Bound by Belts, Daring the Void

The cold night air nipped at my face as Rhys and I stood in the courtyard, far enough from any windows that might reveal our risky plan. I couldn't stop the hammering of my heart against my ribs. What we were about to attempt was beyond dangerous—it was potentially suicidal.

"Rhys, I've been thinking," I said, breaking the tense silence. "You should port me to the human realm first, as a test."

His head snapped up, blue eyes wide with shock. "What? No way."

"Listen to me," I insisted, stepping closer. "We need to test the portal's stability, but it can't be Hazel. If something goes wrong..." I couldn't finish the sentence. The thought of losing her to the void was unbearable.

"So you want me to risk you instead?" Rhys ran his fingers through his blonde hair, leaving it disheveled. "That's—"

"Logical," I cut in firmly. "If someone has to be the test subject, better me than her. Especially with the baby."