The chamber was still humming with fading magic when Christa finally broke the last of the silver chains

Jadon collapsed forward. Evan caught her before she hit the ground. Her body was limp, trembling, her skin cold from wolfsbane and exhaustion.

He scooped her into his arms, holding her against his chest. She fit there like she has always belonged there.

Christa stepped back, wiping sweat from her brow.

“She needs rest. The wolfsbane is still in her system.” Evan nodded once, jaw tight. ...