Frantically, Kara pushed open the rusted door, heart pounding with a symphony of fears as she raced towards the lever. She hoped, prayed, that after Acheron had left her by the tree, he hadn’t come back to put an end to Eerik.

With a twist of her wrist, she pulled the cage open, cradling Eerik in her arms. Once again, tears streamed down her face at the sight of him. She shook him sharply, urging him to open his eyes.

“Eerik,” she cried desperately. “Eerik, ...