ELIA
Fear screamed in her ear and pounded its fists at her chest, but as Reth held her, his hands clawed in her hair, cupping her skull, his face twisted in desperation, she knew he was right.
She didn't know how, or why they'd been led here. But he was right.
In a flawed heart, it wasn't possible to love more than they did.
And that meant something.
Help us, she prayed. We need you. Help us.
The wind hurtled around them, lashing hair to cut her cheeks, and clothing until it tore, closing in with every breath until it seemed it would pour down her throat and rip her guts.
A predatory snarl ripped out of Reth's throat and without letting go of her, he raised his eyes—now golden with his lion—and roared at the wind, and the voices, "SHE. IS. MINE!"
Before her eyes, it was as if his skin began to glow, glittering gold.
