"You have my word that we'll stick together. When we get back to the castle, if they try to separate us, we fight. Side by side," I said, my tone firm.

Piper gazed up at me and offered a tenuous smile. "Okay," she said after a moment. "You and me. Together."

"Along with our friends and family and a massive vampire army." I chuckled, which earned me a genuine smile from her, and my heart soared at the sight. "I'll die fighting for you, Piper." I brought her hands to ...