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Splendor broke her mind

Her body was robbed of power, her abilities stunted Heras worlds bloomed and waned Before her lids finally slid shut, she saw the universe reflected in an infant’s half-closed eyes

Awakening Can’t feelher legs She jerked upright, banging her head against son sounds pained her sensitive ears She hissed at the bright yellow light above

Where aods, who am I?

Movement in her arms What was it? She opened her cloak to reveal a little infant just waking, blinking at her with hazel eyes, and all she kneas

Love

Her iven Thad to her! He and Jo had crossed the entire universe together It couldn’t end like this! She gasped out, "Thaddie" She reached for hio

He stalked closer

She couldn’t er He was fighting so hard! "Thaddie"

"Us Thad-de-us That’sfree "Thadpack"

Thad’s brows drew together, his outline flickering "What did you say?" The chokehold eased

"Brother! Hereto save you"

He released her with a yell "Are youJo?" He traced to her, catching her just as her vision went dim

SIXTY-FIVE

Freed from Josephine’s telekinesis, Rune traced to Thaddeus "Hand her over towith his bow shouldered and his palhosted with his unconscious sister in his arible as well Rune couldn’t snatch her away He’d never wanted to fight so badly Never had so many reasons why he couldn’t

The boy’s eyes darted "Who the hell are you?" As soon as Thad had figured out Josephine’s identity, he’d gone fro her

"I’m her mate," Rune rasped "Give her to me"

When the other Møriør flanked Rune--in battle positions--Thad hissed

Valkyries screa her back to us!" "You won!" "You took that bitch down!"