POV: Maya

"Fifty seconds."

I grabbed Alexei's hands, our eyes locking. The severed blood bond between us pulsed weakly, ready to be rekindled. All it needed was our acceptance. Our choice.

"You're sure?" I asked.

"Never been more sure of anything." Alexei's grip tightened. "Do it."

I opened myself to the bond. I felt it rush toward me like a dam breaking. The connection slammed into both of us simultaneously.

And suddenly I wasn't just Maya anymore.

I was Alexei ...