“Answer,” Gunnar commands.
“I was angry,” Ethan pants. “I was scared of losing her to you people.”
The glow dims, but it doesn’t disappear.
The stone flickers hot again.
My heart is pounding so loudly I can barely hear anything else.
Ethan cries out, collapsing fully this time, clutching his arm as the light sears.
“That’s enough,” Cane says.
And just immediately the circle fades.
Gunnar doesn’t look surprised. Not even a little.
“It’s decided,” he says.
“No,” I shout, rushing forward. “No, this is crazy. Ethan, get up.”
But before I can reach him, hands grab me from behind.
Strong and firm.. it's Caden and Cane.
“Let go of me,” I scream, kicking and struggling as they lift me off the ground. “Ethan!”
He looks up at me, panic flooding his face. “I’m sorry Riley”
Gunnar turn
