I see the uneasiness that flashes across Lor’s expression, and I lean over to press a kiss against her temple. We’re going to figure this out one way or another.

Don’t worry, Lor, I say through our bond. We’ll fix all of this.

She gives me a tight smile.

“So we have a plan,” she says, clearly trying to put on a brave face.

I just hope any of it works.

CHAPTER 38

LOR

Alow rumble rouses me from sleep as the room shakes. My eyes peel open, and the rumbling stops. Was I dreaming? I look at Nadir, who lies next to me, his face relaxed with slumber.

I sigh and roll back, staring up at the ceiling. After relaying everything I’d seen and learned, thanks to my mother, I didn’t miss the expressions on Tristan’s and Willow’s faces when they realized what had happened and how much they wished they could have seen her too.

They both looked like she’d died all over again, and I knew there was nothing I could say to make it hurt less. I can’t imagine what it would have been like to be in their shoes. I’m not sure I would have recovered. I wish so much I could have given them that moment.

Another rumble shakes the room, harder this time, vibrating through the bed, and now I’m sure I’m not dreaming. I reach over and shake Nadir’s arm.

“Nadir, wake up,” I say. It takes a moment for his eyes to slide open, and he stares at me with a small smile on his face.

“What’s up, Lightning Bug?” he asks before he takes note of my expression. “What’s wrong?”

Another rumble shakes the room, and he sits up.

“What do you think that is?” I ask.

Nadir runs his hand down his face. “I don’t know, but I’m guessing we’re in for another problem.”

I slide out of bed and pad over to the window to stare out across the city of Aphelion. The early morning sun is rising, casting the world in golden light. Our room offers a view of the gilded buildings and streets and the ocean beyond.

Another rumble shakes the room, stronger than any before, enough to knock me nearly off-balance. I clutch at the brocade curtains to steady myself, and a moment later, I feel Nadir standing behind me.

“We should go find Gabriel,” I say.

Just as I’m about to turn away from the window, something catches my eye. Another strong rumble shakes the entire room, and now, in the distance, I see it. The city is collapsing before our eyes.

I watch in horror as the edges along the shoreline start to crumble, the buildings falling against each other as they shatter. The glass muffles the roar that vibrates through the floor.

“Nadir,” I whisper. “Is this Zerra?”