POV: Karl

The trial reset again. Maya on the post, unburned. Derek and Cassandra chained. The executioners waiting. Everything frozen in that terrible moment before the flames.

My heart screamed to save Maya. Every instinct, every piece of the mate bond that still lingered, pulled me toward her. She was right there. Within reach. I could cut her down, carry her to safety, prove that this time I chose her.

But I'd learned something from the other trials. From Victoria accepting her ...