Bloodbonds-Beast Awakening.

"You want me to do what?!"

Haelyn's voice rang through the chamber, her hands trembling at her sides. She felt like the world had just ripped itself open beneath her feet.

Cerius stood before her, his expression unreadable, but the conflict in his golden eyes betrayed him.

"You have to choose," Seraphis said softly, stepping forward. "There's no other way."

Haelyn's breath came short and fast. "You're telling me... that to save Archer, I have to offer my own blood? You want me to…." She swallowed, her stomach twisting violently. "You want me to bond my life force to his?"

Cerius's jaw tightened. "It's the only cure for this kind of poison."

Haelyn's chest tightened. She had come here desperate for answers, willing to do whatever it took to save Archer. But this?