I had already taken one step toward him when the world split apart. Immediately my foot touched the ground and I felt it, like something inside me snapping into place. This was it. If I went any farther, I wouldn’t come back. I could feel Kieran’s eyes on my back. I could feel his fear like hands grabbing at my spine, but I didn’t turn. If I looked at him, I would run to him instead. And then everyone would die.

The Demon King stood waiting.

His smile was calm. Like he had known all ...