"We will find a way," Verchiel said firmly, hands once again on her shoulders. "We will-"

With a huff of annoyance, she pushed him away. "We will do nothing, my pale angel. I have been summoned. Not you."

And so she thought to protect him, to save him from her evil father. The sentiment washed over Verchiel like a warm wave, but he couldn't allow her to follow through. "No, my love. If you must go, then so will I."

Kateesha stopped her frantic work to throw up ...