She worried for him and obviously cared for him, if she was threatening lives. Could she even...love him?

He’d never wanted the emotion from a lover. The very thought of it had repulsed him. But he wanted hers, he realized. More than he’d ever wanted anything. If she loved him, she would never leave him.

“Yes. He will live,” Xerxes said.

Xerxes had survived the attack, too. Thank the Most High.

Thane blinked, trying to focus.

“See? He’s coming around now,” Bjorn said.

“Thane,” she croaked. She loomed over him. “Don’t ever scare me like that again.”

He met her gaze and noticed the tears wetting her lashes. As he reached up to brush them away, she leaned down to kiss him.

Though he wanted to stay where he was and savor this moment, he sat up. His boys stood in the hallway, watching him. Jamilla—the voice he’d recognized—was gone. Pulling Elin against him, he said, “We have to move everyone out of the club. It’s not safe for them here.... If we have any survivors?” His chest clenched at the thought of losing any of his employees.

They were his people.

He guarded what was his.

“Adrian was just here,” Xerxes said, his expression grim. “The other Sent Ones arrived just before Bjorn’s shadow woman. They’re all fine. Ricker, Kendra’s husband, must have hidden in the club when Ardeo came in, because he broke into the dungeon and escaped with her and the king.”

“Oh, Thane,” Elin said. “Your revenge...”

“I don’t care about that,” he said, and meant it.

Xerxes held up his hand, a request for quiet. “There’s something you both need to know. Chanel... She didn’t make it.”

“What!” Elin gasped out, trying to stand. “No. Not Chanel. She’s strong. She’ll pull through.”

“No. Not this time.” Xerxes shook his head. “The creatures devoured... They took... No.”

Thane tightened his hold on Elin. At first, she fought him. Then a sob left her and she sagged against him. Tears stung his eyes as she clung to him, pouring out her misery. The other girls must be overcome with sorrow, as well. The five had been as tight a unit as he, Xerxes and Bjorn.

“I’m sorry, kulta.”

“I didn’t even get to say goodbye.”

“I know,” he said softly. “I know.”

One way or another, the prince would pay for this.

* * *

ELIN CRIED SO MUCH and so hard her eyes swelled and her tear ducts clogged. Her nose stuffed up, and her throat burned, the tissues raw. She wanted to comfort her friends, but everyone had been split up. Something about making it more difficult for the prince to get a lock. Whatever. She didn’t care.

Xerxes took Bellorie and McCadden. Bjorn took Octavia. Adrian took Savy.

Thane flew Elin to a home he kept on a deserted island. A true paradise, with palm trees, lush foliage and a white-sand beach. It was surely the Most High’s most beautiful handiwork. Crystal clear water lapped at the shore and frothed. The scent of coconut and orchids drifted on a gentle breeze. Birds soared overhead, the sun glowing bright orange and pink on the horizon.

She spent the first day at the shore, her toes deep in the sand as she sobbed. Thane spent the day sending mental orders to Axel and Elandra, helping to map out strategies for the Lords of the Underworld, as well as to other Sent Ones in a bid to find the prince. At least, that was what she thought she heard him say in the few moments she was calm.

Elin spent the second day at the shore, her toes deep in the sand as she sniffled. Thane spent it communicating with Zacharel, explaining what was going on, the reports that had come in, and gaining permission for every move he planned to make. Later, he told her that he would never again risk getting into trouble and losing his wings. His homes.

His woman.

Elin spent the third day at the shore, her toes deep in the sand as she watched the world continue on, as if nothing had happened. As if it hadn’t lost a precious gift. Thane watched her, silent.

On the fourth day, Thane sat beside her, waiting for her to speak.

“There’s so much death in the world,” she finally said.

“Yes. You’ve seen much in your short years. And the longer you live, the more you’ll see.”

And one day, if they stayed together, he would see hers. Or, in an ironic twist of fate, would she, the half human, see his? The thought shattered her. “Does it ever get easier?”

“I wish, but...no. No, it doesn’t.”

Brutal honesty. As always. A trait she loved, even when it hurt.

Still, her chin trembled as she fought the urge to scream. To scream and never stop. To rant and rail. To curse. This wasn’t fair. Chanel was—had been—a good person. A great person. Sweet, charming. Fun.

“Who killed her?” Elin croaked. “The demons or the Phoenix or the shadows?”

“The demons. Bellorie was with her and saw it happen.”

Poor Bellorie. She would have to live with the horrific images of her friend’s murder for the rest of her long life. And maybe she’d have to live with a dash of survivor’s guilt, too. Elin knew what that was like.

I want to hug her. I need to cry with her.

“I know we haven’t talked about the future,” she said. “I know I’ve told you again and again that I’m going back to the human world.”

He tensed.

“But I’m not. I’m staying with you. Now and always. I want to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.” The violence... Well, she could obviously handle it now. She’d fought demons. She’d attacked Orson and survived. She’d watched his body be consumed without blinking. “And,” she added, “I want you. To be with you. Totally and completely.” He’d won her trust, and she refused to dish pretenses. Life could be cut short at any moment. Why live without her heart’s desire?

He breathed a sigh of relief. “I didn’t want you to go. I...never worked on your ID,” he admitted. “Elin, I’m sorry, but I wanted you with me, and put no effort into the task.”

Tricky Sent One. “I should be mad. Later, when things have calmed down, I’ll probably punish you.”

“And I will accept it as my due.” He nudged her with his shoulder. “Perhaps I shouldn’t admit this, but if it’s anything like the last punishment, I’ll enjoy it.”