“You stay here,” Vix said to Mirra. “We’ll be back soon.”

Mirra pulled away, her eyes glistening. “I feel like a coward, staying behind.”

“This isn’t your fight,” Caine said.

“Yes, but...” Mirra blanched. “Oh, I wish I knew what to do.”

Vix’s heart went out to the young woman. “You’ve done enough,” she said, pulling Mirra close and stroking her hair. “We’ll figure everything out when we get back, okay?”

Mirra ...