The Void's Torment: A Lover's Defiance

My hand trembled as I gripped Silas and Ronan tighter. The enormity of what we were about to do crashed over me like a tidal wave. We were going to enter the void—that terrifying nothingness between realms—to save Kaelen.

"Last chance to back out," Silas said, his blue eyes searching mine. "Think about Little Bean, Hazel."

I pressed my free hand to my stomach, feeling that slight swell that housed my and Jaxon's child. I wasn't just risking myself anymore.

"I know," I whispered. "But I can't leave him there. I won't."

"Then we go together," Ronan said firmly, his copper hair gleaming in the morning light. "As one."

My mind reached out instinctively, finding the distant threads that connected me to Rhys and Jaxon. *We're going after Kaelen in the void. Don't follow us. Keep safe.*

The response was immediate and explosive.

*WHAT? No! Absolutely fucking not!* Jaxon's fury blazed through our connection. *Hazel, don't you dare—*