Guiding Power, Guarded Hearts

Jaxon ran a hand through his disheveled hair, pacing at the edge of the secluded clearing they'd chosen as their base. Frustration rolled through him in waves as he waited for Kaelen and Hazel to arrive at the portal site. Damn Rhys for telling Hazel he wasn't taking care of himself. What did it matter if he skipped a few meals or didn't sleep? Getting her back safely was all that mattered.

The broken portal glimmered faintly in the center of the clearing, its fractured edges shimmering like cracked glass suspended in air. He'd been staring at it for hours, mapping its weaknesses, understanding its structure. If anyone could guide them through fixing it, he could.

His mind drifted to Silas, remembering their conversation earlier that day.

"I could try to go through," Silas had suggested, his voice low and serious. "If Kaelen managed it..."