“Help!” I roar at the top of my lungs. “Help!”

Gods, someone else has to be close.

Finally, I see two figures moving in the dark and nearly collapse in relief when Mael and Tristan emerge from the shadows.

“What happened?” Tristan demands as I transfer Willow into his arms. I explain as quickly as I can.

“I need your sword,” I say to Mael.

“What are you planning to do?”

I hold out my hand and shake my arm. “Go after her, of course! Give it to me.”

“You can’t do this alone,” he says as he drags the weapon from its sheath.

“Get Willow checked out,” I say to Tristan. “Lor will never forgive me if anything happens to her.”

“I’m coming with you,” Mael says, clutching his blade in his fist.

My lips thin as I face him. “No, you’re not. It’s too dangerous.”

“Nadir—”

“No. You aren’t coming. My father didn’t kill me when he had the chance, but he will kill you to punish me, Mael. I’m not taking that risk.”

I hold out my hand again, and he passes me the sword, his expression clouded with displeasure as my dogs trot over and stand next to me. His mouth opens, but before he can protest any further, I wave my hand, erecting bars of light across the tunnel, leaving them all trapped on the other side.

“Nadir!” Mael shouts, thrusting his shoulder against the shield, but it remains firm. “Don’t do this! He will kill you too.”

My throat tightens, and I reach through the barricade for Mael. We clasp forearms as I stare at my best friend. “Thank you for being the brother I never had,” I say. “For being with me during some of the worst days of my life. And thank you for helping put me back together.”

Mael’s dark eyes shine in the glow of my magic as he shakes his head. “I should be the one thanking you. For everything.”

I squeeze his hand as a ball of emotion presses the backs of my eyes and then dip my head. “It has been an honor to be your friend, Captain.”

Mael runs a hand down his face. “Fuck. Don’t do that. Don’t get yourself killed.”

“I can’t promise that. Take care of Amya for me?”

“Of course,” he answers after a long pause.

I nod and look at Tristan holding Willow in his arms.

“Please find her,” he says to me in a raw voice as he clutches his sister closer.

“I will try until there is no breath left in my body.”

Tristan stares at me and blinks. “I know that. I know you would do anything for her.”

With one more glance at Mael, I dip my chin.

“Go and get your girl,” he whispers as we release our hold. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”