CHAPTER 30: A Way Out

  Emma's POV

  My eyes widened in determination as I grabbed Bennett's arm, my voice urgent. "Let me come with you! I can help!"

  Bennett's expression turned stern, his jaw clenched. "No, Emma. This is no place for you. You're not trained for battle."

  "But I can—"

  "No, Emma!" Bennett's voice rose, his grip on my arm tightening. "You'll stay here, where it's safe. I won't risk losing you."

  My face fell, but I refused to give up. "But I want to help! I can—"

  Bennett's expression turned icy, his voice cold. "Follow my orders, Emma. Stay put. That's an order."

  He wasn't giving me a chance this time. But I couldn't also dispel the snake that curled in my stomach. I just couldn't watch him go into battle while being utterly helpless. I was tired of feeling useless and I wanted to be helpful just this once.