.

Dannie held her hands up, but I was done waiting. Slicing again, my blade landed deep in her chest. I knew where to hit, feeling the stone’s power, and the moment I opened her up, a bright light emerged, blinding the world with its intensity.

Len was at my side now, his Silver Magic wresting the sunburst stone from her chest. It came to him willingly, disappearing into a small silver container that went into his coat.

I jerked my blade free from the phoenix’s chest, and there was no sense of satisfaction or success.

Dannie’s eyes met mine, and there was a softness there that hadn’t been before. “I’m sorry, Mera,” she whispered, and for the first time, I felt she meant it. “So sorry.”

Those were her last words before she crumbled and plummeted, slamming hard against the ground. Feathers shot everywhere and by the time we landed beside her, there was nothing but a few stray feathers remaining of the Danamain.

“She’s gone,” Shadow said, his arms around me as he held on like I might disappear too.

Like Angel. My eyes filled with tears as I lost my wolf-phoenix, turning back into a chick who’d lost her best friend. A chick whose insides were tearing her apart.

Midnight wrapped around me, followed by Shadow, the pair keeping me together.

When I finally straightened, Shadow pressed a kiss to my forehead. “She went out as a warrior,” he murmured. “Don’t take that from her.”

I trembled, looking at the spot where Angel had fallen. There was nothing but her armor there now, and I had no idea where Honor Meadow beings went upon death. I’d find out when I was mentally able to handle it.

“I will return the stone to Faerie,” Len said, interrupting when he couldn’t wait any longer.

Shadow held up a hand to stop his friend before he disappeared. “Take Inky and Midnight with you.” His eyes briefly met mine. “If that’s okay with you, Mera? I’d just hate for anything to happen to Len or the stone until it’s locked away again.”

I nodded, unable to process my feelings, but knowing he was right. “Yes, that’s a good idea.”

Midnight dove closer to wrap around me. I’m sorry for your loss, Mera, it said, offering support and love. But I will protect the stone, so it never happens again.

I swallowed hard. Thank you, friend. It just hurts.

Midnight seemed to understand, as it lifted me off the ground for an extra strong hug. Inky joined in, the pair of them loving on me the only way they could. For a moment, it helped, and I brushed my hands through their sparking centers as they set me back on the ground.