I looked at the shimmering portal back to the mortal realm, then at Luna's hopeful face, and felt my heart breaking into a thousand pieces.

"I stay," I said quietly.

"Aunt Lyra, no!" Marcus protested. "Your kingdom needs you. Your mates need you."

"My niece needs me more." I knelt beside Luna, taking her young hands in mine. "I will not leave you alone again."

"But the princes—"

"Will understand. They promised to build the kingdom our parents dreamed of. They will keep that promise with ...