A TIME SPENT TOGETHERThe door had clicked shut behind Finn, leaving the cabin in a heavy, ringing quiet. Outside, the wind howled, but inside, the air was thick with the scent of pine smoke and the sharp, metallic tang of healing magic.

Esmeralda sat on the edge of the bed, her hand still locked in Demetrius’s. His skin was burning, but his grip was strong.

"He’s gone," Demetrius rasped. His voice sounded like grinding stones, raw and tired. He didn't open his eyes yet. "You sent away your ...