'No.' Selene's voice is a howl that tears through my consciousness, raw and primal. 'No, no, no—this cannot be—'

I stare at Helena, waiting for her to laugh, to reveal this as some cruel jest. But her ancient eyes hold only sorrow, deep and fathomless as the sea.

"That's impossible." Astrein's voice cuts through the ringing in my ears, sharp as broken glass. His hand finds mine, gripping so tight it hurts. "I felt the bond. I feel it. Right now, standing here—"

"As do ...