*Rhys* I stood there, the ghostly image of Saoirse wavered and faded, leaving behind a lingering ache in my chest. When she fully vanished from my sight, the ache in my chest tightened. There was a knot that refused to loosen. I clenched my fists. She was out there, trapped in her own flesh by Shylah's dark intentions. Each time she slipped away from my visions, it felt like losing her all over again. We would free her. I'd stake my life on it. I rubbed my hands over my face, spearing my fingers through my hair and tugging at the ends. I wondered if we would ever have the chance to be happy—to just be together without all this mess. I vowed to do whatever it took to make sure the rest of Saoirse's life was peaceful and happy, even if that meant letting her move on without me. I called

