“I don’t need your permission,” Mother Ashford said, that awful smile widening. “He’s mine by right. I fed him. Sheltered him. Broke him. That makes him my property.”
Finn stirred—barely. But it was enough. His head lifted, blood streaking one temple, eyes dazed but burning. “I’m not yours,” he rasped.
Ashford scoffed. “Don’t lie, boy. You know what we are. Deep down, you’ll always belong to me.”
“Touch me and I will end you, bitch,” Finn spat, forcing himself upright on shaking legs. His hands curled into fists, like he might launch himself at her—even knowing he’d fall.
She tilted her head and gave a soft, mocking laugh. “Look at you. Like watching a kitten bare its teeth. Still pathetic. Stillmine.”
I raised a hand, and the flames surged high—painting the room in gold and orange.
“Not anymore,” I said. “Your empire’s ash. Your power’s done. You don’t get to take anything else.”
She tilted her head, almost pitying. “You really think I’m afraid of a pathetic fire mage?”
The portal shrieked behind her. She stepped back.
“You know what?” Ashford sneered, brushing invisible dust from her sleeve. “Keep him. Waste of resources, that one. Not good for anything without leverage.”
Finn growled. “I’ll kill you!” he roared and lunged.
“Finn, wait!” I shouted. I surged forward and grabbed him to stop him following. He fought in my arms like a wildcat.
“No!” he screamed.
The moment of chaos was all she needed.
She smiled—slow, wicked—and blew me a kiss. Then stepped backward into the waiting dark.
The portal swallowed her like smoke into flame. In one blink, she vanished.
The shadows collapsed in her wake.
And just like that—she was gone.
Finn stood there, panting, fists clenched so tight his knuckles split. Blood streamed down his temple, but he didn’t seem to feel it.
“She was right there,” he snarled, shaking with rage. “I could’ve ended her—why did you stop me?”
“Because she wasleaving,” I snapped. “And if you’d gone after her, you would’ve gone with her.”
“Maybe I should’ve!” Finn roared. “Better than standing here while thatmonsterwalks free!”
“Think of Elira!” I snapped. “Think about everything she’s done for you. You owe her more than this—you owe her everything.”
His breath hitched, just barely.
“She needs you now,” I said, stepping closer, voice low and firm. “Not chasing ghosts. Not throwing yourself at someone already gone. She needs youhere.Alive. Not wasting your rage on revenge.”
Finn didn’t speak. His jaw clenched, his whole body shaking.
But he didn’t move.
And for now—that was enough.
Chapter 43
Elira
