I thought about Alexei. How he'd fought beside me despite barely knowing me. How he'd given me his strength through the bond. How he'd stood up for the mission even when it meant risking everything.

"I don't know," I admitted. "We were bonded for hours, not years. I barely know him."

"Then you have a decision to make." Elena stood. "The ritual can wait until after the assault. But if you die in battle without the bond, that's it. No second chances."

She left me alone with the journal. I ...