42 Thorne “Transcendence is a fierce kind of love. Bright. Profound. Consuming.” – Empress Ophelia, The Lost Book of Transcendents After the metal door slams shut, Meimi lets out a low gasp. “That was unexpected.” “It was.” I pull her chest closer against mine. “And it means one thing. We did it.” “We saved them all,” declares Meimi quietly. “Yes.” I move my thumb in arcs against her stomach. “You make a great leader.” “You do realize we’re trapped in a dark metal container, right?” “I do.” “Fritz rigged this to let us in here. I’m not sure there’s an easy way out.” I lean in until my mouth almost brushes Meimi’s ear. “Not to worry,” I say in a low voice. Meimi shivers. I must admit, I love the feel of her body moving against mine. And now that I have my powers back? So much mor

