The rift began to collapse the instant Vex dragged Maya through it. Crimson light flickered and wavered as the dimensional gateway destabilized, reality reasserting itself like an elastic band snapping back into place. In seconds, the portal would seal, trapping Maya in whatever hell Vex had dragged her to.

Azrael didn't think. He leaped.

The sensation of passing through the rift was like being turned inside out while drowning in liquid fire. Every atom in his body screamed as dimensional ...